Sugar Limit Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the sugar limit calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Sugar Limit Calculator

Formulas Used

Sugar Limit

sugar_limit_g = daily_calories * 0.10 / 4

Sugar Limit

sugar_limit_tsp = daily_calories * 0.10 / 4 / 4

Max Calories from Sugar

sugar_calories = daily_calories * 0.10

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
daily_caloriesDaily Calorie Intake(kcal)2000

How It Works

Added Sugar Limits

The Dietary Guidelines recommend that added sugars make up no more than 10% of daily calories. The American Heart Association suggests even lower limits.

Formula

Max Sugar (g) = Daily Calories x 0.10 / 4

Each gram of sugar has 4 calories. One teaspoon of sugar equals about 4 grams.

Worked Example

A person consuming 2,000 calories per day.

daily_calories = 2000
  1. 01Max sugar calories = 2,000 x 0.10 = 200 kcal
  2. 02Max sugar grams = 200 / 4 = 50 g
  3. 03In teaspoons = 50 / 4 = 12.5 tsp

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Sugar Limit Calculator