How to Know How Much Protein to Eat?

Aim for about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day for most adults

Use about 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram per day if you exercise regularly, want to build muscle, or are dieting

Use about 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram per day if your goal is muscle gain or fat loss while preserving muscle

Use the lower end of the range if you are mostly sedentary

Use the higher end of the range if you are older, very active, or recovering from injury

Calculate your target by multiplying your body weight in kilograms by your chosen grams per kilogram

If you know your weight in pounds, divide by 2.2 to get kilograms first

Spread protein across meals instead of eating most of it at once

Check for special needs if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have kidney disease, or have a medical condition

Ask a doctor or dietitian if you are unsure what target is right for you

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