How to Measure the Protein-Carb Ratio

A balanced diet will contain the proper amount of protein and carbohydrates. Protein is needed for muscle repair while carbohydrates provide energy. Overweight people should consume less carbohydrates since they can lead to weight gain. A diet higher in protein is necessary for people that would like to build muscle or recover quickly from workouts. However, for the average person, there is a basic calculation that will determine how many carbohydrates and how much protein you should consume in a day.

Things You'll Need

• Scale
• Measuring tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the number of grams of proteins that you will need. One gram of protein is needed for your "due body weight." Your "due body weight" is equivalent to your height in centimeters minus 100. Measure your height in inches with a tape measure. Convert your height to centimeters by multiplying your height in inches by 2.54. Subtract 100 from the resulting number. This is your "due body weight."

• 2

  Determine the number of grams of carbs that you need. Multiply the number of grams of protein by 0.08.

• 3

  Determine your ratio of protein to carbs needed in a day by doing a ratio calculation. Round each result from previous two steps to the nearest whole number. Divide both numbers by their greatest common factor. The greatest common factor is the highest number that will divide into both of these numbers. Write out the ratio as follows replacing the words with the results. "Proteins:Carbs"