Eating windows

Intermittent Fasting Calculator

Pick a fasting protocol, we recalculate calorie targets across your eating window.

Intermittent fasting compresses your eating into a shorter window. Calorie targets do not change, only meal timing. Common protocols: 16:8 (16-hour fast / 8-hour eating window), 18:6, 20:4, OMAD (one meal a day), 5:2 (two non-consecutive 500–600 kcal days per week), ADF (alternate-day fasting).

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Your daily target

· cal/day

Enter your details and click Calculate

  • BMR · cal/day at rest
  • BMI ·  
  • Lean body mass · kg

30% protein · 40% carbs · 30% fat

Advanced metrics

Numbers are estimates. Eat at your target for 2 to 3 weeks, track weight, and adjust by ±100 cal/day if it does not match your real maintenance. See how accurate is TDEE?

Show advanced metrics 12 metrics · 7 formulas · 2D macro selector · life-stage

All metrics

Calculate above to populate the full metric table.

All 7 BMR formulas (side-by-side)

Mifflin–St Jeor · Harris–Benedict (revised) · Katch–McArdle · Cunningham · Average · Simple multiplier · Custom

TDEE across activity levels

See how much your TDEE changes between sedentary and athlete. Highlighted bar is your current selection.

Macros: 2D selector

Goal × carb-split matrix: Cut / Maintain / Bulk × Low / Moderate / High carb.

Life-stage adjustments

Luteal phase · Pregnancy (T1/T2/T3) · Breastfeeding · Perimenopause · PCOS

Common protocols

  • 16:8, eat 12pm–8pm, fast 8pm–12pm. Easiest entry. Most evidence base.
  • 18:6, eat 1pm–7pm. Slightly tighter. Good for fat-loss phases.
  • 20:4 (Warrior), eat 4pm–8pm. Two meals, harder adherence.
  • OMAD, one large meal per day. Effective for some, hard to hit protein.
  • 5:2, eat normally 5 days, restrict to 500–600 kcal on 2 non-consecutive days.
  • ADF, alternate full eating days with fast days (~25% TDEE).

Does fasting boost fat loss?

Per multiple meta-analyses, intermittent fasting works for fat loss because it reduces total calorie intake, not via a magic metabolic effect. Calorie deficit is the active mechanism. Fasting is a delivery vehicle that some people find easier to adhere to.

Frequently asked questions

Does fasting damage muscle?
Not when total protein is adequate (1.6–2.2 g/kg/day) and resistance training continues. A 2016 study (Tinsley et al.) found no muscle loss in resistance-trained men on a 20:4 protocol vs. ad libitum.
Can I drink coffee while fasting?
Black coffee, tea, and water do not break a fast. Adding sugar, milk, or cream does. Artificial sweeteners are debated, the safest is to avoid them during the fasting window.
Is fasting safe for women?
Most studies show it's safe for healthy adult women. Women with menstrual irregularities, eating disorder history, pregnancy, or breastfeeding should avoid extended fasting. Listen to your body, if cycles become irregular, dial back.