Protein Intake Calculator
Free protein intake calculator for muscle gain, weight loss and fat loss. Find how much protein you need a day by body weight, lean body mass, age, goal, pregnancy or GLP-1 and tirzepatide use, then split it into meals, plan protein, carbs and fat, and add up the protein in your food.
By the StatsUnlock Team · Last updated: · Based on ISSN (2017), Morton et al. (2018), PROT-AGE (2013), KDOQI (2020) and the 2025 GLP-1 nutrition advisory
🥚 1. Protein Intake Calculator
Inputs
⚙ Advanced: weight basis, body fat, meals per day
Your daily protein
___
Calculate first, then download your result as a plain text file.
📊 2. Your Protein Results and Protein Intake Chart
Your formula, with your numbers
Full results table
Protein for every goal
Protein Intake Charts: How Much Protein Do You Need?
These reference tables apply to everyone. After you calculate in Daily Protein mode, the green table switches to your own numbers and highlights your goal.
Table 2.1 Protein by goal (example: 70 kg adult)
| Goal | Target | Protein a day | Range | Per meal (4 meals) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stay healthy (little or no exercise) | 1.0 g/kg | 70 g | 56 g to 84 g | 18 g |
| Stay fit (regular exercise) | 1.4 g/kg | 98 g | 84 g to 112 g | 25 g |
| Lose weight | 1.4 g/kg | 98 g | 84 g to 112 g | 25 g |
| Lose fat and keep muscle (weights) | 2.2 g/kg | 154 g | 126 g to 182 g | 39 g |
| Build muscle (lean bulk or bulk) | 1.9 g/kg | 133 g | 112 g to 154 g | 33 g |
| Endurance athlete | 1.6 g/kg | 112 g | 98 g to 126 g | 28 g |
Protein = 70 kg × g/kg; the target is the middle of each range. What to conclude: the same 70 kg person needs about 70 g a day for basic health but 133 g to build muscle.
Table 2.2 Protein per day by body weight
| Body weight | 0.8 g/kg (RDA) | 1.2 g/kg | 1.6 g/kg | 2.0 g/kg | 2.2 g/kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 kg (110 lb) | 40 g | 60 g | 80 g | 100 g | 110 g |
| 55 kg (121 lb) | 44 g | 66 g | 88 g | 110 g | 121 g |
| 60 kg (132 lb) | 48 g | 72 g | 96 g | 120 g | 132 g |
| 65 kg (143 lb) | 52 g | 78 g | 104 g | 130 g | 143 g |
| 70 kg (154 lb) | 56 g | 84 g | 112 g | 140 g | 154 g |
| 75 kg (165 lb) | 60 g | 90 g | 120 g | 150 g | 165 g |
| 80 kg (176 lb) | 64 g | 96 g | 128 g | 160 g | 176 g |
| 85 kg (187 lb) | 68 g | 102 g | 136 g | 170 g | 187 g |
| 90 kg (198 lb) | 72 g | 108 g | 144 g | 180 g | 198 g |
| 100 kg (220 lb) | 80 g | 120 g | 160 g | 200 g | 220 g |
| 110 kg (243 lb) | 88 g | 132 g | 176 g | 220 g | 242 g |
| 120 kg (265 lb) | 96 g | 144 g | 192 g | 240 g | 264 g |
Multiply weight by grams per kg, as the protein intake calculator does. For a BMI of 30 or more, use adjusted body weight (Section 6). What to conclude: an 80 kg person building muscle needs 128 to 176 g a day.
Table 2.3 Protein RDA and recommended intake by age and life stage
| Group | g per kg a day | Reference g a day | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children 1 to 3 years | 1.05 | 13 g | Institute of Medicine (2005) |
| Children 4 to 8 years | 0.95 | 19 g | Institute of Medicine (2005) |
| Children 9 to 13 years | 0.95 | 34 g | Institute of Medicine (2005) |
| Teens 14 to 18 years | 0.85 | Boys 52 g, girls 46 g | Institute of Medicine (2005) |
| Adults 19 to 64 (RDA) | 0.8 | Men 56 g, women 46 g | Rand et al. (2003) |
| Adults 65 and over | 1.0 to 1.2 | About 72 to 86 g at 72 kg | Bauer et al. (2013) |
| Pregnancy, 2nd and 3rd trimester | 1.1 (RDA) to 1.5 | 71 g (RDA) | IOM (2005); Elango & Ball (2016) |
| Breastfeeding | 1.3 | 71 g (RDA) | Institute of Medicine (2005) |
Reference amounts are for average-sized people; use the calculator for your own weight. What to conclude: per kg, babies and toddlers need the most protein and healthy adults the least.
Table 2.4 Protein in common foods
| Food | Protein per 100 g | Typical serving | Protein per serving | kcal per serving | Fibre per serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast, cooked | 31.0 g | 1 breast portion (120 g) | 37.2 g | 198 | 0.0 g |
| Salmon, cooked | 22.1 g | 1 fillet (120 g) | 26.5 g | 247 | 0.0 g |
| Beef mince, 90% lean, cooked | 26.1 g | 100 g | 26.1 g | 217 | 0.0 g |
| Soy chunks, dry | 52.0 g | 50 g dry | 26.0 g | 173 | 6.5 g |
| Tuna, canned in water, drained | 25.5 g | 1 small can drained (100 g) | 25.5 g | 116 | 0.0 g |
| Chicken thigh, skinless, cooked | 24.8 g | 100 g | 24.8 g | 209 | 0.0 g |
| Whey protein powder | 80.0 g | 1 scoop (30 g) | 24.0 g | 120 | 0.0 g |
| Shrimp or prawns, cooked | 24.0 g | 85 g | 20.4 g | 84 | 0.0 g |
| Paneer | 18.0 g | 100 g | 18.0 g | 265 | 0.0 g |
| Lentils (dal), cooked | 9.0 g | 1 bowl (200 g) | 18.0 g | 232 | 15.8 g |
| Greek yogurt, plain, nonfat | 10.3 g | 1 pot (170 g) | 17.5 g | 100 | 0.0 g |
| Tofu, firm | 17.3 g | 100 g | 17.3 g | 144 | 2.3 g |
| Chickpeas (chana), cooked | 8.9 g | 150 g | 13.4 g | 246 | 11.4 g |
| Kidney beans (rajma), cooked | 8.7 g | 150 g | 13.1 g | 191 | 9.6 g |
| Cottage cheese, low fat | 11.0 g | Half a cup (113 g) | 12.4 g | 93 | 0.0 g |
| Edamame | 11.9 g | 100 g | 11.9 g | 121 | 5.2 g |
| Milk, 2% fat | 3.3 g | 1 glass (250 ml) | 8.3 g | 125 | 0.0 g |
| Quinoa, cooked | 4.4 g | 1 cup (185 g) | 8.1 g | 222 | 5.2 g |
| Peanut butter | 25.1 g | 2 tablespoons (32 g) | 8.0 g | 188 | 1.9 g |
| Cheddar cheese | 24.9 g | 1 slice (30 g) | 7.5 g | 121 | 0.0 g |
| Egg, whole | 12.6 g | 1 large egg (50 g) | 6.3 g | 72 | 0.0 g |
| Almonds | 21.2 g | 1 handful (28 g) | 5.9 g | 162 | 3.5 g |
| Oats, rolled, dry | 13.2 g | 40 g dry | 5.3 g | 152 | 4.0 g |
| Rice, white, cooked | 2.7 g | 1 cup (180 g) | 4.9 g | 234 | 0.7 g |
| Bread, whole wheat | 12.0 g | 1 slice (35 g) | 4.2 g | 88 | 2.1 g |
| Egg white | 10.9 g | 1 large egg white (33 g) | 3.6 g | 17 | 0.0 g |
| Broccoli, cooked | 2.4 g | 1 cup (90 g) | 2.2 g | 32 | 3.0 g |
Typical values from USDA FoodData Central and common labels; brands vary, so check yours. What to conclude: a chicken breast or a scoop of whey gives about 24 to 37 g, while a cup of rice gives under 5 g.
