How to Figure Daily Caloric Intake

Every person--man, woman, girl, boy, infant--will require a different caloric requirement. Even within those categories, athletes, invalids or pregnant women will require something different. There are several ways to get a general idea of your daily caloric intake.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Show More

Instructions

How to Figure Daily Caloric Intake

• 1

  Calculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR). The BMR is the least amount of calories your body needs to perform functions such as digestion and breathing. This number, like the body mass index, does not take into account lean body muscle, which requires more energy to maintain. (Ref. 1.)

• 2

  Use the Harris Benedict formula. (Ref. 2.) This formula provides a rough estimate of daily caloric requirements. Multiply your BMR by a Harris Benedict activity factor.

• 3

  Adjust for special lifestyles. Remember, this number is only a rough estimate. Pregnant women will need to add about 300 calories per day in the later trimesters. If you are trying to lose weight, subtract 500 calories from your daily needs to lose one pound per week, and add 500 calories per day if you want to gain one pound per week.