← All Calculators

Child Calorie Needs Calculator

How many calories does your child need per day? Calculation by age, sex, height, weight and activity level.

1–18 years

Reference values by age (kcal/day)

Values for moderate activity, IOM reference.

AgeBoyGirl
1–3 years11001050
4–8 years15001400
9–13 years20001800
14–18 years27002100

How it works

The calculator uses the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) formula from the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM). It accounts for age, sex, height, weight and an age-specific physical activity coefficient (PA). For children under three, fixed reference values apply (1-year-old boy: 948 kcal, 2-year-old girl: 992 kcal etc.). From age 3: kcal/day = constants − age + PA·(weight + height). Growth spurts, puberty and exercise change needs significantly.

Important: these are guideline values. Growth, illness and activity vary widely. If you are concerned about under- or overeating, talk to your pediatrician or a registered dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories does a child need per day?+
It depends heavily on age. A 4-year-old girl with moderate activity needs around 1300 kcal, a 14-year-old active boy around 2800 kcal. The calculator uses the IOM EER formula for precise values.
Which formula is used?+
The Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) from the U.S. Institute of Medicine (DRI 2002/2005). It is the standard in pediatrics and nutrition science and accounts for growth.
What do the activity levels mean?+
Sedentary = school plus homework, little sport. Low active = walking to school plus outdoor play. Active = club sports several times a week. Very active = competitive sport or several hours of movement daily.
Why does my child need more calories than me?+
Children grow — building muscle and bone, plus a higher resting metabolic rate per kg of body weight, raises energy needs. During puberty, requirements rise again significantly.
Should I count calories for my child?+
No. For healthy children, focus on balanced meals and hunger cues. The calculator helps you estimate the order of magnitude — useful when there are concerns about weight or unusual activity levels.
Does this apply to babies?+
No. Babies under 1 year follow different recommendations — see our Baby Feeding Amount Calculator. From age 1, this Child Calorie Needs Calculator applies.

Related Calculators

BMR Calculator

Calculate the calories your body burns at rest.

Caffeine Calculator

Track your current caffeine level and find out when you can safely sleep.

Calorie Deficit Calculator

Calculate your daily calorie target for weight loss.

Calories Burned Calculator

Calculate how many calories you burn during different activities.

Background

Child Calorie Needs: How Many Calories Does My Child Need?

7 min