🍎 Glycemic Load Calculator

Calculate glycemic load per food and total meal GL to manage blood sugar impact

Health
Nutrition
Diet
Blood Sugar

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Glycemic Load Reference

GL RangeCategoryBlood Sugar ImpactRecommendation
0 – 10LowMinimal rise in blood sugarIdeal for blood sugar management
11 – 19MediumModerate rise in blood sugarAcceptable in balanced meals
20+HighSignificant rise in blood sugarLimit or pair with low-GL foods

* GL values for individual foods. For full meals, total GL is the sum of individual food GLs. Daily GL targets: Low ≤ 80, Moderate 80–120, High > 120.

About Glycemic Load Calculator

Glycemic Load (GL) measures how much a food will raise blood sugar levels, combining both the quality (Glycemic Index) and quantity (grams of carbohydrates) of carbs in a serving. The formula is: GL = (GI × available carbs) / 100.

Unlike the Glycemic Index alone, GL gives a more accurate picture of a food's real-world impact on blood sugar. For example, watermelon has a high GI (76) but a low GL (8) per serving because it contains relatively few carbs per cup.

This tool helps you build meals and see the combined glycemic load, making it easier to balance high-GL and low-GL foods. If you're also tracking your daily hydration, try our Water Intake Calculator. For managing caffeine timing alongside meals, check the Caffeine Half-Life Calculator.

All processing happens entirely in your browser — no data is sent to any server. For more health-related calculators, explore tools tagged Health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is glycemic load and how is it different from glycemic index?
Glycemic Index (GI) ranks foods from 0 to 100 based on how quickly they raise blood sugar. Glycemic Load (GL) takes it further by also accounting for the amount of carbohydrates in a serving. GL = (GI × carbs per serving) / 100. A food can have a high GI but a low GL if it contains few carbs per serving (e.g., watermelon).
How do I use the glycemic load formula?
The formula is simple: GL = (GI × available carbohydrates in grams) / 100. For example, an apple with a GI of 36 and 19g of carbs has a GL of (36 × 19) / 100 = 6.8, which is considered low. You can use our calculator to automate these calculations for entire meals.
What is a good daily glycemic load target?
For general health, aim for a daily GL below 80 (low). A moderate daily GL is 80–120, and above 120 is considered high. These targets may vary based on individual health needs — always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is my data stored or sent anywhere?
No. All calculations happen entirely in your browser. Meal history is saved in your browser's local storage only and is never sent to any server. You can clear it at any time.
How accurate are the glycemic index values?
The GI values in our database are based on published research averages. Actual GI can vary based on food preparation method, ripeness, and individual metabolism. For the most accurate results, use laboratory-tested GI values when available. You can also enter custom GI values for any food.
Can I track other health metrics alongside glycemic load?
Yes! We offer several related health calculators. Track your daily hydration with our Water Intake Calculator, or monitor sleep patterns with the Sleep Debt Calculator.