Macro Calculator

Free macro calculator to find your ideal daily protein, carbs, and fat intake. Calculate macronutrients based on your body stats, activity level, and fitness goals. Choose from preset diet plans (Balanced, Low Carb, High Protein, Keto, Low Fat) or create custom macro ratios. Includes per-meal breakdown, diet plan comparison, and personalized protein recommendations. Uses Mifflin-St Jeor and Katch-McArdle formulas.

Standard balanced diet

Daily Calorie Target
2,507kcal
TDEE: 2,507 kcalBMR: 1,618 kcal

Your Daily Macros

Balanced diet plan

2,507 kcal
Protein

30%

188g

2.7g/kg

Carbs

40%

251g

3.6g/kg

Fat

30%

84g

1.2g/kg

Protein recommendation for your goal: 1.2-1.8 g/kg for general health (~84-126g for your weight)

Per-Meal Breakdown

Macros evenly distributed across 3 meals

MealProteinCarbsFatCalories
Meal 163g84g28g837
Meal 263g84g28g837
Meal 363g84g28g837

Diet Plan Comparison

How macros change across different diet plans at 2507 kcal

PlanProteinCarbsFat
Balanced30/40/30188g251g84g
Low Carb35/20/45219g125g125g
High Protein40/30/30251g188g84g
Keto20/5/75125g31g209g
Low Fat30/50/20188g313g56g

What is a Macro Calculator?

Your tool for personalized nutrition planning

A macro calculator determines how many grams of protein, carbohydrates, and fat you should eat daily based on your body stats, activity level, and fitness goals. Unlike a simple calorie calculator, a macro calculator breaks down your total calories into specific nutrient targets.

Macronutrients ("macros") are the three main nutrients your body needs in large quantities: protein (4 calories per gram), carbohydrates (4 calories per gram), and fat (9 calories per gram). Each plays a unique role in your body, and the right balance depends on your goals.

How to Calculate Your Macros

The step-by-step process

  1. 1
    Calculate Your BMR

    Your Basal Metabolic Rate is the calories your body burns at rest. We use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation (or Katch-McArdle if you know your body fat percentage).

  2. 2
    Calculate Your TDEE

    Your Total Daily Energy Expenditure is your BMR multiplied by an activity factor (1.2 to 1.9). This is your maintenance calories.

  3. 3
    Adjust for Your Goal

    Subtract calories for weight loss or add for muscle gain. The rate of change varies by individual, but a moderate deficit of 500 calories per day is a common starting point for gradual fat loss.

  4. 4
    Split Into Macros

    Divide your target calories into protein, carbs, and fat based on your chosen diet plan. Each diet plan has different ratios optimized for different goals.

Understanding Each Macronutrient

What each macro does and where to find it

Protein (4 cal/g)

Essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, producing enzymes and hormones, and supporting immune function. Higher protein intake helps preserve muscle during weight loss and supports growth during bulking.

Sources: Chicken breast, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, lentils, whey protein

Carbohydrates (4 cal/g)

Your body's preferred energy source, especially during high-intensity exercise. Carbs fuel your brain, muscles, and central nervous system. Complex carbs provide sustained energy and fiber.

Sources: Rice, oats, sweet potatoes, whole wheat bread, fruits, vegetables, quinoa

Fat (9 cal/g)

Critical for hormone production (including testosterone), vitamin absorption (A, D, E, K), brain health, and cell membrane integrity. The USDA Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range recommends 20–35% of calories from fat for most adults.

Sources: Avocado, nuts, olive oil, fatty fish, eggs, cheese, coconut oil

Diet Plan Macro Ratios Explained

Choosing the right macro split for your goals

Diet PlanP / C / FBest For
Balanced30/40/30General health, maintenance, beginners
Low Carb35/20/45Fat loss, insulin sensitivity, steady energy
High Protein40/30/30Muscle building, cutting, athletic performance
Keto20/5/75A common keto variant; ketosis, epilepsy management
Low Fat30/50/20Heart health, high-carb athletes, endurance sports

Macro Tracking Tips

Best practices for counting macros effectively

Do This

  • Prioritize hitting your protein target first
  • Use a food scale for accurate portions
  • Prep meals ahead to stay consistent
  • Aim for ±5g on each macro, not perfection

Avoid This

  • Going below 20% fat without medical guidance
  • Eating too little protein during a cut
  • Ignoring micronutrients (vitamins, minerals)
  • Obsessing over hitting exact numbers daily

Important Disclaimer

Please read before making dietary decisions

This macro calculator provides estimates based on established formulas. Individual needs vary based on genetics, medical conditions, and other factors. These results are for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about macros, macro counting, and nutrition planning