Find out how many calories you should eat per day based on your age, sex, and activity level — with charts from toddlers to seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories should a woman over 50 eat per day?
A sedentary woman over 50 needs roughly 1,600 calories per day. A moderately active woman in this age range needs about 1,800 calories, and an active woman needs around 2,000 to 2,200 calories. These estimates come from the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
How many calories does a teenager need per day?
Teenagers have the highest calorie needs of any age group. Active teen boys aged 14 to 18 may need up to 3,200 calories per day, while active teen girls in the same range need about 2,400. Even sedentary teens need 1,800 to 2,000 calories to support growth and development.
Do calorie needs decrease after age 60?
Yes. After 60, your Basal Metabolic Rate declines as you lose lean muscle mass and your body becomes less metabolically active. Calorie needs typically drop by 200 to 400 calories per day compared to your 20s, depending on activity level.
How do I calculate my exact daily calorie needs?
Use the Mifflin-St Jeor equation to estimate your Basal Metabolic Rate, then multiply by an activity factor (1.2 for sedentary up to 1.9 for very active). This gives your Total Daily Energy Expenditure — the calories you need to maintain your current weight.