How many calories do children need?

If you are wondering about the calorie intake for children, you are at the right place! From an infant to a preschooler and beyond, this list of daily calorie needs for children will help guide you to be sure your child is eating the right amount of calories for their growing body. Children’s calorie needs vary based on their activity level and there is a healthy daily range they should meet. Some days children will get fewer calories and some days they will get more, but you should aim for your child to get an average daily intake in this range.

Children’s Daily Calorie needs

Toddlers 2–3 years 1,000–1,400 calories (less active children should eat closer to 1,000 calories and more active children should eat closer to 1,400)
Children 4–8 years 1,200–1,800 calories (less active children should eat closer to 1,200 calories and more active children should eat closer to 1,800)
Children 9–13 years 1,600–2,600 calories (Typically boys require more calories than girls as they approach puberty, but there is a wide range among individuals and calorie intake varies widely based on activity level)
Teens 14–18 years 1,800–3,200 calories (Teenage boys require more calories than teenage girls, and more active teens require more calories than less active teens)

Adult Women’s Daily Calorie intake

19–30 years 1,800- 2,400 calories (Less active women should eat closer to the lower range, more active women should eat closer to the higher range)
31–50 years 1,800-2,200 calories (Less active women should eat closer to the lower range, more active women should eat closer to the higher range)
51 years and older 1,600-2,200 calories (Less active women should eat closer to the lower range, more active women should eat closer to the higher range)

Adult men

19–30 years 2,400–3,000 calories (Less active men should eat closer to the lower range, more active men should eat closer to the higher range)
31–50 years 2,200–3,000 calories (Less active men should eat closer to the lower range, more active men should eat closer to the higher range)
51 years and older 2,000–2,800 calories (Less active men should eat closer to the lower range, more active men should eat closer to the higher range)

Source – U.S. Dept, of Health and Human Services

A good way to lose weight or help maintain weight is to get in the habit of drinking a large cup of water before meals. Encourage children to drink water before meals as well to help them get enough fluids and maintain a healthy weight. Water is extremely important for digestion and to avoid constipation and can help kids and adults be healthier.

We hope this list of calorie intake for children and adults helped you learn about the daily calorie needs for your family! If you want to learn more about children’s healthy diet ideas, read our articles on avoiding pesticides in food and meal ideas for picky eaters.

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How many calories do children need?