Children Calories

Calculating Children's Calories

Age and sex	Not physically active*	Not physically active*	Physically active**	Physically active**
	Estimated total calorie need	Estimated discretionary calorie allowance	Estimated total calorie need	Estimated discretionary calorie allowance
Children 2-3 years old	1000 calories	165***	1000-1400 calories	165 to 170
Children 4-8 years old	1200-1400 calories	170***	1400-1800 calories	170 to 195
Girls 9-13 years old	1600 calories	130	1600-2200 calories	130 to 290
Boys 9-13 years old	1800 calories	195	1800-2600 calories	195 to 410
Girls 14-18 years old	1800 calories	195	2000-2400 calories	265 to 360
Boys 14-18 years old	2200 calories	290	2400-3200 calories	360 to 650
Females 19-30 years old	2000 calories	265	2000-2400 calories	265 to 360
Males 19-30 years old	2400 calories	360	2600-3000 calories	410 to 510
Females 31-50 years old	1800 calories	195	2000-2200 calories	265 to 290
Males 31-50 years old	2200 calories	290	2400-3000 calories	360 to 510
Females 51+ years old	1600 calories	130	1800-2200 calories	195 to 290
Males 51+ years old	2000 calories	265	2200-2800 calories	290 to 425

*These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days.

**These amounts are appropriate for individuals who get at least 30 minutes (lower calorie level) to at least 60 minutes (higher calorie level) of moderate physical activity most days.

***The number of discretionary calories is higher for children 8 and younger than it is for older children or adults consuming the same number of calories, because younger children’s nutrient needs are lower. Therefore, less food from the basic food groups and fewer “essential calories” are needed.

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