Calories & Nutrition
Macro Calculator Guide for Beginners
How to set your protein, carbohydrate, and fat targets without overcomplicating it.
8 min read·Updated 25 June 2026
HG
HealthGood Editorial Team
Last updated 25 June 2026
Reviewed by HealthGood Editorial Standards Board
Macronutrients — protein, carbohydrates, and fat — together make up your daily calorie intake. Setting sensible targets makes calorie tracking much more useful.
A simple framework
- Set total daily calories from your TDEE and goal.
- Set protein based on body weight (see our protein guide).
- Set fat at roughly 20–35% of total calories — never below about 0.5 g/kg.
- Fill the remainder with carbohydrates.
Frequently asked questions
Related calculators
Related guides
References
- World Health Organization — Body mass index (BMI). https://www.who.int
- NHS — Healthy weight and BMI. https://www.nhs.uk
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Healthy Weight, Nutrition, and Physical Activity. https://www.cdc.gov
- Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST, et al. A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure. Am J Clin Nutr (1990).