Child Calorie Needs Calculator
Daily energy needs for children by age and activity.
Enter your values
Enter the age in yrs.
Choose one of: Boy, Girl.
Choose one of: Sedentary, Low active, Active, Very active.
Enter the weight in kg.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Daily calories
- 2,014 kcal
- Protein target
- 37 g
- Per meal (3 + 2 snacks)
- 403 kcal
- Water
- 1.4 litres/day
Quick answer
Children's calorie needs rise steeply with age and activity, peaking in the teenage growth spurt.
EER by age band x activity factor
At a glance
| What it does | Daily energy needs for children by age and activity. |
|---|---|
| Category | Health |
| Inputs needed | Age, Sex, Activity, Weight |
| Main output | Daily calories |
| Formula | EER by age band x activity factor |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Child Calorie Needs Calculator
- 1Enter the child's age, sex and current weight.
- 2Pick the activity level that matches a normal week, including sport.
- 3Use as a guide only — appetite and growth curves matter more.
Inputs explained
- Age(yrs)
- Enter the age in yrs.
- Sex
- Choose one of: Boy, Girl.
- Activity
- Choose one of: Sedentary, Low active, Active, Very active.
- Weight(kg)
- Enter the weight in kg.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Age10 yrs
- SexBoy
- ActivityLow active
- Weight34 kg
Results
- Daily calories2,014 kcal
- Protein target37 g
- Per meal (3 + 2 snacks)403 kcal
- Water1.4 litres/day
Frequently asked questions
Should children count calories?
No. Use this for meal planning, not to restrict a child's intake.
When to see a professional?
Any concern about growth, weight or eating patterns warrants a paediatrician.
What do I need to enter into the Child Calorie Needs Calculator?
Just 4 values: age, sex, activity, weight. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Child Calorie Needs Calculator work out the answer?
Children's calorie needs rise steeply with age and activity, peaking in the teenage growth spurt. It applies the formula EER by age band x activity factor and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Child Calorie Needs Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.