Table 2.5 Protein ranges for athletes and goals
| Goal or sport | g per kg a day | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy adult, little exercise | 0.8 to 1.2 | Rand et al. (2003) |
| Regular exercise | 1.2 to 1.6 | Jäger et al. (2017); Thomas et al. (2016) |
| Weight loss | 1.2 to 1.6 | Leidy et al. (2015) |
| Build muscle, strength sports | 1.6 to 2.2 | Morton et al. (2018); Schoenfeld & Aragon (2018) |
| Endurance athletes | 1.4 to 1.8 | Thomas et al. (2016); Jäger et al. (2017) |
| Fat loss while lifting (cut) | 1.8 to 2.6 (2.3 to 3.1 per kg lean mass) | Helms et al. (2014); Longland et al. (2016) |
What to conclude: anyone who trains regularly needs well above the 0.8 g/kg RDA, and the most protein is needed when cutting.
Table 2.6 Protein per meal by body weight
| Body weight | Minimum per meal (0.4 g/kg) | Older adults (0.4 to 0.6 g/kg) | 3 meals at 1.6 g/kg | 4 meals at 1.6 g/kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 kg | 20 g | 20 g to 30 g | 27 g | 20 g |
| 60 kg | 24 g | 24 g to 36 g | 32 g | 24 g |
| 70 kg | 28 g | 28 g to 42 g | 37 g | 28 g |
| 80 kg | 32 g | 32 g to 48 g | 43 g | 32 g |
| 90 kg | 36 g | 36 g to 54 g | 48 g | 36 g |
| 100 kg | 40 g | 40 g to 60 g | 53 g | 40 g |
Per-meal guidance from Schoenfeld & Aragon (2018) and Moore et al. (2015). What to conclude: most adults should aim for about 20 to 40 g of protein at each main meal.
Table 2.7 Protein, carbs and fat at common calorie levels
| Calories a day | Protein 25% | Carbs 45% | Fat 30% | Fibre (14 g per 1,000 kcal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | 94 g | 169 g | 50 g | 21 g |
| 1,800 | 113 g | 203 g | 60 g | 25 g |
| 2,000 | 125 g | 225 g | 67 g | 28 g |
| 2,200 | 138 g | 248 g | 73 g | 31 g |
| 2,500 | 156 g | 281 g | 83 g | 35 g |
| 2,800 | 175 g | 315 g | 93 g | 39 g |
| 3,000 | 188 g | 338 g | 100 g | 42 g |
Protein and carbohydrate give 4 kcal per gram and fat 9. What to conclude: at 2,000 kcal, a 25/45/30 split is 125 g protein, 225 g carbs and 67 g fat.
Table 2.8 Protein in special situations
| Situation | g per kg a day | Note | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 medicine or tirzepatide | 1.2 to 1.6, or 80 to 120 g | Or 1.5 g per kg of lean mass | Mozaffarian et al. (2025) |
| Older adult, ill or recovering | 1.2 to 1.5 | Higher for severe illness | Bauer et al. (2013); Deutz et al. (2014) |
| Chronic kidney disease, stages 3 to 5, not on dialysis | 0.55 to 0.8 | Under medical supervision | Ikizler et al. (2020) |
| On dialysis | 1.0 to 1.2 | Dialysis removes protein | Ikizler et al. (2020) |
| BMI 30 or more | Goal range × adjusted weight | Avoids overestimating | Peterson et al. (2016) |
| Vegan or vegetarian | Upper half of your range | Mix legumes, soy and grains | Jäger et al. (2017) |
What to conclude: protein needs go up with GLP-1 medicines, age and illness, and down with kidney disease that is not on dialysis.
Visualisations
1. Protein Range by Goal
2. Protein per Meal
⚡ Quick Answer: How Do You Calculate Protein Intake?
A protein intake calculator multiplies your body weight in kg by a protein target in grams per kg that matches your goal.
Use 0.8 g/kg for basic health, 1.2 to 1.6 for weight loss and 1.6 to 2.2 for muscle gain. A 70 kg adult building muscle: 70 × 1.6 = 112 g to 70 × 2.2 = 154 g a day.
Key Takeaways
- A protein intake calculator multiplies body weight by grams per kg; the adult RDA is 0.8 g/kg, the minimum to avoid deficiency.
- For muscle gain, aim for 1.6 to 2.2 g/kg; benefits level off near 1.6 g/kg for most people.
- For weight loss, eat 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg, or 1.8 to 2.6 g/kg when cutting with weights to keep muscle.
- With a BMI of 30 or more, base protein on adjusted body weight, not your full weight.
- Adults 65+ need at least 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg; people on GLP-1 or tirzepatide about 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg.
- Kidney disease (not on dialysis) usually means 0.55 to 0.8 g/kg, set by your doctor.
Reviewed for accuracy against peer-reviewed sources. Last updated: .
📚 3. What Is a Protein Intake Calculator?
A protein intake calculator estimates how many grams of protein you should eat each day for your body size and goal. Protein is the nutrient your body uses to build and repair muscle, skin, enzymes and hormones. Unlike fat, the body has no store of spare protein, so you need some every day.
Protein needs are written in grams per kilogram of body weight (g/kg). The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults is 0.8 g/kg: enough to prevent deficiency in about 97% of healthy people (Rand et al., 2003). People who train, diet, are older or are pregnant usually need more. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest 10 to 35% of calories from protein. Research on strength training shows muscle gains rise with protein up to about 1.6 g/kg a day (Morton et al., 2018).
A worked one-liner: a 70 kg man who wants to build muscle needs 70 × 1.6 = 112 g to 70 × 2.2 = 154 g a day. The middle of that range, 1.9 g/kg, is 133 g, or about 33 g at each of 4 meals.
Protein intake calculator vs other tools
| Tool | What it tells you | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Protein intake calculator | Grams of protein a day and per meal | Muscle gain, weight loss, older adults, GLP-1 users |
| Macro calculator | Protein, carbs and fat in grams | Meal plans that also set fat and carbs |
| Calorie or TDEE calculator | Calories you burn and should eat | Setting a calorie deficit or surplus |
| Protein by food tracker | How much protein your meals contain | Checking whether you hit your target |
What to conclude: this protein intake calculator combines all four, so your protein target, macros and food totals use the same numbers.
🔍 4. What Does Your Protein Result Mean?
4.1 Your number in plain words
___ Run the calculator above to fill this in.
4.2 How it compares with the RDA
___ Run the calculator above to fill this in.
4.3 Target, range and minimum explained
The target is the middle of a research-based range for your goal. Anywhere inside the range is reasonable; you do not need to hit an exact gram. The RDA (0.8 g/kg) is a floor, not a goal: it prevents deficiency but is not the best amount for muscle, weight loss or ageing.
4.4 How to split protein across meals
___ Run the calculator above to fill this in.
4.5 What your target looks like as food
___ Run the calculator above to fill this in.
4.6 Why the calculator can be wrong for you
Protein research uses groups of people, so the ranges fit the average person. Very muscular people, people with obesity, older adults, people who are ill and those on a strict diet can need different amounts. That is why this protein intake calculator adjusts for body weight basis, age, pregnancy, GLP-1 use and kidney disease, and shows a range rather than one number.
