Protein calculator
Find how many grams of protein you need a day, and per meal. It depends on your weight, how you train and your goal.
Protein calculator examples
Sample people, made up to show how the numbers change. Load one into the calculator to tweak it.
Dev, building muscle
84 kg (185 lb), lifts 4 times a week, building
Protein a day
135-185 g
- Per meal (3 meals)
- 45-62 g
- Per meal (4 meals)
- 34-46 g
- Calories from protein
- 540-740 cal
- That's 1.6-2.2 g per kg of body weight.
- Spreading it over 3-4 meals is easier than one huge serving.
Maya, losing fat
68 kg (150 lb), runs and does classes, losing fat
Protein a day
110-150 g
- Per meal (3 meals)
- 36-50 g
- Per meal (4 meals)
- 27-37 g
- Calories from protein
- 440-600 cal
- That's 1.6-2.2 g per kg of body weight.
- Spreading it over 3-4 meals is easier than one huge serving.
Ruth, 68
62 kg (137 lb), walks daily, maintaining
Protein a day
60-75 g
- Per meal (3 meals)
- 21-25 g
- Per meal (4 meals)
- 16-19 g
- Calories from protein
- 250-300 cal
- That's 1-1.2 g per kg of body weight.
- Over 65, we start at 1 g per kg to help keep muscle.
- Spreading it over 3-4 meals is easier than one huge serving.
How the protein calculator works
Health Canada's minimum for adults is 0.8 g of protein per kg of body weight a day. That is enough to avoid a shortfall, not a target for active people.
The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends 1.4-2.0 g per kg for people who exercise. We use the higher end when you are losing fat or lifting.
For a higher BMI, we base it on a reference weight so the target is something you can actually eat. Over 65, we start at 1 g per kg.
Frequently asked questions
How much protein do I need a day?
Somewhere between 0.8 and 2.2 g per kg of body weight, depending on activity and goal. The calculator narrows it down for you.
How much protein per meal?
Most people do well with 25-40 g per meal across 3-4 meals. Your per-meal number is in the results.
Can I get enough protein from fast food?
Yes. Swiss Chalet's rotisserie chicken on a bun has 54 g, and plenty of grilled chicken options have 30 g or more.
Is too much protein bad for you?
For healthy adults, intakes up to about 2.2 g per kg are well studied. If you have kidney disease, ask your doctor first.
Sources
- Health Canada, reference values for macronutrients
- International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise (2017)
These tools give estimates for healthy adults. They are not medical advice. If you are pregnant, under 18 or managing a health condition, check with your doctor or a registered dietitian.