Estimate adult CKD protein needs from body weight, CKD status, diabetes or dialysis status, showing g/kg/day targets and total grams per day.
Medical note: This calculator provides an educational estimate for metabolically stable adults and is not medical advice. Protein targets must be individualized (especially in pregnancy, underweight/malnutrition, acute illness/hospitalization, or other catabolic conditions), and adequate calorie/energy intake is important when lowering protein; dialysis modality (including PD) and losses may warrant different targets—confirm your plan with your clinician/renal dietitian.
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CKD Protein Formula
This CKD protein calculator estimates adult daily protein targets by multiplying the weight used for guideline calculations by a protein target in grams per kilogram per day.
- Protein_g/day is the estimated total protein target per day.
- Weight_kg is the weight entered by you after conversion to kilograms.
- ProteinTarget_g/kg/day is the selected protein target based on CKD status.
- LowTarget is the low end of the selected guideline range.
- HighTarget is the high end of the selected guideline range.
- MidpointTarget is the average of the low and high ends of the range.
The calculator first converts your entered weight to kilograms if needed. It then selects the protein range for the CKD status you choose. If you select the low end, high end, or arithmetic midpoint, that value becomes the reference rate in g/kg/day; the midpoint is not a guideline recommendation. Select Calculate to multiply the reference point by the clinician-selected planning weight in kilograms. Changes retain the previous result until Calculate is selected again.
The pediatric option is not calculated because pediatric CKD protein needs use separate age-based and growth-based guidance.
Adult CKD Protein Target Ranges
These are KDOQI 2020 reference ranges for metabolically stable adults under clinical supervision. The midpoint is arithmetic, not a recommended target. KDIGO 2024 instead suggests 0.8 g/kg/day for adults with CKD G3–G5 not receiving dialysis. Confirm which guidance and individualized weight basis apply with your renal dietitian.
| CKD status | Low end | Midpoint | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| CKD stages 3-5, not on dialysis, no diabetes | 0.55 g/kg/day | 0.575 g/kg/day | 0.60 g/kg/day |
| CKD stages 3-5 with diabetes, not on dialysis | 0.60 g/kg/day | 0.70 g/kg/day | 0.80 g/kg/day |
| Maintenance hemodialysis | 1.00 g/kg/day | 1.10 g/kg/day | 1.20 g/kg/day |
| Peritoneal dialysis | 1.00 g/kg/day | 1.10 g/kg/day | 1.20 g/kg/day |
Weight Conversion Factors
| Entered unit | Conversion to kilograms | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Kilograms | kg × 1 | 70 kg = 70 kg |
| Pounds | lb × 0.45359237 | 180 lb = 81.65 kg |
| Grams | g × 0.001 | 70000 g = 70 kg |
Example Calculations
Example 1: CKD stages 3-5, not on dialysis, no diabetes
You enter a weight of 70 kg and select CKD stages 3-5, not on dialysis, with no diabetes. If you choose the midpoint, the target is 0.575 g/kg/day.
The calculator rounds the daily target to 40.3 g/day.
Example 2: Maintenance hemodialysis
You enter a weight of 180 lb and select maintenance hemodialysis. If you choose the high end, the target is 1.20 g/kg/day.
The calculator displays the rounded daily reference amount as 98 g/day.
FAQ
What weight should you enter?
Enter the weight your clinician or renal dietitian wants used for protein planning. In many cases this may be current body weight, but some people need an adjusted or target weight, especially if body weight is affected by fluid retention, very low body weight, or obesity.
Why is the protein target higher for dialysis?
Dialysis can increase protein needs because protein and amino acids may be lost during treatment, and the body may have higher nutrition demands. That is why the calculator uses a higher range for maintenance hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis than for non-dialysis CKD.
Is this calculator for children with CKD?
No. The calculator is for adults only. Pediatric CKD protein needs depend on age, growth, body size, clinical status, and other factors, so pediatric targets should be set using pediatric kidney nutrition guidance.