4.7 What to do next
___ Run the calculator above to fill this in.
4.8 Common mistakes this protein intake calculator prevents
- Overestimating protein with obesity. At a BMI of 30 or more, the calculator uses adjusted body weight, so a 130 kg person is not told to eat 260 g a day.
- Treating the RDA as a goal. The RDA is shown as a minimum next to your real target.
- High protein with kidney disease. Choosing kidney disease lowers the range to 0.55 to 0.8 g/kg and shows a warning.
- Dieting in pregnancy. Weight-loss and muscle goals are set aside in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Ignoring muscle loss on GLP-1 medicines. GLP-1 users get a higher range and a lean-mass check.
- Mixing pounds and kilograms. Units convert automatically, so 1 g per lb is correctly shown as 2.2 g per kg.
4.9 What the StatsUnlock team recommends
Pick the goal that matches what you are doing right now, eat close to the target most days and spread it over 3 to 5 meals. Track your protein for one normal week with the Protein by Food tab. Most people find one or two meals are low in protein, and fixing those is easier than adding shakes.
📝 5. How to Use Your Protein Intake Result
The protein intake calculator builds five ready-made notes from your numbers. Copy the one you need.
1. Plain summary to save or share
2. Questions to ask your doctor or dietitian
3. Daily meal plan
4. Protein tracking log
5. Formal wording for a report
∑ 6. Protein Intake Formulas Used
👉 7. How to Use This Protein Intake Calculator
Using this protein intake calculator takes under a minute, and the protein intake calculator never calculates until you press the button. The worked example follows a 30-year-old man, 175 cm and 70 kg, who wants to build muscle.
- Pick a tab. Choose Daily Protein for a daily target, Protein, Carbs and Fat for macros, Protein by Food to add up meals, Per kg or lb for a quick rule, or Kids and Teens. The example uses Daily Protein.
- Choose your units. Pick a height unit (cm, metres, feet and inches or inches) and a weight unit (kg, pounds or stone and pounds).
- Enter sex and age. Select Male and type 30.
- Enter height and weight. Type 175 cm and 70 kg, measured in the morning without shoes.
- Choose your activity level. Select Moderately active. It is used to estimate calories and the share of calories from protein.
- Choose a goal. Select Build muscle (lean bulk or bulk), which uses 1.6 to 2.2 g per kg.
- Add life stage, medicine or kidney health. Leave these as None, No and No kidney disease. Pregnancy, GLP-1 or tirzepatide and kidney disease change the range when chosen.
- Open Advanced if needed. Change the weight basis, add body fat for lean body mass, or set meals per day. The example keeps Automatic and 4 meals.
- Press Calculate Protein. The result panel shows 133 g a day, a range of 112 to 154 g and 33 g per meal, with a gauge at 1.9 g per kg.
- Read Section 2 and save. See every goal at your weight, two charts and the formula with your numbers, then use Download TXT, Doc or PDF, or copy a note from Section 5.
📈 8. How to Calculate Protein Intake in Excel
Excel has no protein function, but every formula here is simple multiplication. Each step uses the same worked example as the protein intake calculator: a 70 kg man building muscle at 1.9 g/kg.
=B2*1.9. The answer, 133, is his daily protein in grams.8.1 The formulas you need
| You want | Excel formula | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Daily protein | =B2*C2 | Weight kg in B2, g per kg in C2 |
| Range, low and high | =B2*1.6 and =B2*2.2 | Swap in your goal range |
| Per meal | =D2/4 | Divide by the number of meals |
| Pounds to kg first | =B2*0.45359237 | If weight is in lb |
| Reference weight (BMI 22) | =2.2*22+3.5*22*(H2-1.5) | Height in metres in H2 |
| Adjusted body weight | =I2+0.4*(B2-I2) | Reference weight in I2 |
| Lean body mass protein | =B2*(1-L2/100)*2.2/0.8 | Body fat % in L2 |
| Fat grams from calories | =K2*30%/9 | Calories in K2 |
| Carbs grams (the rest) | =(K2-4*D2-9*M2)/4 | Protein in D2, fat in M2 |
8.2 Step by step
1 Enter weight and protein per kg
Put labels in row 1 and values in row 2.
70 kg in B2 and 1.9 g/kg (muscle gain) in C2.
2 Calculate daily protein and the range
=B2*C2 =B2*1.6 =B2*2.2Target 133 g, range 112 to 154 g a day.
3 Split it into meals
=D2/433.25 g of protein at each of 4 meals.
4 Adjusted body weight for a BMI over 30
For a woman who weighs 100 kg and is 1.65 m tall, losing weight at 1.4 g/kg.
=2.2*22+3.5*22*(H2-1.5) =I2+0.4*(B2-I2)Reference weight 59.95 kg, adjusted weight 75.97 kg, protein 106.36 g instead of 140 g.
5 Protein, carbs and fat
Calories 2,555.56 in K2 (maintenance), protein 112 g in D2, 30% fat.
=K2*30%/9 =(K2-4*D2-9*M2)/4Fat 85.19 g and carbohydrate 335.22 g a day.
8.3 The awkward cases
- Grams per pound. To turn a g/lb rule into g/kg, divide by 0.4536:
=1/0.45359237gives 2.2. - A protein range in one cell.
=TEXT(B2*1.6,"0")&" to "&TEXT(B2*2.2,"0")&" g"shows "112 to 154 g". - Protein from a food list. Put grams in column B and protein per 100 g in column C, then
=SUMPRODUCT(B2:B10,C2:C10)/100.
=B2*1.6 on a 130 kg person gives 208 g. If BMI is 30 or more, use the adjusted weight from step 4 instead.8.4 Why Excel might differ from this calculator
The formulas are identical, so Excel, R, Python and this page agree on the worked example. Small differences come from rounding: this calculator keeps full precision and rounds only for display. Other websites may use different goal ranges, a fixed 1 g per pound rule or ideal body weight (Devine) instead of the Peterson reference weight, so they can differ by 10 to 30 g.
8.5 Charting protein in Excel
List goals in one column, low and high protein in the next two, select all three and choose Insert, then Bar, then Stacked Bar. Format the first series with no fill, and the second series shows each range as a floating bar.
