Calorie Density of Macronutrients

The Atwater System

Protein: 4 kcal/g. Carbohydrates: 4 kcal/g. Fat: 9 kcal/g. Alcohol: 7 kcal/g. These are the values used on nutrition labels worldwide. Fibre is often counted as 0–2 kcal/g depending on the labelling system.

Why Fat is Calorie-Dense

Fat contains more than twice the calories of protein or carbs per gram. This doesn't make it 'bad' — fat is essential for hormone production, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), and satiety. But it does mean small amounts contribute significant calories.

Checking Nutrition Labels

UK labels show energy in both kcal and kJ (1 kcal = 4.184 kJ). If the macros and calories on a label don't match this calculator, the label may include fibre in carbohydrates (UK labels) vs net carbs (US labels). Subtract fibre from carbs for US-style counting.

Calories From Macros Calculator

Results update automatically as you type

Enter values above to calculate