Protein Calculator
The Protein Calculator estimates the daily amount of dietary protein adults require to remain healthy. Children, those who are highly physically active, and pregnant and nursing women typically require more protein. The calculator is also useful for monitoring protein intake for those with kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, or other conditions in which protein intake is a factor.
- Exercise: 15-30 minutes of elevated heart rate activity.
- Intense exercise: 45-120 minutes of elevated heart rate activity.
- Very intense exercise: 2+ hours of elevated heart rate activity.
What are proteins?
Proteins are one of three primary macronutrients that provide energy to the human body, along with fats and carbohydrates. Proteins are also responsible for a large portion of the work that is done in cells; they are necessary for proper structure and function of tissues and organs, and also act to regulate them. They are comprised of a number of amino acids that are essential to proper body function, and serve as the building blocks of body tissue.
There are 20 different amino acids in total, and the sequence of amino acids determines a protein's structure and function. While some amino acids can be synthesized in the body, there are 9 amino acids that humans can only obtain from dietary sources (insufficient amounts of which may sometimes result in death), termed essential amino acids. Foods that provide all of the essential amino acids are called complete protein sources, and include both animal (meat, dairy, eggs, fish) as well as plant-based sources (soy, quinoa, buckwheat).
Proteins can be categorized based on the function they provide to the body. Below is a list of some types of proteins:
- Antibody—proteins that protect the body from foreign particles, such as viruses and bacteria, by binding to them
- Enzyme—proteins that help form new molecules as well as perform the many chemical reactions that occur throughout the body
- Messenger—proteins that transmit signals throughout the body to maintain body processes
- Structural component—proteins that act as building blocks for cells that ultimately allow the body to move
- Transport/storage—proteins that move molecules throughout the body
As can be seen, proteins have many important roles throughout the body, and as such, it is important to provide sufficient nutrition to the body to maintain healthy protein levels.
How much protein do I need?
The amount of protein that the human body requires daily is dependent on many conditions, including overall energy intake, growth of the individual, and physical activity level. It is often estimated based on body weight, as a percentage of total caloric intake (10-35%), or based on age alone. 0.8g/kg of body weight is a commonly cited recommended dietary allowance (RDA). This value is the minimum recommended value to maintain basic nutritional requirements, but consuming more protein, up to a certain point, maybe beneficial, depending on the sources of the protein.
The recommended range of protein intake is between 0.8 g/kg and 1.8 g/kg of body weight, dependent on the many factors listed above. People who are highly active, or who wish to build more muscle should generally consume more protein. Some sources suggest consuming between 1.8 to 2 g/kg for those who are highly active. The amount of protein a person should consume, to date, is not an exact science, and each individual should consult a specialist, be it a dietitian, doctor, or personal trainer, to help determine their individual needs.
Recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of protein, based on age
| Protein Needed (grams/day) | |
| Age 1 - 3 | 13 |
| Age 4 - 8 | 19 |
| Age 9 - 13 | 34 |
| Age 14 - 18 (Girls) | 46 |
| Age 14 - 18 (Boys) | 52 |
| Age 19 - 70+ (Women) | 46 |
| Age 19 - 70+ (Men) | 56 |
Extra Protein Requirements for Pregnancy and Lactation
| Safe Intake (grams / day) | Additional Energy Requirement (kJ/day) | Protein : energy ratio | |
| Pregnancy trimester 1 | 1 | 375 | 0.04 |
| Pregnancy trimester 2 | 10 | 1,200 | 0.11 |
| Pregnancy trimester 3 | 31 | 1,950 | 0.23 |
| Lactation First 6 months | 19 | 2,800 | 0.11 |
| Lactation After 6 months | 13 | 1,925 | 0.11 |
Foods high in protein
There are many different combinations of food that a person can eat to meet their protein intake requirements. For many people, a large portion of protein intake comes from meat and dairy, though it is possible to get enough protein while meeting certain dietary restrictions you might have. Generally, it is easier to meet your RDA of protein by consuming meat and dairy, but an excess of either can have a negative health impact. There are plenty of plant-based protein options, but they generally contain less protein in a given serving. Ideally, a person should consume a mixture of meat, dairy, and plant-based foods in order to meet their RDA and have a balanced diet replete with nutrients.
If possible, consuming a variety of complete proteins is recommended. A complete protein is a protein that contains a good amount of each of the nine essential amino acids required in the human diet. Examples of complete protein foods or meals include:
Meat/Dairy examples
- Eggs
- Chicken breast
- Cottage cheese
- Greek yogurt
- Milk
- Lean beef
- Tuna
- Turkey breast
- Fish
- Shrimp
Vegan/plant-based examples
- Buckwheat
- Hummus and pita
- Soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame beans)
- Peanut butter on toast or some other bread
- Beans and rice
- Quinoa
- Hemp and chia seeds
- Spirulina
Generally, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products are complete protein sources. Nuts and seeds, legumes, grains, and vegetables, among other things, are usually incomplete proteins. There is nothing wrong with incomplete proteins however, and there are many healthy, high protein foods that are incomplete proteins. As long as you consume a sufficient variety of incomplete proteins to get all the required amino acids, it is not necessary to specifically eat complete protein foods. In fact, certain high fat red meats for example, a common source of complete proteins, can be unhealthy. Below are some examples of high protein foods that are not complete proteins:
- Almonds
- Oats
- Broccoli
- Lentils
- Ezekiel bread
- Chia seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Peanuts
- Brussels sprouts
- Grapefruit
- Green peas
- Avocados
- Mushrooms
As can be seen, there are many different foods a person can consume to meet their RDA of protein. The examples provided above do not constitute an exhaustive list of high protein or complete protein foods. As with everything else, balance is important, and the examples provided above are an attempt at providing a list of healthier protein options (when consumed in moderation).
Amount of protein in common food
| Protein Amount | |
| Milk (1 cup/8 oz) | 8 g |
| Egg (1 large/50 g) | 6 g |
| Meat (1 slice / 2 oz) | 14 g |
| Seafood (2 oz) | 16 g |
| Bread (1 slice/64 g) | 8 g |
| Corn (1 cup/166 g) | 16 g |
| Rice (1 cup/195 g) | 5 g |
| Dry Bean (1 cup/92 g) | 16 g |
| Nuts (1 cup/92 g) | 20 g |
| Fruits and Vegetables (1 cup) | 0-1 g |
| Pizza (1 slice/107 g) | 12 g |
| Hamburger (McDonald Medium) | 20 g |