8.6 Error messages
| You see | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
#VALUE! | Text in a number cell, like "70 kg" | Type just 70 |
#NAME? | Typo in a function name | Check SUMPRODUCT and TEXT spelling |
| A huge reference weight | Height in cm, not metres | Use 1.65, not 165, in the BMI-22 formula |
| Negative carbs | Protein and fat use more than your calories | Lower the fat % or protein |
📊 9. How to Calculate Protein Intake in R
Rscript with base R only. Change the values at the top to use your own numbers.9.1 The complete script
R, base only, saves protein_plot.png at 300 dpi
# ============================================================
# Protein intake calculator in R: daily protein, meals, adjusted weight, macros
# StatsUnlock - https://statsunlock.com/protein-intake-calculator/
# ============================================================
# ---- 1. Your details ------------------------------------------
weight <- 70 # kg
height <- 1.75 # metres
meals <- 4
# ---- 2. Protein ranges by goal (g per kg) ----------------------
goals <- data.frame(
goal = c("Stay healthy", "Stay fit", "Lose weight", "Fat loss + weights",
"Build muscle", "Endurance"),
lo = c(0.8, 1.2, 1.2, 1.8, 1.6, 1.4),
hi = c(1.2, 1.6, 1.6, 2.6, 2.2, 1.8)
)
goals$target <- (goals$lo + goals$hi) / 2
# ---- 3. Weight basis: adjusted weight if BMI is 30 or more ------
bmi <- weight / height^2
w_ref <- 2.2 * 22 + 3.5 * 22 * (height - 1.5) # Peterson et al. (2016)
w_adj <- w_ref + 0.4 * (weight - w_ref)
basis <- ifelse(bmi >= 30, w_adj, weight)
# ---- 4. Grams a day and per meal --------------------------------
goals$grams <- goals$target * basis
goals$low_g <- goals$lo * basis
goals$high_g <- goals$hi * basis
goals$per_meal <- goals$grams / meals
print(goals, digits = 3)
# ---- 5. Macros at maintenance (Mifflin-St Jeor, man, 30 y) -----
kcal <- (10 * weight + 6.25 * height * 100 - 5 * 30 + 5) * 1.55
protein <- 1.6 * basis
fat <- kcal * 0.30 / 9
carbs <- (kcal - 4 * protein - 9 * fat) / 4
# ---- 6. Plain-English verdict ---------------------------------
m <- goals[goals$goal == "Build muscle", ]
cat(sprintf("To build muscle, eat about %.0f g of protein a day (%.0f to %.0f g)\n",
m$grams, m$low_g, m$high_g))
cat(sprintf("That is %.1f g at each of %d meals\n", m$per_meal, meals))
cat(sprintf("Macros at %.0f kcal: %.0f g protein, %.0f g fat, %.0f g carbs\n",
kcal, protein, fat, carbs))
# ---- 7. One 300 dpi figure ------------------------------------
png("protein_plot.png", width = 2000, height = 1400, res = 300)
par(mar = c(4, 10, 2, 1))
plot(NA, xlim = c(0, max(goals$high_g) * 1.1), ylim = c(0.5, nrow(goals) + 0.5),
yaxt = "n", xlab = "grams of protein per day", ylab = "",
main = "Protein range by goal")
axis(2, at = seq_len(nrow(goals)), labels = goals$goal, las = 1)
segments(goals$low_g, seq_len(nrow(goals)), goals$high_g, seq_len(nrow(goals)),
lwd = 10, col = "#93c5fd")
points(goals$grams, seq_len(nrow(goals)), pch = 19, col = "#1e3a8a")
dev.off()
cat("Saved protein_plot.png\n")Expected output: build muscle 133 g a day (112 to 154 g), 33.2 g per meal, and macros at 2,556 kcal of 112 g protein, 85 g fat and 335 g carbs. These match the protein intake calculator and the Excel steps.
9.2 What each line does
| Line or function | What it does |
|---|---|
| (goals$lo + goals$hi) / 2 | Sets the target to the middle of each range. |
| w_ref and w_adj | Reference weight at BMI 22 and adjusted body weight. |
| ifelse(bmi >= 30, w_adj, weight) | Uses adjusted weight only when BMI is 30 or more. |
| segments() and points() | Draws each range as a bar with the target as a dot. |
| png(..., res = 300) | Saves a print-quality figure. |
9.3 What the figure shows
One floating bar per goal, from the low to the high end of the range, with a dark dot at the target. The muscle and fat-loss bars sit well to the right of the healthy-adult bar.
9.4 Problems and fixes
- Reference weight is negative or huge. Height was entered in cm. Use metres in the BMI-22 formula.
- %% in sprintf. A single % starts a format code; use %% for a percent sign.
9.5 Handy one-liners
protein_g <- function(kg, g_per_kg) kg * g_per_kg
g_per_lb <- function(g_per_kg) g_per_kg * 0.45359237
lean_mass <- function(kg, bf) kg * (1 - bf / 100)
from_food <- function(grams, per100) sum(grams * per100 / 100)🐍 10. How to Calculate Protein Intake in Python
Install with pip install matplotlib if you do not already have it.
10.1 The complete script
Python 3, saves protein_plot.png at 300 dpi
# ============================================================
# Protein intake calculator in Python: daily protein, meals, adjusted weight, food
# StatsUnlock - https://statsunlock.com/protein-intake-calculator/
# ============================================================
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
# ---- 1. Your details ------------------------------------------
weight, height, meals = 70, 1.75, 4 # kg, metres, meals a day
# ---- 2. Protein ranges by goal (g per kg) ----------------------
goals = {"Stay healthy": (0.8, 1.2), "Stay fit": (1.2, 1.6),
"Lose weight": (1.2, 1.6), "Fat loss + weights": (1.8, 2.6),
"Build muscle": (1.6, 2.2), "Endurance": (1.4, 1.8)}
# ---- 3. Weight basis ------------------------------------------
def adjusted_weight(kg, h_m):
w_ref = 2.2 * 22 + 3.5 * 22 * (h_m - 1.5) # Peterson et al. (2016)
return w_ref + 0.4 * (kg - w_ref)
bmi = weight / height ** 2
basis = adjusted_weight(weight, height) if bmi >= 30 else weight
# ---- 4. Grams a day -------------------------------------------
plan = {g: ((lo + hi) / 2 * basis, lo * basis, hi * basis) for g, (lo, hi) in goals.items()}
for g, (t, lo, hi) in plan.items():
print(f"{g:20s} {t:5.0f} g ({lo:.0f} to {hi:.0f} g) {t / meals:.1f} g per meal")
# ---- 5. Protein from food --------------------------------------
foods = [("Egg, whole", 150, 12.6), ("Chicken breast, cooked", 150, 31.0),
("Greek yogurt, plain, nonfat", 170, 10.3)]
from_food = sum(g * p / 100 for _, g, p in foods)
print(f"Protein from food: {from_food:.1f} g")
target = plan["Build muscle"][0]
print(f"To build muscle, eat about {target:.0f} g a day; food so far covers {from_food / target:.0%}")
# ---- 6. One 300 dpi figure ------------------------------------
names = list(plan)
fig, ax = plt.subplots(figsize=(6.7, 4.2))
ax.barh(names, [plan[g][2] - plan[g][1] for g in names],
left=[plan[g][1] for g in names], color="#93c5fd")
ax.scatter([plan[g][0] for g in names], names, color="#1e3a8a", zorder=3)
ax.set_xlabel("grams of protein per day")
ax.set_title("Protein range by goal")
fig.tight_layout()
fig.savefig("protein_plot.png", dpi=300)
print("Saved protein_plot.png")Expected output matches R and Excel: build muscle 133 g (112 to 154 g), 33.2 g per meal, and 82.9 g of protein from the three foods, 62% of the 133 g target.
10.2 What each line does
| Line or function | What it does |
|---|---|
| adjusted_weight() | Reference weight at BMI 22 plus 40% of the extra weight. |
| plan = {...} | Target, low and high grams for every goal. |
| sum(g * p / 100 ...) | Adds up protein from a list of foods. |
| ax.barh(..., left=...) | Draws floating range bars. |
| fig.savefig(dpi=300) | Saves a figure sharp enough for a report. |
10.3 What the figure shows
The same range bars as the R version, with the target for each goal as a dark dot.
10.4 Problems and fixes
- ModuleNotFoundError: matplotlib. Run
pip install matplotlib. - Numbers look 2.2 times too high. Weight was in pounds. Multiply by 0.45359237 first.
10.5 Handy one-liners
protein_g = lambda kg, g_per_kg: kg * g_per_kg
lean_protein = lambda kg, bf, g_per_kg: kg * (1 - bf / 100) * g_per_kg / 0.8
fat_grams = lambda kcal, pct: kcal * pct / 100 / 9
carb_grams = lambda kcal, p, f: (kcal - 4 * p - 9 * f) / 4💪 11. How Much Protein Do You Need to Build Muscle?
To build muscle, most people should eat 1.6 to 2.2 g of protein per kg of body weight a day, alongside regular strength training. A large meta-analysis of 49 trials found that extra protein increased muscle gains up to about 1.6 g/kg a day, with little further benefit above that; the upper confidence limit was 2.2 g/kg (Morton et al., 2018). That is why the muscle goal in this protein intake calculator uses 1.6 to 2.2 g/kg. A later meta-analysis found a similar dose-response pattern (Nunes et al., 2022).
