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Macro Calculator

Calculate your daily protein, carbs and fat targets using the Mifflin-St Jeor or Katch-McArdle formula, choose from 5 diet-type presets or build your own custom split, and get a full per-meal breakdown.

Last updated: July 2026 ยท Based on established nutrition science

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How the Macro Calculator Works

Enter Details

Enter your stats, activity level, goal and optional body fat percentage.

Calculate Calories

We calculate your BMR, TDEE and goal-adjusted daily calorie target.

Split Into Macros

Calories are split into protein, carbs and fat using your chosen diet type.

Get Your Plan

See your macros per day and per meal, plus fiber and limit guidance.

What Are Macronutrients?

Macronutrients, or "macros," are the three nutrients that supply your body with energy: protein, carbohydrates and fat. Unlike micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), macros are needed in large amounts and each plays a distinct role in how your body functions, repairs itself and performs.

๐Ÿฅฉ Protein (4 cal/g)

Builds and repairs muscle tissue, supports immune function and keeps you feeling full longer.

๐Ÿž Carbohydrates (4 cal/g)

Your body's primary energy source, fueling workouts, brain function and daily activity.

๐Ÿฅ‘ Fat (9 cal/g)

Supports hormone production, nutrient absorption and long-term, steady energy.

How We Calculate Your Macros

This calculator works in three stages: first it estimates your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), then it applies your activity level to find your maintenance calories (TDEE), and finally it adjusts that number for your goal before splitting it into grams of protein, carbs and fat.

Daily Calories = BMR ร— Activity Multiplier ร— (1 ยฑ Goal %)

๐Ÿ“ Mifflin-St Jeor (Default)

Used when no body fat percentage is entered. Estimates BMR from your weight, height, age and gender, and is accurate for most people.

๐ŸŽฏ Katch-McArdle (Advanced)

Used automatically when you enter a body fat percentage. Calculates BMR from lean body mass, which is more accurate for lean or muscular individuals.

Diet Type Comparison

Different macro ratios suit different goals, training styles and personal preferences. There's no single "best" split for everyone, so this calculator lets you choose the approach that fits your situation, or set a fully custom ratio.

Diet Type Protein / Carbs / Fat Best For
Balanced 30 / 40 / 30 General health and sustainable everyday eating
High-Protein 40 / 30 / 30 Muscle building or preserving muscle during a cut
Low-Carb 35 / 20 / 45 Reducing blood sugar swings and appetite control
Keto 25 / 5 / 70 Ketogenic dieters targeting nutritional ketosis
Endurance / High-Carb 20 / 55 / 25 Endurance athletes with high training volume

Protein Intake Guide by Goal

Protein needs vary based on activity level and goal. This calculator's "protein per kg body weight" figure lets you cross-check your target against these general research-based ranges.

Goal Protein (g per kg body weight)
Sedentary Maintenance 0.8 - 1.2 g/kg
Weight Loss (Preserve Muscle) 1.6 - 2.2 g/kg
Muscle Gain 1.6 - 2.2 g/kg
Endurance Athletes 1.2 - 1.6 g/kg

Tips for Tracking Your Macros

๐Ÿ“ฑ Use a food tracking app to log meals accurately, at least at first.
โš–๏ธ Weigh food when possible instead of estimating portions by eye.
๐Ÿฅฉ Prioritize hitting your protein target first, then fill in carbs and fat.
๐Ÿ“Š Focus on weekly averages rather than perfect daily numbers.
๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Plan meals ahead of time to make hitting your targets easier.
๐Ÿ”„ Recalculate your macros every 5-10 lbs of weight change.

Common Mistakes When Counting Macros

โš ๏ธ Ignoring fiber, added sugar and saturated fat while only tracking totals.
โš ๏ธ Setting an unrealistically low fat percentage, which can affect hormones.
โš ๏ธ Not eating enough protein, making it harder to preserve muscle.
โš ๏ธ Chasing exact numbers instead of consistent daily ranges.
โš ๏ธ Never recalculating targets as body weight or activity changes.
โš ๏ธ Copying someone else's macro split instead of using your own numbers.

Disclaimer

This Macro Calculator provides an estimate based on the information you enter and standard metabolic and nutrition formulas. Individual nutrient needs can vary due to genetics, medical conditions, medications and lifestyle factors. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Macro Calculator?

A Macro Calculator estimates your daily protein, carbohydrate and fat targets based on your body stats, activity level, goal and chosen diet type.

2. Which diet type should I choose?

Balanced works well for general health, High-Protein suits muscle building or preserving muscle while losing fat, Low-Carb and Keto suit those managing blood sugar or following ketogenic eating, and Endurance/High-Carb suits athletes with heavy training volume.

3. Why does entering body fat percentage change my results?

When body fat percentage is provided, this calculator switches to the Katch-McArdle formula, which bases your BMR on lean body mass instead of total body weight, giving a more accurate result for lean or muscular individuals.

4. Can I set my own macro ratio?

Yes. Selecting "Custom" in the Diet Type field lets you enter your own protein, carb and fat percentages, as long as they add up to 100%.

5. How is the per-meal breakdown calculated?

Your total daily protein, carbs, fat and calories are divided evenly across the number of meals you select, giving you a target to hit at each meal.

6. What are the fiber and sugar limits based on?

Fiber targets follow the general guideline of about 14 grams per 1,000 calories, while added sugar and saturated fat limits follow the common recommendation of keeping each under 10% of total daily calories.

7. Should I recalculate my macros over time?

Yes. As your weight, activity level or goal changes, your calorie and macro needs change too, so it's recommended to recalculate every 5-10 lbs of weight change.

8. Is this Macro Calculator free?

Yes. This calculator is completely free and works on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.

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