Nutrition

Carbohydrate Calculator

Translate your calorie goals into carb grams using evidence-based percentages. Includes tables for weight loss, maintenance, and muscle gain with WHO + IOM guidance.

centimeters

kilograms

BMR

1659 kcal

Resting energy

Maintenance calories

2571

Moderate exercise · 3-5x/week

WHO recommendation

45-65% of calories (IOM) · 55-75% of total energy (WHO) should come from carbohydrates.

Goal-based carb table

Each row shows calories and carb grams per percentage.

GoalCalories40% carbs50% carbs60% carbs65% carbs75% carbs
Lose 1 kg/week1571157 g196 g236 g255 g295 g
Lose 0.5 kg/week2071207 g259 g311 g337 g388 g
Lose 0.25 kg/week2321232 g290 g348 g377 g435 g
Maintain weight2571257 g321 g386 g418 g482 g
Gain 0.25 kg/week2821282 g353 g423 g458 g529 g
Gain 0.5 kg/week3071307 g384 g461 g499 g576 g

Good vs. refined carbohydrates

Whole-food carbohydrates bring fiber, vitamins, and steady energy: think fruits, legumes, whole grains, root vegetables, and dairy. Refined carbs—white flour, sugary drinks, candy—hit faster, spike blood glucose, and lack micronutrients. Balance your plate with mostly complex carbs and save refined options for strategic moments around training.

Build most meals with:

  • Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice)
  • Beans, lentils, chickpeas
  • Fruits and colorful vegetables
  • Dairy or fortified alternatives

Enjoy in moderation:

  • Sweetened beverages, pastries, candy
  • Ultra-processed snacks with added sugars
  • Fried carbs paired with saturated fats

How many carbs should I eat?

The Institute of Medicine recommends at least 130 grams per day to fuel the brain. Athletes, pregnant individuals, and high-volume exercisers often thrive at 50-60% of calories from carbs. Low-carb approaches can work for fat loss, but prioritize fiber, electrolytes, and medical guidance.

  • Fat loss: pairing a 500 kcal deficit with 45-50% carbs keeps training energy while encouraging body fat reduction.
  • Muscle gain: 55-65% carbs refuel glycogen and support progressive overload.
  • Metabolic health: combine fiber-rich carbs with protein and fats to blunt glucose spikes.