11.1 Protein for muscle gain by body weight
| Body weight | 1.6 g/kg (minimum) | 1.9 g/kg (target) | 2.2 g/kg (upper) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 kg (110 lb) | 80 g | 95 g | 110 g |
| 60 kg (132 lb) | 96 g | 114 g | 132 g |
| 70 kg (154 lb) | 112 g | 133 g | 154 g |
| 80 kg (176 lb) | 128 g | 152 g | 176 g |
| 90 kg (198 lb) | 144 g | 171 g | 198 g |
| 100 kg (220 lb) | 160 g | 190 g | 220 g |
| 110 kg (243 lb) | 176 g | 209 g | 242 g |
Grams a day = body weight × g/kg, the same sum the protein intake calculator uses. What to conclude: 1.6 g/kg covers most people; going to 2.2 g/kg is a safe buffer for people who train hard or want to be sure.
11.2 Bulking, lean bulk and body recomposition
On a bulk or lean bulk, you are in a calorie surplus, so 1.6 to 2.2 g/kg is plenty; extra calories matter more than extra protein (Iraki et al., 2019). In a body recomposition (losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time) or a cut, protein needs go up, because the body breaks down more protein in a calorie deficit. That is why this protein intake calculator uses 1.8 to 2.6 g/kg for fat loss with weight training.
11.3 How much protein is too much?
For healthy adults, intakes up to about 2 g/kg a day are considered safe long term, and well-trained people may tolerate up to about 3.5 g/kg (Wu, 2016). Going above 2.2 g/kg rarely adds muscle, costs more and pushes out carbs and fat. People with kidney disease are the exception and should follow their doctor’s advice.
⚖ 12. How Much Protein Should You Eat to Lose Weight?
For weight loss, aim for about 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg a day. Higher protein helps you feel full, protects muscle and slightly raises the calories you burn digesting food (Leidy et al., 2015). If you also lift weights and want to keep as much muscle as possible, go higher: 1.8 to 2.6 g/kg, or 2.3 to 3.1 g per kg of lean mass for lean athletes (Helms et al., 2014). In one trial, young men in a large calorie deficit gained muscle and lost more fat on 2.4 g/kg than on 1.2 g/kg (Longland et al., 2016).
Choose Lose weight, or Lose fat and keep muscle, in the protein intake calculator to get your own number.
12.1 Protein for weight loss by body weight
| Body weight | 1.2 g/kg | 1.4 g/kg | 1.6 g/kg | Cut with weights 1.8 to 2.6 g/kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 kg (121 lb) | 66 g | 77 g | 88 g | 99 g to 143 g |
| 65 kg (143 lb) | 78 g | 91 g | 104 g | 117 g to 169 g |
| 75 kg (165 lb) | 90 g | 105 g | 120 g | 135 g to 195 g |
| 85 kg (187 lb) | 102 g | 119 g | 136 g | 153 g to 221 g |
| 95 kg (209 lb) | 114 g | 133 g | 152 g | 171 g to 247 g |
At a BMI of 30 or more, the calculator bases protein on adjusted body weight. What to conclude: a 100 kg, 165 cm woman needs about 106 g a day for weight loss, not 140 g.
12.2 How to calculate protein intake for fat loss
- Find your weight basis: actual weight, or adjusted weight if your BMI is 30 or more.
- Choose 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg for general weight loss, or 1.8 to 2.6 g/kg if you lift weights.
- Multiply: for 62 kg at 1.4 g/kg, that is 87 g a day.
- Set calories about 500 below maintenance, keep protein at its target and fill the rest with carbs and fat.
- Lose no more than 0.5 to 1% of body weight a week and re-check every 4 to 5 kg.
🤰 13. Protein Intake for Women, Pregnancy, Older Adults and Children
13.1 Women
Women use the same g/kg ranges as men; the grams are lower only because body weight is usually lower. A 62 kg woman needs about 50 g at the RDA, 87 g for weight loss and 99 to 136 g to build muscle. In the protein intake calculator, choose Female so that pregnancy and breastfeeding options appear.
13.2 Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The RDA rises from 0.8 to about 1.1 g/kg in the second half of pregnancy (an extra 25 g a day) and is 1.3 g/kg while breastfeeding (Institute of Medicine, 2005). Newer studies suggest needs may be closer to 1.2 g/kg in early pregnancy and 1.5 g/kg in late pregnancy (Elango & Ball, 2016). The protein intake calculator uses pre-pregnancy weight.
13.3 Older adults (65 and over)
Muscle responds less to protein with age, so older adults need at least 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg a day, and more if active or ill (Bauer et al., 2013; Deutz et al., 2014). The protein intake calculator raises the range automatically from age 65. Each main meal should contain 25 to 30 g; older muscle needs about 0.4 g/kg per meal, almost twice as much as younger muscle (Moore et al., 2015).
13.4 Children and teens
| Example child | RDA per kg | Protein a day |
|---|---|---|
| Toddler, 2 years, 12 kg | 1.05 | 12.6 g |
| Child, 6 years, 20 kg | 0.95 | 19.0 g |
| Child, 11 years, 36 kg | 0.95 | 34.2 g |
| Teen boy, 16 years, 61 kg | 0.85 | 51.9 g |
| Teen girl, 16 years, 54 kg | 0.85 | 45.9 g |
The Kids & Teens tab of the protein intake calculator uses these values. RDA from the Dietary Reference Intakes (Institute of Medicine, 2005). What to conclude: most children who eat a varied diet already get more than their RDA, and protein supplements are rarely needed.
💉 14. Protein Intake on GLP-1 Medicines and Tirzepatide
GLP-1 medicines (such as semaglutide and liraglutide) and tirzepatide cut appetite so much that many people eat too little protein, and part of the weight they lose can be muscle. A 2025 joint advisory from four obesity and nutrition societies suggests a higher protein intake during active weight loss, such as 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg a day, or a simple target of 80 to 120 g a day, together with strength training (Mozaffarian et al., 2025). Choose Yes for GLP-1 or tirzepatide in the protein intake calculator to apply this range.
14.1 Which body weight to use
The advisory notes that using full body weight with obesity can overestimate needs a lot, and that 1.5 g per kg of lean body mass is more accurate when body composition is known. This protein intake calculator therefore uses adjusted body weight automatically at a BMI of 30 or more, and shows a lean-mass check when you add your body fat %.
Example: a 45-year-old woman, 95 kg and 163 cm (BMI 35.8), with 42% body fat: adjusted weight 73.0 kg × 1.4 = 102 g a day (88 to 117 g). Her lean mass is 55.1 kg, and 1.5 g/kg of lean mass is 83 g, so 85 to 105 g is a sensible target.
14.2 Tips when your appetite is small
- Eat the protein part of each meal first.
- Choose protein-dense foods: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs, fish, chicken, tofu, lentils.
- Use a protein shake if meals are too small, and drink fluids between meals.
- Lift weights or do resistance exercise 2 to 3 times a week to protect muscle.
🥑 15. How to Calculate Protein, Carbs and Fat Intake
Once the protein intake calculator has set your protein, the rest of your calories come from fat and carbohydrate. The Protein, Carbs & Fat tab does this in three steps: estimate calories (Mifflin-St Jeor BMR × activity, plus your goal), set protein in g/kg, set fat as a share of calories, and give carbohydrate the rest.
