Protein Intake Calculator

Calculate your optimal daily protein intake based on body weight and fitness goals

Nutrition
Fitness
Health

Muscle gain range: 1.6–2.2 g/kg per day. Supports muscle protein synthesis and training recovery.

Protein Intake Guidelines

Goalg/kg per dayNotes
Sedentary (RDA)0.8Minimum to prevent deficiency
Active / Maintenance1.2–1.6Supports regular exercise & recovery
Muscle Gain1.6–2.2Maximizes muscle protein synthesis
Weight Loss (Cut)1.6–2.4Preserves lean mass during a deficit

About This Tool

This protein intake calculator determines your optimal daily protein target based on body weight and fitness goals. It uses evidence-based ranges from sports nutrition research to provide personalized recommendations.

The calculator supports three fitness goals:

  • Maintenance — 0.8–1.6 g/kg. The lower end meets minimum RDA needs for sedentary adults; the upper end supports active individuals with regular exercise.
  • Muscle Gain — 1.6–2.2 g/kg. Research shows this range maximizes muscle protein synthesis when combined with progressive resistance training.
  • Weight Loss — 1.6–2.4 g/kg. Higher protein preserves lean muscle mass during a calorie deficit while increasing satiety and the thermic effect of food.

For a complete nutrition breakdown with carbs and fats, check our Macronutrient Calculator. Estimate your daily energy requirements with the Daily Calorie Needs Calculator and track exercise expenditure using the Calories Burned Calculator. For body composition context, try our Body Fat Percentage Calculator.

All processing happens entirely in your browser — no personal data is sent to any server.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much protein do I really need per day?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 0.8g per kg of body weight for sedentary adults — the minimum to prevent deficiency. However, active individuals, athletes, and those building muscle or losing weight benefit from higher intakes: 1.2–2.4 g/kg. This tool gives you a personalized range based on your goal.
Can you eat too much protein?
For most healthy people, high protein intake (up to 2.4 g/kg) is safe. However, individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions should consult a doctor before significantly increasing protein. Excess protein calories beyond your energy needs can be stored as body fat — pair this with our Daily Calorie Needs Calculator to manage total intake.
When is the best time to eat protein?
Research suggests spreading protein intake evenly across 3–4 meals (roughly every 4–6 hours) is optimal for muscle protein synthesis. Aim for 20–40g per meal. Consuming protein within 2 hours post-workout can enhance recovery. Use our Macronutrient Calculator to plan your meals.
Does protein help with weight loss?
Yes. Higher protein diets (1.6–2.4 g/kg) help in three ways: preserving lean muscle mass during a calorie deficit, increasing satiety (you feel fuller longer), and having a higher thermic effect (~20–30% of protein calories are burned during digestion). For exercise-related calorie estimation, try our Calories Burned Calculator.
Is my data safe?
Absolutely. All calculations happen entirely in your browser. No body metrics or health data are sent to any server. For privacy-safe body composition analysis, see our Body Fat Percentage Calculator.
How does body weight affect protein needs?
Protein recommendations scale with body weight because lean body mass correlates with total weight. Heavier individuals require more protein to maintain tissue. For a more precise estimate factoring in body composition and activity level, check our Macronutrient Calculator and Calories Burned Calculator.