Macro Calculator
Using your personal metrics, this tool calculates appropriate ranges for your daily calorie and macronutrient requirements.
Macro Calculator
Your Macronutrients
Nutrient | Amount | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Protein | 0 g/day | 0% |
Carbohydrates | 0 g/day | 0% |
Fat | 0 g/day | 0% |
Sugar | 0 g/day | - |
Food Energy | 0 kcal/day | - |
What Are Macronutrients (Macros)?
Macronutrients are the nutrients your body needs in large quantities to function optimally. They provide energy (calories) and support growth, metabolism, and overall health. The three primary macronutrients are:
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Carbohydrates – The body’s main energy source.
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Proteins – Essential for muscle repair, immune function, and enzyme production.
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Fats – Important for hormone regulation, brain function, and energy storage.
While some definitions include water, fiber, and minerals as macronutrients, this calculator focuses on carbs, protein, and fat since they directly contribute to caloric intake.
Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin C) are needed in much smaller amounts but are equally vital for health.
Protein: The Building Blocks of Life
Proteins consist of amino acids, some of which are essential—meaning your body cannot produce them, so they must come from food.
Healthy Protein Sources
Lean meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef)Fish (salmon, tuna, cod)
Eggs
Dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese)
Plant-based (tofu, lentils, beans, quinoa, nuts)
Less Healthy Protein Sources
Fried meats (fried chicken, breaded fish)Processed meats (bacon, sausages, deli meats)
High-fat dairy (heavy cream, full-fat cheese)
Sugary protein bars or shakes
Moderation is key—excess protein can strain the kidneys, while too little may lead to muscle loss.
Carbohydrates: Your Body’s Preferred Fuel
Carbs are categorized as:
Simple carbs (sugars) – Quick energy (fruits, honey, table sugar).Complex carbs (starches & fiber) – Slow-digesting, nutrient-rich (whole grains, vegetables, legumes).
Healthy Carb Choices
Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa)Fruits (berries, apples, bananas)
Vegetables (broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach)
Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
Carbs to Limit
Refined sugars (soda, candy, pastries)White bread, white rice, and processed snacks
Fiber, a type of carb, aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
Fats: Essential for Health
Not all fats are equal:
Healthy Fats
Monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocados, nuts)Polyunsaturated fats (fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts)
Omega-3s (salmon, chia seeds, sardines)
Fats to Limit
Saturated fats (butter, red meat, full-fat dairy)Trans fats (fried foods, margarine, packaged snacks) – Avoid completely.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend:
✔ Keep saturated fats under 10% of daily calories.
✔ Replace unhealthy fats with unsaturated fats.
Daily Calorie Needs
Your calorie requirements depend on:
Age, weight, height, genderActivity level (sedentary vs. active)
Goal (weight loss, maintenance, or gain)
Calorie Estimates (General Range)
Men: 2,000–3,000 kcal/dayWomen: 1,600–2,400 kcal/day
This calculator uses the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation (for BMR) and adjusts for activity level to estimate your needs.
Macronutrients in Common Foods
Food | Serving | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fruits | ||||
Apple | 1 medium | 0.3g | 14g | 0.2g |
Banana | 1 medium | 1.8g | 39g | 0.6g |
Vegetables | ||||
Broccoli | 1 cup | 2.6g | 6g | 0.3g |
Carrots | 1 cup | 1.2g | 12g | 0.3g |
Proteins | ||||
Chicken breast | 2 oz | 16g | 0g | 1.8g |
Tofu | 4 oz | 7.8g | 2.7g | 3.1g |
Common Meals | ||||
Pizza (1 slice) | 14" slice | 13g | 34g | 12g |
Rice (white) | 1 cup | 4.2g | 44g | 0.4g |
(Full table available in the expanded calculator.)
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