Free Paediatric Calorie & Protein Calculator
Daily calorie, protein, fibre and fluid needs for children aged 0–18. Uses Schofield BMR equations and IOM Dietary Reference Intakes.
References & sources
- [1]Schofield WN. Predicting basal metabolic rate, new standards and review of previous work. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr. 1985;39 Suppl 1:5-41.
- [2]FAO/WHO/UNU. Human energy requirements: Report of a Joint FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Technical Report Series 1. Rome, 2004.
- [3]Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids (Macronutrients). Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2005.
- [4]Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2005.
- [5]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Growth Charts - CDC and WHO growth standards.
Medical disclaimer
This calculator is for educational use and provides estimates for healthy, typically-developing children aged 0-18. It does not replace individualised assessment by a paediatrician or paediatric registered dietitian. Children with medical conditions (cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy, congenital heart disease, failure to thrive, eating disorders, etc.), those outside typical growth percentiles, or premature infants require clinical evaluation. Never use this tool in place of growth-chart monitoring, laboratory assessment, or specialist advice.
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Preguntas Frecuentes
Which equation does this calculator use for children?
We use the Schofield age/sex-specific BMR equations recommended by WHO and the Institute of Medicine for paediatric populations. Schofield is widely used in clinical nutrition because it requires only weight and age, making it practical when height data is unreliable (a common issue with young children).
How much protein does my child really need?
The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) ranges from about 1.05 g/kg for 1-3 year-olds down to 0.85 g/kg for adolescents aged 14-18. Most children meet or exceed these amounts easily — deficiency is rare in developed countries outside of restrictive diets or significant medical conditions.
Is this tool suitable for infants under 1 year?
It provides estimates for ages 0-1 using Schofield infant equations, but infant nutrition is highly individualised (breastfeeding versus formula, solids introduction, growth trajectory). Infants should be assessed in consultation with a paediatrician or paediatric dietitian — do not rely solely on a calculator.
What about children with medical conditions or who are not typical weights?
This calculator assumes a healthy, typically-developing child at a healthy weight. Children with cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, congenital heart disease, obesity, or failure to thrive have very different energy needs. Always work with a registered paediatric dietitian for clinical assessment.
Does this replace growth percentile tracking?
No. Growth monitoring using CDC or WHO growth charts remains the gold standard for assessing whether a child is thriving. This tool estimates nutritional needs; it does not replace plotting weight-for-age, height-for-age, or BMI-for-age percentiles.