15.1 How to calculate daily fat intake
Multiply your daily calories by your fat share and divide by 9, because fat has 9 kcal per gram. At 2,000 kcal and 30%, that is 2,000 × 0.30 ÷ 9 = 67 g of fat a day. Adults should get 20 to 35% of calories from fat (Institute of Medicine, 2005), with saturated fat under 10%.
| Calories a day | Fat at 20% | Fat at 30% | Fat at 35% | Saturated fat, max (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | 33 g | 50 g | 58 g | 17 g |
| 1,800 | 40 g | 60 g | 70 g | 20 g |
| 2,000 | 44 g | 67 g | 78 g | 22 g |
| 2,200 | 49 g | 73 g | 86 g | 24 g |
| 2,500 | 56 g | 83 g | 97 g | 28 g |
| 2,800 | 62 g | 93 g | 109 g | 31 g |
| 3,000 | 67 g | 100 g | 117 g | 33 g |
What to conclude: most adults need about 33 to 117 g of fat a day; the number rises with calories.
The protein intake calculator also shows your saturated fat limit and fibre goal in the same tab.
15.2 Protein and fibre
Fibre is not a macronutrient, but it is easy to miss on a high-protein diet. Aim for about 14 g per 1,000 kcal, which is 25 to 38 g a day for most adults. Higher fibre intakes are linked with lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer (Reynolds et al., 2019). Beans, lentils, chickpeas, soy and oats give both protein and fibre.
15.3 How to calculate calorie and protein intake together
Work out calories first, then protein, then check that protein is between 10 and 35% of calories. Our worked example eats 2,811 kcal on a lean bulk with 133 g of protein: 133 × 4 = 532 kcal, which is 19% of calories. On a low-calorie diet, protein can go above 35%; that is fine in the short term as long as fat and carbs are not too low.
🔬 16. How This Protein Intake Calculator Was Built and Tested
The StatsUnlock Team built this protein intake calculator from primary research and position stands, and checked every mode against independent code before publishing.
| Part | Method and source | How we checked it |
|---|---|---|
| Goal ranges | RDA (Rand et al., 2003); muscle (Morton et al., 2018; Schoenfeld & Aragon, 2018); exercise (Jäger et al., 2017; Thomas et al., 2016); weight loss (Leidy et al., 2015); cutting (Helms et al., 2014) | Each range matched to its source |
| Weight basis | Adjusted body weight using the Peterson et al. (2016) reference weight at BMI 22; lean mass from body fat % | Checked by hand and in Excel, R and Python |
| Special groups | Older adults (Bauer et al., 2013); pregnancy (Elango & Ball, 2016); kidney disease (Ikizler et al., 2020); GLP-1 (Mozaffarian et al., 2025) | Each rule tested with its own sample |
| Meals | Even split, with 0.4 g/kg per meal as the muscle minimum | Per-meal totals add back to the daily target |
| Macros | Mifflin-St Jeor BMR × activity; fat 20 to 35%; fibre 14 g per 1,000 kcal | 5 samples matched independent code |
| Food | 27 foods with typical values from USDA FoodData Central and common labels | Totals matched independent code |
| Units and input checks | cm, m, ft + in, in; kg, lb, st + lb; range limits and clear error messages | All unit pairs give identical results |
| Devices and privacy | Single HTML file, nothing calculated until you press Calculate, no data leaves your browser | Tested at 320, 375, 414 and 1,100 px wide |
Last reviewed: .
🎯 17. Example Protein Intake Results (8 Worked Cases)
Eight real-world cases run through the protein intake calculator, from a simple muscle-gain target to obesity, pregnancy, kidney disease and a day of food.
Protein to build muscle
The calculation most people want.
Man, 30, 70 kg, 175 cm, lifts weights 4 days a week.
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Goal range | 1.6 to 2.2 g/kg | Morton et al. (2018) |
| Target | 1.9 × 70 = 133 g | Middle of the range |
| Range | 112 to 154 g | 70 × 1.6 and 70 × 2.2 |
| Per meal | 33 g × 4 | Minimum 28 g (0.4 g/kg) |
What it means: He should eat about 133 g of protein a day; anything from 112 to 154 g is fine.
How to use it: Plan 4 meals of about 33 g, such as eggs, a chicken breast, Greek yogurt and dal.
Protein for a woman losing weight
More protein keeps you full and protects muscle.
Woman, 35, 62 kg, 165 cm, lightly active, losing weight.
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Goal range | 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg | Leidy et al. (2015) |
| Target | 1.4 × 62 = 87 g | Middle of the range |
| Range | 74 to 99 g | At 62 kg |
| Per meal | 22 g × 4 | Or 29 g × 3 |
What it means: About 87 g of protein a day helps her lose fat rather than muscle.
How to use it: Combine it with a 500 kcal deficit and 2 to 3 strength sessions a week.
Why adjusted body weight matters
Full body weight can overestimate protein by a third.
Woman, 40, 100 kg, 165 cm (BMI 36.7), losing weight at 1.4 g/kg.
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Reference weight (BMI 22) | 59.95 kg | 2.2×22 + 3.5×22×(1.65 − 1.5) |
| Adjusted weight | 75.97 kg | Reference + 0.4 × (100 − reference) |
| Protein, adjusted | 106 g | 1.4 × 75.97 |
| Protein, full weight | 140 g | Would overestimate |
What it means: She needs about 106 g of protein a day (91 to 122 g), not 140 g.
How to use it: Recalculate every 5 to 10 kg lost, as both weights fall.
Cutting with a known body fat %
For lean lifters who know their body fat.
Man, 28, 80 kg, 180 cm, 15% body fat, cutting while lifting.
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Lean body mass | 68.0 kg | 80 × (1 − 0.15) |
| Per kg lean mass | 2.25 to 3.25 g | 1.8 to 2.6 ÷ 0.8 |
| Target | 187 g | 68 × 2.2 ÷ 0.8 |
| Range | 153 to 221 g | Helms et al. (2014): 2.3 to 3.1 g/kg lean |
What it means: He needs about 187 g of protein a day to hold on to muscle in a deficit.
How to use it: Spread it over 4 or 5 meals of 37 to 47 g.
Protein on tirzepatide
Small appetite, high protein need.
Woman, 45, 95 kg, 163 cm (BMI 35.8), 42% body fat, on tirzepatide.
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Adjusted weight | 73.0 kg | BMI over 30 |
| Target | 102 g | 1.4 g/kg × adjusted weight |
| Range | 88 to 117 g | Mozaffarian et al. (2025) |
| Lean-mass check | 83 g | 1.5 × 55.1 kg lean mass |
What it means: About 85 to 105 g of protein a day helps protect muscle while she loses weight.
How to use it: Eat protein first at each meal and add resistance exercise twice a week.
Why the RDA is too low for older adults
The RDA is a minimum, not a target.
Man, 70, 72 kg, 172 cm, lightly active, wants to stay healthy.
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| RDA (0.8 g/kg) | 58 g | Prevents deficiency |
| Age 65+ range | 1.0 to 1.2 g/kg | Bauer et al. (2013) |
| Target | 79 g | 1.1 × 72 |
| Per meal | 25 to 30 g | Older muscle needs more per meal |
What it means: He should eat about 79 g of protein a day, not the 58 g RDA.
How to use it: Add one protein-rich food to breakfast, the meal older adults most often miss.
Lean body mass without body fat
What the calculator does with a missing value.
Someone chooses Lean body mass but leaves body fat % blank.
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Weight basis | Lean body mass | Needs body fat % |
| Body fat % | Blank | Required |
| Calculator response | Error message | Under the body fat field |
What it means: Lean mass cannot be worked out without body fat, so no protein number is shown.
How to use it: Enter your body fat %, or switch the basis to Automatic.
A vegetarian Indian day of food
Does dal, paneer and chana reach 70 g?
