RER is typically measured by sampling gas being expired by a person or animal and comparing how the ratio of O₂ and CO₂ compares to that of the surrounding air. This is often done by affixing a mask around the mouth and nose and using a system of tubing and valves to feed gases to both a flow measurement device and a gas analyzer. Whole body chambers are sometimes more convenient than masks, particularly if working with smaller animals.

An average human has an RER at rest of around 0.8, although this can vary a bit depending on diet and other factors. During a stress test, RER will typically gradually increase to a peak of about 1.2 (again variable depending on the individual). An RER of 1.0 is the anaerobic threshold, the point at which the body begins to metabolize sugar using the less efficient anaerobic pathway and build up lactic acid.

As a rule of thumb, a resting RER of about 0.7 indicates that fats are being used as the body’s main fuel source while 1 means mostly carbohydrates are being used. RER’s between these values indicate a mix.