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.

Try a sample:
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Height (optional)
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Optional. Keeps the target realistic at a higher BMI.

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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

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.

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