For a generally healthy adult, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams
per kilogram of body weight per day, or about 0.36 grams per pound. For example, a 150-pound (68
kg) adult would need about 54–55 grams of protein per day to meet the basic RDA.
However, 0.8 g/kg is a baseline recommendation, not necessarily the ideal amount for everyone.
Your protein needs can be higher depending on your age, activity level, and goals.
If you exercise regularly, especially if you do strength training, research suggests that around
1.4–2.0 g/kg per day may be appropriate for most active adults. If you’re trying to lose weight,
getting enough protein can also help support muscle while you’re eating fewer calories. Older
adults may benefit from higher protein intake as well.
In other words, there isn’t one protein target that works for everyone. Your ideal daily protein
intake depends on your body and what you’re trying to achieve.
Use our protein calculator above to get a personalized estimate based on your weight, activity
level, and goal.