GROSS VS NET
Two legitimate numbers answer different questions.
Gross energy includes the energy you would have used at rest during the session. Net activity energy subtracts that resting component.
Do not automatically “eat back” the result
The daily-needs calculator already incorporates typical training, steps, and work through its activity factor. Adding the entire session estimate to that TDEE can double count activity. Keep the session estimate separate and evaluate intake against a multi-week trend.
Why treadmill readouts differ
Machines may use a different equation, may not know body mass accurately, and cannot fully account for handrail support, calibration, gait, or individual efficiency. Outdoors adds terrain, surface, turns, wind, and changing speed.
Calories to steps is an inverse estimate
Calories and steps are not interchangeable units. This mode first estimates gross energy per minute from speed, grade, and weight, then divides the calorie target by that rate and multiplies by the cadence you entered.