Nutrition

Protein Calculator

Convert your body weight and training style into grams of protein per day. Includes RDA, CDC, and athletic guidelines plus food examples.

lb

Weight

72.6 kg

(160 lb)

ADA suggested range*

94-145 g/day

American Dietetic Association

CDC (10-35% calories)

60-210 g/day

Assumes estimated maintenance calories

*Actual medical recommendations vary by health status and clinician guidance.

Protein targets

Choose the multiplier that matches your training load.

RDA · 0.8 g/kg

58 g/day

Minimum to prevent deficiency

General fitness · 1.0 g/kg

73 g/day

Active lifestyle, light training

Endurance training · 1.2 g/kg

87 g/day

Frequent cardio, mixed sports

Muscle gain · 1.6 g/kg

116 g/day

Progressive resistance training

Fat loss preservation · 2.0 g/kg

145 g/day

Calorie deficit, lean mass focus

What do proteins do?

Proteins supply amino acids needed for immune function, hormones, enzymes, tissue repair, and lean mass. The body recycles amino acids constantly, so dietary protein ensures positive nitrogen balance and supports recovery.

  • Structural support: skin, hair, muscles, and organs.
  • Transport: hemoglobin, carrier proteins, and hormone binding.
  • Immune defense: antibodies that identify foreign particles.

RDA by age (grams/day)

Age rangeRDA
1-313
4-819
9-1334
14-18 (girls)46
14-18 (boys)52
19-70 (women)46
19-70 (men)56
70+ (all)56

Pregnancy & lactation needs

StageExtra grams/dayExtra kcal/dayProtein:kcal ratio
Pregnancy Trimester 1100.04
Pregnancy Trimester 2133400.16
Pregnancy Trimester 3264500.23
Lactation 0-6 months253300.19
Lactation 7-12 months214000.11

Foods high in protein

Animal-based examples

  • Eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese
  • Chicken, turkey, lean beef, pork
  • Fish, seafood, shellfish

Plant-based examples

  • Lentils, chickpeas, beans, soy foods
  • Quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth
  • Nuts, seeds, nut butters
FoodProtein (per serving)
Chicken breast (3 oz cooked)26 g
Greek yogurt (170 g)18 g
Lentils (1 cup cooked)18 g
Eggs (2 large)12 g
Tofu (100 g)11 g
Quinoa (1 cup cooked)8 g
Peanut butter (2 tbsp)8 g
Black beans (1/2 cup)7 g