Tutorial: Calculate Calories
Nutritional Calculations

How To Calculate Total Calories

Carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and alcohol can be broken down to yield energy for the cells' activities.

While all four of these compounds/structures will provide energy (calories) to the cells, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are considered nutrients because they also support life and growth whereas alcohol is considered poison.

4 calories per carbohydrate gram, 9 calories per fat gram, 4 calories per fat gram, and 7 calories per alcohol gram

Using the basic information provided above, solve the following question.

Question: How many calories are in a beverage which contains the following?

10 grams of carbohydrate
5 grams of fat
2 grams of protein
5 grams of alcohol

Calculate Carbohydrate Calories

Multiply the carbohydrate grams by 4 calories per gram.

10 grams times 4 calories = 40 calories

Calculate Fat Calories

Multiply the fat grams by 9 calories per gram.

5 grams times 9 calories = 45 calories

Calculate Protein Calories

Multiply the protein grams by 4 calories per gram.

2 grams times 4 calories = 8 calories

Calculate Alcohol Calories

Multiply the alcohol grams by 7 calories per gram.

5 grams times 7 calories = 35 calories

Total Calories

Add all calories from each calorie source for total calories.

total calories equals 128 calories

Answer: There are 128 calories in the beverage.