Health Canada
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Food and Nutrition
Canada's Food Guide

Estimated Energy Requirements

Males (Calories per day)

Age Sedentary1
Level
Low Active2
Level
Active3
Level
2-3 y 1100 1350 1500
4-5 y 1250 1450 1650
6-7 y 1400 1600 1800
8-9 y 1500 1750 2000
10-11 y 1700 2000 2300
12-13 y 1900 2250 2600
14-16 y 2300 2700 3100
17-18 y 2450 2900 3300
19-30 y 2500 2700 3000
31-50 y 2350 2600 2900
51-70 y 2150 2350 2650
71 y + 2000 2200 2500

Females (Calories per day)

Age Sedentary1
Level
Low Active2
Level
Active3
Level
2-3 y 1100 1250 1400
4-5 y 1200 1350 1500
6-7 y 1300 1500 1700
8-9 y 1400 1600 1850
10-11 y 1500 1800 2050
12-13 y 1700 2000 2250
14-16 y 1750 2100 2350
17-18 y 1750 2100 2400
19-30 y 1900 2100 2350
31-50 y 1800 2000 2250
51-70 y 1650 1850 2100
71 y + 1550 1750 2000

These values are approximations calculated using Canadian median heights and weights that were derived from the median normal BMI for different levels of physical activity

Your individual values may be different. The requirement for energy varies between individuals due to factors such as genetics, body size and body composition. These values are not for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

To calculate your individual estimated energy requirement, use the formulas provided.

1 Sedentary: Typical daily living activities (e.g., household tasks, walking to the bus).

2 Low Active: Typical daily living activities PLUS 30 - 60 minutes of daily moderate activity (ex. walking at 5-7 km/h).

3 Active: Typical daily living activities PLUS At least 60 minutes of daily moderate activity.