Milk, dal, paneer, chana, rice and two slices of whole-wheat bread; target 70 g.
| Measure | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Milk, 2% fat | 250 g × 3.3 g/100 g | 8.3 g |
| Lentils (dal), cooked | 200 g × 9.0 g/100 g | 18.0 g |
| Paneer | 100 g × 18.0 g/100 g | 18.0 g |
| Chickpeas (chana), cooked | 150 g × 8.9 g/100 g | 13.4 g |
| Rice, white, cooked | 180 g × 2.7 g/100 g | 4.9 g |
| Bread, whole wheat | 70 g × 12.0 g/100 g | 8.4 g |
| Total | 70.9 g | 101% of 70 g |
What it means: This day gives about 71 g of protein and meets a 70 g target.
How to use it: For a higher target, add Greek yogurt, soy chunks or another bowl of dal.
📏 18. How Do You Calculate Protein Intake From Food Accurately?
A protein intake calculator gives a target; hitting it depends on knowing how much protein your food really contains.
- Weigh yourself in the morning on the same scale, without shoes.
- Pick the goal you are following now, not the one you plan to start next month.
- Only enter body fat if it comes from a DEXA scan or another reliable method.
- Read protein per 100 g on the label, not per serving, so you can weigh any amount.
- Match raw and cooked. Raw chicken breast has about 23 g per 100 g; cooked has about 31 g, because water is lost.
- Use dry weights for lentils, oats and soy chunks when the label is for dry food.
- Weigh food in grams for a week; cups and spoons vary a lot.
- Count every source, including milk in tea, bread and grains; they add up.
- Check one normal week, then just repeat the meals that work.
- Re-calculate after a 4 to 5 kg change in weight or a change in goal.
| Input | Unit | Accepted range |
|---|---|---|
| Age | years | 18 to 100 (adults), 1 to 17 (kids) |
| Height | cm, m, ft + in, in | 120 to 250 cm |
| Weight | kg, lb, st + lb | 30 to 300 kg (adults), 8 to 150 kg (kids) |
| Body fat | % | 3 to 60 |
| Grams per kg | g/kg | 0.5 to 3.5 |
| Fat share | % of calories | 10 to 60 |
✅ 19. When Should You Use a Protein Intake Calculator?
- Starting strength training or a muscle-gain plan
- Starting a weight-loss or fat-loss diet
- Starting a GLP-1 medicine or tirzepatide
- Turning 65, or recovering muscle after illness
- Planning meals or checking a vegetarian or vegan diet
- You have kidney or liver disease
- You have, or have had, an eating disorder
- You are pregnant and unwell or not gaining weight
- You are recovering from surgery, burns or serious illness
- A child is not growing as expected
Decision guide
| Your situation | Best tab or tool |
|---|---|
| How much protein should I eat? | Daily Protein |
| I also want carbs and fat in grams | Protein, Carbs & Fat |
| Did I eat enough protein today? | Protein by Food |
| I already know my g/kg or g/lb rule | Per kg / lb |
| My child is 1 to 17 | Kids & Teens |
| I have kidney disease or am in hospital | Your doctor or a registered dietitian |
🔧 20. Troubleshooting and Common Errors
Most protein intake calculator problems come from the weight basis, units or label reading.
Another protein calculator gives a different number
Cause: different ranges (some use a flat 1 g per pound), different weight basis, or a single number instead of a range. Fix: compare the g/kg used. This tool uses the middle of research ranges and adjusted weight at a BMI of 30 or more.
My target is lower than I expected
Cause: adjusted body weight was used because your BMI is 30 or more. Fix: this is intended. To compare, open Advanced and choose Actual body weight.
My target is higher than I can eat
Cause: a high goal range or a large body. Fix: aim for the low end of the range; it still covers most people.
Lean body mass gives an error
Cause: body fat % is missing. Fix: enter your body fat % or choose another weight basis.
The pregnancy option gives an error
Cause: Sex is set to Male. Fix: choose Female, or set Life stage to None.
My food is not in the list
Cause: the list has 27 common foods. Fix: type any name and enter protein per 100 g from the label. Calories and fibre will be skipped for that food.
Carbs come out very low or negative
Cause: protein and fat use almost all your calories. Fix: lower the fat % or the protein g/kg.
Height says "looks like metres"
Cause: 1.75 was typed with the unit set to cm. Fix: type 175, or switch the unit to metres.
The Download TXT button is grey
Cause: nothing has been calculated, or you changed an input. Fix: press Calculate again.
Charts do not appear
Cause: a script blocker stopped the chart library. Fix: allow cdnjs.cloudflare.com or reload. All numbers and tables still work.
⚠️ 21. What Are the Limitations of a Protein Intake Calculator?
Every protein intake calculator rests on a few assumptions. Here is what each one means for you, and what to do when it fails.
- You are like the people in the studies. Most muscle studies used young, healthy adults who lift weights. Alternative: older or ill people should use the age and condition options and ask a dietitian.
- Body weight reflects muscle. It does not with obesity, so adjusted weight is used; it may still be off by 10 to 20 g. Alternative: use lean body mass if you know your body fat.
- Protein quality is good. Plant proteins are often a little less digestible. Alternative: vegans can aim for the upper half of the range and mix sources.
- Calories are enough. In a large deficit, more protein is needed. Alternative: use the fat loss with weights goal.
- Labels are exact. Labels and databases can be off by 10% or more. Alternative: treat totals as estimates.
- Healthy kidneys. High protein is not advised with kidney disease (see NIDDK guidance on eating with CKD). Alternative: choose the kidney option and follow your doctor.
- The 0.8 conversion fits everyone. The lean-mass method assumes 20% body fat for the conversion. Alternative: compare both methods and pick the one closer to your situation.
🏁 22. Conclusion
This protein intake calculator turns your details into a daily protein target of ___. Run the calculator above to see your own summary here.
Every protein number is an estimate. Treat it as a daily average and adjust for how you train and recover.
Come back to this protein intake calculator whenever your weight, goal, age or health changes.
❓ 23. Frequently Asked Questions About Protein Intake
Q1. How do I calculate my protein intake?
A protein intake calculator does it in one step: multiply your body weight in kilograms by a protein target in grams per kg. Use 0.8 g/kg for basic health, 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg if you exercise or want to lose weight, and 1.6 to 2.2 g/kg to build muscle. A 70 kg person building muscle needs 70 × 1.6 = 112 g to 70 × 2.2 = 154 g of protein a day.
Q2. How much protein do I need a day?
The adult RDA is 0.8 g per kg of body weight, which is about 56 g a day for a 70 kg man and 46 g for a 57 kg woman. That is the minimum to avoid deficiency. Active people, older adults and anyone losing weight or building muscle usually need 1.2 to 2.2 g/kg.
Q3. How much protein do I need to build muscle?
Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 g of protein per kg of body weight a day with regular strength training. A meta-analysis of 49 trials found muscle gains increased with protein up to about 1.6 g/kg, with an upper limit of about 2.2 g/kg. For a 70 kg person that is 112 to 154 g a day.
Q4. How much protein should I eat to lose weight?
Eat about 1.2 to 1.6 g of protein per kg of body weight a day while losing weight, or 1.8 to 2.6 g/kg if you lift weights and want to keep muscle. Protein keeps you full and protects muscle. If your BMI is 30 or more, base it on adjusted body weight rather than your full weight.
Q5. How do I calculate protein intake for fat loss?
Use your body weight, or adjusted weight if your BMI is 30 or more, and multiply by 1.8 to 2.6 g/kg if you strength train, or 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg if you do not. Then set calories about 500 below maintenance. For lean athletes, research suggests 2.3 to 3.1 g per kg of lean body mass.
Q6. How much protein should a woman eat a day?
