Protein Intake Calculator

Calculate your ideal daily protein intake based on body weight or lean mass, training style, and goal (maintenance, fat loss, muscle gain). Get clear per-meal targets and science-based ranges.

Full original guide (expanded)

Authoritative data source & methodology

Primary references:

  • EFSA Dietary Reference Values for protein (2012): adult Population Reference Intake ≈ 0.83 g/kg/day. EFSA Journal 10(2):2557
  • US/Canada DRI: Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) 0.80 g/kg/day for adults. USDA DRI Calculator
  • Sports nutrition consensus: higher intakes for trained individuals and energy deficits (e.g., ~1.2–2.2 g/kg/day) to support performance, retention of lean mass, and hypertrophy.

Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da questa fonte.

The formula explained

Body-weight basis

$$ \text{Protein}_{\text{daily}} = m \times W_{kg} \quad \text{(grams/day)} $$

where \( m \) is the multiplier from the selected goal & training focus.

Lean body mass basis (if body fat % provided)

$$ \text{Protein}_{\text{daily}} = m_{LBM} \times \text{LBM}_{kg}, \quad \text{with } \text{LBM}_{kg} = W_{kg} \times (1 - \tfrac{BF\%}{100}) $$

Variable glossary

Symbol / FieldMeaning
\(W_{kg}\)Body weight in kilograms
\(BF\%\)Body fat percentage
LBMLean body mass = weight minus fat mass
goalMaintenance, fat loss, or muscle gain
trainingSedentary, endurance, strength/hypertrophy, mixed
\(m\)Protein multiplier (g/kg) from goal & training
Per-mealDaily protein divided by number of meals

How it works: a step-by-step example

Example: 75 kg lifter at ~18% body fat, goal: muscle gain, training: strength, 4 meals/day.

  1. LBM estimate: \( \text{LBM} = 75 \times (1 - 0.18) = 61.5 \text{ kg} \).
  2. Strength & hypertrophy (muscle gain) typical range \( m = 1.6–2.2 \text{ g/kg} \) (LBM basis often 2.0–2.6).
  3. Choose mid-range: \( m = 2.0 \text{ g/kg} \) on body weight → \( 2.0 \times 75 = 150 \text{ g/day} \).
  4. Per-meal: \( 150 / 4 = 37.5 \text{ g/meal} \).

The calculator computes min–max range and a practical target centered within that range.

Frequently asked questions

What range should I choose for fat loss?

During energy deficits, higher protein (e.g., ~1.6–2.4 g/kg body weight; or ~2.0–3.0 g/kg LBM) helps retain lean mass. The calculator adjusts your range when you pick “Fat Loss”.

Do I need protein right after training?

Total daily intake dominates results, but distributing protein (3–5 feedings/day) with 0.3–0.5 g/kg per meal is a practical target many athletes use.

Is more always better?

Beyond your productive range, extra protein doesn’t add muscle. Balance with adequate carbs/fats for performance, recovery, and micronutrients.

What if I’m vegetarian or vegan?

Meet totals using varied sources (e.g., soy, legumes, grains, nuts). Complementary amino acids across the day support complete profiles.

Medical considerations?

This tool provides general education, not medical advice. If you have kidney disease or other conditions, follow your clinician’s guidance.

Last accuracy review:


Audit: Complete
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
This section shows the formulas used by the calculator engine, plus variable definitions and units.
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[\text{Protein}_{\text{daily}} = m \times W_{kg} \quad \text{(grams/day)}\]
\text{Protein}_{\text{daily}} = m \times W_{kg} \quad \text{(grams/day)}
Formula (extracted LaTeX)
\[\text{Protein}_{\text{daily}} = m_{LBM} \times \text{LBM}_{kg}, \quad \text{with } \text{LBM}_{kg} = W_{kg} \times (1 - \tfrac{BF\%}{100})\]
\text{Protein}_{\text{daily}} = m_{LBM} \times \text{LBM}_{kg}, \quad \text{with } \text{LBM}_{kg} = W_{kg} \times (1 - \tfrac{BF\%}{100})
Formula (extracted text)
Body-weight basis $ \text{Protein}_{\text{daily}} = m \times W_{kg} \quad \text{(grams/day)} $ where \( m \) is the multiplier from the selected goal & training focus. Lean body mass basis (if body fat % provided) $ \text{Protein}_{\text{daily}} = m_{LBM} \times \text{LBM}_{kg}, \quad \text{with } \text{LBM}_{kg} = W_{kg} \times (1 - \tfrac{BF\%}{100}) $
Variables and units
  • No variables provided in audit spec.
Sources (authoritative):
Changelog
Version: 0.1.0-draft
Last code update: 2026-01-19
0.1.0-draft · 2026-01-19
  • Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
  • Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
  • Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.
Verified by Ugo Candido on 2026-01-19
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Formulas

(Formulas preserved from original page content, if present.)

Version 0.1.0-draft
Citations

Add authoritative sources relevant to this calculator (standards bodies, manuals, official docs).

Changelog
  • 0.1.0-draft — 2026-01-19: Initial draft (review required).