PROTEIN
CALCULATOR

Get your optimal daily protein target — evidence-based, goal-specific.

✅ Research-Based Ranges🥩 Min / Optimal / Max🎯 Goal-Specific
Your Details
Daily Protein Target
--
Grams Protein / Day (Optimal)
Minimum (lower bound)--
Optimal--
Maximum Useful--
g per kg body weight--
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Protein Intake Reference
GoalRecommended IntakeNotes
Sedentary adult0.8g/kgRDA minimum — prevents deficiency
General fitness1.3–1.6g/kgModerate activity, health maintenance
Building muscle1.6–2.0g/kgResistance training with surplus
Fat loss (preserve muscle)1.8–2.4g/kgBest for cutting phase
Elite athlete2.0–2.7g/kgHigh volume training phases
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How Much Protein Do I Need Per Day?

Active adults building muscle need 1.6–2.0g of protein per kg of body weight. During fat loss: 1.8–2.4g/kg preserves lean mass. The RDA of 0.8g/kg prevents deficiency but does not optimise body composition. A 75kg person building muscle needs 120–150g protein daily.

What This Calculator Does

The Protein Calculator gives you a research-backed daily protein target based on body weight and goal. It applies the findings of a 2018 meta-analysis of 1,863 participants — the largest protein supplementation study to date.

The Formula Explained

Fat loss: 1.8–2.4g per kg body weight. Muscle gain: 1.6–2.0g per kg. General fitness: 1.3–1.6g per kg. Sedentary minimum: 0.8g per kg. Example: 75kg male, building muscle → 1.8g × 75 = 135g protein/day minimum.

What Your Result Means

The RDA of 0.8g/kg was set to prevent deficiency in sedentary adults — not to optimise body composition. If you train, you need significantly more. Higher protein intake increases satiety, preserves lean mass during fat loss, and has a 20–30% thermic effect (your body burns more calories just digesting it).

Next Steps

Macro Calculator to integrate protein into full macros · Calorie Calculator to find your total calorie budget

How Much Protein Do You Need?

The RDA of 0.8g/kg is the minimum to prevent deficiency — not the optimal intake for health, body composition, or performance. Research supports 1.6–2.4g/kg for active individuals and up to 2.7g/kg during aggressive fat loss phases. Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, has the highest thermic effect, and is essential for preserving lean mass during any dietary phase.

SM
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Mitchell, M.D.
Board-Certified Internal Medicine · 12 Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Mitchell reviews all IndexBody health content for clinical accuracy and alignment with WHO, CDC, and NIH guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein do I need per day?
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Sedentary adults need a minimum of 0.8g/kg. Active individuals benefit from 1.3–1.6g/kg. Those building muscle or losing fat benefit most from 1.6–2.4g/kg. Elite athletes may need 2.0–2.7g/kg during intensive training phases.
What are the best protein sources?
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Animal sources (chicken breast, tuna, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, lean beef) provide complete amino acid profiles. Top plant sources include tofu, tempeh, edamame, lentils, and quinoa. Whey protein is the most rapidly absorbed and leucine-rich, making it ideal post-workout.