Macro calculator

Calculate your daily protein, carbohydrate, and fat targets based on your weight and fitness goal.

Protein
Carbs
Fat

How macros are calculated

Macronutrients (macros) are the three main categories of nutrients that provide calories: protein (4 kcal/g), carbohydrates (4 kcal/g), and fat (9 kcal/g). This calculator distributes your daily calorie target across all three based on standard evidence-based ratios.

Protein: 2 g per kg of body weight (higher end of evidence-based range, suitable for active individuals and those preserving muscle during fat loss).
Fat: 25% of total calories.
Carbohydrates: Remainder of calories after protein and fat are allocated.

Protein calories = weight × 2 × 4. Fat calories = total × 0.25. Carb calories = total − protein cal − fat cal. Carb grams = carb calories ÷ 4. These ratios suit general health and body composition goals. Athletes may need higher protein (2.2–3 g/kg); low-carb dieters shift fat higher and carbs lower; endurance athletes may need more carbs.

Frequently asked questions

What are macros?

Macros (macronutrients) are the three major nutrient groups that provide energy: protein (4 kcal/g), carbohydrates (4 kcal/g), and fat (9 kcal/g). Tracking macros means monitoring the specific grams of each rather than just total calories.

How much protein do I need per day?

For active individuals and those looking to build or preserve muscle, 1.6–2.2 g of protein per kg of body weight per day is supported by research. Sedentary adults need less — around 0.8 g/kg is the general minimum. This calculator uses 2 g/kg.

Should I track macros or just calories?

Tracking macros is more precise than tracking calories alone, as it ensures you get enough protein to preserve muscle (especially in a calorie deficit). For most people, hitting protein targets first, then fitting carbs and fat within the remaining calories, is the most practical approach.

What macros are best for weight loss?

Higher protein intake is the most evidence-backed macro adjustment for weight loss — it preserves muscle mass and increases satiety. The split between carbs and fat matters less; research shows both low-fat and low-carb approaches can be equally effective for weight loss when protein is adequate.

Related tools

Calorie calculator → BMI calculator → Ideal weight →