UnityLife

Protein Calculator

How much protein do I actually need?

Free Canadian protein calculator. Pick an activity level — we apply the matching evidence-based g/kg multiplier from Health Canada and the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Free tool

Estimated daily protein

84g/day

Between the sedentary RDA (0.8 g/kg) and the ISSN 1.4–2.0 g/kg range for trained populations. 1.2 g/kg × 70.0 kg.

Spread across 3–5 meals with ~25–40 g protein per meal for the most consistent muscle-protein synthesis response (Schoenfeld & Aragon, 2018).

Reference only. People with kidney disease, on dialysis, or with specific medical conditions need an individualised target from a registered Canadian dietitian or their physician — not a webpage.

Where the numbers come from

The 0.8 g/kg/day figure you hear quoted everywhere is the Recommended Daily Allowance — Health Canada / IOM’s estimate of the minimum needed to keep a sedentary adult out of negative nitrogen balance. It is not an optimum for an active person, an older adult worried about sarcopenia, or someone trying to keep muscle while in a calorie deficit.

The 2017 ISSN position stand (Jäger et al.) reviewed decades of nitrogen-balance and lean-mass studies and concluded that 1.4–2.0 g/kg/day is appropriate for most active people. Helms et al. (2014) reviewed lean-mass retention during deficits and recommended ~2.3–3.1 g/kg of fat-free mass — roughly equivalent to 2.2 g/kg of total body weight for most lifters.

What the result doesn’t tell you

This is a daily target, not a per-meal prescription. Older adults specifically benefit from ≥ 0.4 g/kg per meal to overcome the “anabolic resistance” that comes with age. People on dialysis, with eating-disorder histories, or on GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) may need very different targets — see a registered Canadian dietitian, not a webpage.

This tool is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed Canadian healthcare professional. Read our full disclaimer.