Women use the same grams per kg as men. The RDA of 0.8 g/kg gives about 46 to 50 g a day for most women. A 62 kg woman who exercises or is losing weight needs about 74 to 99 g, and about 99 to 136 g to build muscle. Needs rise in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Q7. How much protein do you need when pregnant?
The RDA rises from 0.8 to about 1.1 g per kg of pre-pregnancy weight in the second and third trimesters, which is about 25 g more a day, or 71 g in total. Newer research suggests needs may be about 1.2 g/kg in early pregnancy and 1.5 g/kg late in pregnancy. Breastfeeding needs about 1.3 g/kg.
Q8. How much protein do I need on tirzepatide or a GLP-1 medicine?
A 2025 joint advisory suggests about 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg a day during active weight loss, or a simple target of 80 to 120 g a day, with strength training to protect muscle. With obesity, use adjusted body weight or 1.5 g per kg of lean body mass, because full body weight overestimates needs.
Q9. Should I calculate protein from my total weight or lean body mass?
Use total body weight if your BMI is under 30; the protein intake calculator does this automatically. With a BMI of 30 or more, use adjusted body weight, which is your reference weight at BMI 22 plus 40% of the extra. If you know your body fat percentage, lean body mass is the most precise basis; divide body-weight targets by 0.8 when using lean mass.
Q10. How much protein do older adults need?
Adults aged 65 and over need at least 1.0 to 1.2 g of protein per kg a day, and 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg if they are ill or recovering. Each main meal should contain about 25 to 30 g, because older muscle needs more protein per meal to respond than younger muscle.
Q11. How much protein should I eat per meal?
Aim for about 0.4 g per kg of body weight at each of 3 to 5 meals, which is about 25 to 40 g for most adults. A 70 kg person eating 133 g a day over 4 meals needs about 33 g per meal. Spreading protein evenly works better for muscle than eating most of it at dinner.
Q12. Is too much protein harmful?
For healthy adults, up to about 2 g per kg a day is considered safe long term, and well-trained people may tolerate up to about 3.5 g/kg. Very high intakes add little extra muscle. People with chronic kidney disease should not eat high protein and usually need 0.55 to 0.8 g/kg set by their doctor.
Q13. How do I calculate protein intake from food?
Find protein per 100 g on the label, multiply by the grams you eat and divide by 100, then add up every food. For example, 150 g of cooked chicken breast at 31 g per 100 g gives 46.5 g. The Protein by Food tab of this protein intake calculator lists 27 common foods and does the sum for you.
Q14. How do I calculate protein, carbs and fat intake?
Estimate daily calories, set protein in g per kg, set fat at 20 to 35% of calories and give carbohydrate the rest. At 2,556 kcal with 112 g protein (448 kcal) and 30% fat (85 g, 767 kcal), carbohydrate is (2,556 − 448 − 767) ÷ 4 = 335 g. Divide fat calories by 9 and protein or carbs by 4.
Q15. How much fat should I eat a day?
Adults should get 20 to 35% of calories from fat, with saturated fat under 10%. At 2,000 kcal that is 44 to 78 g of fat a day, with no more than 22 g saturated. To calculate it, multiply calories by the fat percentage and divide by 9, because fat has 9 kcal per gram.
Q16. How much protein do vegetarians and vegans need?
Vegetarians and vegans use the same g/kg ranges, but aiming for the upper half of the range helps, because some plant proteins are less digestible. Mix legumes, soy, whole grains, nuts and seeds through the day. Tofu, soy chunks, lentils, chickpeas and Greek yogurt or paneer for vegetarians are good sources.
Q17. How much protein does a child need?
Children need 1.05 g per kg a day at ages 1 to 3, 0.95 g/kg at 4 to 13 and 0.85 g/kg at 14 to 18. That is about 13, 19 and 34 g a day for reference-size children, and 52 g for teen boys or 46 g for teen girls. Most children eating a varied diet already get enough.
Q18. How do you calculate protein intake in Excel?
Put weight in kg in B2 and grams per kg in C2, then use =B2*C2 for daily protein and =B2*C2/4 for protein per meal. For a BMI over 30, calculate the reference weight with =2.2*22+3.5*22*(H2-1.5) using height in metres, then the adjusted weight with =I2+0.4*(B2-I2).
Q19. How do you calculate protein intake in R?
Store weight and a table of goal ranges, then multiply: protein <- weight * g_per_kg. Use ifelse(bmi >= 30, w_adj, weight) to switch to adjusted body weight. The full base R script in Section 9 prints targets for every goal, macros and a 300 dpi chart.
Q20. How do you calculate protein intake in Python?
Use protein = weight * g_per_kg and a small function for adjusted body weight. Add up food with sum(grams * protein_per_100g / 100 for each food). The full script in Section 10 prints every goal, protein from food and saves a 300 dpi chart with matplotlib.
📎 24. Cite This Tool
StatsUnlock Team. (2026). Protein intake calculator: Daily protein for muscle gain, weight loss and special groups [Interactive tool]. StatsUnlock. https://statsunlock.com/protein-intake-calculator/@misc{statsunlock_protein_2026, author={{StatsUnlock Team}}, title={Protein Intake Calculator: Daily Protein for Muscle Gain, Weight Loss and Special Groups}, year={2026}, publisher={StatsUnlock}, note={Interactive tool}, url={https://statsunlock.com/protein-intake-calculator/}}Protein requirements were estimated with the StatsUnlock Protein Intake Calculator (2026), using goal-specific ranges in grams per kilogram of body weight (0.8 to 2.6 g/kg), adjusted body weight at a BMI of 30 or more, and published recommendations for older adults, pregnancy, chronic kidney disease and GLP-1 therapy.🔗 25. Related Tools
More free StatsUnlock calculators to use alongside this protein intake calculator, from age and goal dates to measurement.
Find your exact age; protein needs rise from 65.
Set a 90-day check-in for your muscle or weight goal.
Turn a training block into a calendar end date.
Plan protein and training over a whole year.
Measure floor space for a home gym.
Set incline bench and treadmill angles.
📖 26. Glossary of Terms
- Adjusted body weight
- A weight between your reference weight and your actual weight, used for protein when BMI is 30 or more.
- Amino acids
- The building blocks of protein; 9 must come from food.
- BMI (body mass index)
- Weight in kg divided by height in metres squared.
- Body fat percentage
- The share of your weight that is fat.
- Body recomposition
- Losing fat and gaining muscle at the same time.
- Bulking
- Eating above maintenance calories to gain muscle.
- Calorie deficit
- Eating fewer calories than you burn, which leads to weight loss.
- Cutting
- A calorie deficit used to lose fat while keeping muscle.
- Fibre
- Plant carbohydrate the body cannot digest; good for the gut and heart.
- g/kg
- Grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.
- GLP-1 medicine
- A prescription drug such as semaglutide that lowers appetite; tirzepatide works in a similar way.
- Lean body mass
- Everything in your body that is not fat: muscle, bone, organs and water.
- Leucine
- An amino acid that switches on muscle building; high in dairy, meat, eggs and whey.
- Macronutrients (macros)
- Protein, carbohydrate and fat, the nutrients that provide calories.
- Muscle protein synthesis
- The process of building new muscle protein after eating and training.
- Protein intake calculator
- A tool that estimates the grams of protein you need a day.
- RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance)
- The daily amount that meets the needs of about 97% of healthy people; 0.8 g/kg for adult protein.
- Reference weight
- Body weight at a BMI of 22 for your height, from the Peterson equation.
- Saturated fat
- Fat mainly from animal foods and some oils; keep under 10% of calories.
- TDEE (total daily energy expenditure)
- All the calories you burn in a day.
- Whey protein
- A fast-digesting milk protein sold as powder.
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