Glycemic Load Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the glycemic load calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Glycemic Load
glycemic_load = (glycemic_index * carbs_per_serving) / 100Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
glycemic_index | Glycemic Index (GI) | 55 |
carbs_per_serving | Carbs Per Serving(g) | 30 |
How It Works
How to Calculate Glycemic Load
Formula
GL = (GI x Carbs per serving) / 100
Glycemic Load Scale
Why GL is Better Than GI Alone
Glycemic index only measures how fast a food raises blood sugar. Glycemic load also accounts for how much carbohydrate is in a typical serving. Watermelon has a high GI (72) but low GL (4) because a serving has few carbs.
Worked Example
Calculate GL for a food with GI 55 and 30 g carbs per serving.
- 01GL = (55 x 30) / 100 = 16.5.
- 02This is a medium glycemic load.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glycemic index?
GI measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar on a scale of 0-100. Pure glucose is 100. Low GI is 55 or less, medium is 56-69, high is 70+.
Which is more useful, GI or GL?
GL is more practical because it considers portion size. Carrots have a moderate GI but very low GL due to low carb content per serving.
How does GL help with diabetes management?
Choosing foods with low GL helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. A daily GL under 80 is considered low, and above 120 is high.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Glycemic Load Calculator