Calculating Children's Calories

Age and sexNot 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 old1000 calories165***1000-1400 calories165 to 170
Children 4-8 years old1200-1400 calories170***1400-1800 calories170 to 195
Girls 9-13 years old1600 calories1301600-2200 calories130 to 290
Boys 9-13 years old1800 calories1951800-2600 calories195 to 410
Girls 14-18 years old1800 calories1952000-2400 calories265 to 360
Boys 14-18 years old2200 calories2902400-3200 calories360 to 650
Females 19-30 years old2000 calories2652000-2400 calories265 to 360
Males 19-30 years old2400 calories3602600-3000 calories410 to 510
Females 31-50 years old1800 calories1952000-2200 calories265 to 290
Males 31-50 years old2200 calories2902400-3000 calories360 to 510
Females 51+ years old1600 calories1301800-2200 calories195 to 290
Males 51+ years old2000 calories2652200-2800 calories290 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.