Select a nutrient from the drop-down box and enter the quantity into the calculator to determine the percent daily value (%DV).

%DV Formula

The following formula is used to calculate a percentage daily value of a nutrient.

PDV = TC / DV *100
  • Where PDV is the percentage of the recommended daily amount of a nutrient someone has consumed.
  • TC is the total amount of the nutrient consumed
  • DV is the recommended daily value

To calculate a percent daily value, divide the total amount of nutrient consumed by the recommended daily value, then multiply by 100.

Percent Daily Value Definition

A percent daily value, or %DV for short, is a term used to describe the ratio, in terms of a percent, of the total amount of a nutrient someone has consumed with respect to the recommended daily amount.

Recommended Daily Nutrient Values

The following table outlines the current recommended daily values of common nutrients.

Nutrient Daily Amount
Carbohydrates275g
Fat78g
Protein50g
Sodium2300mg
Sugars50g
Vitamin C90mg
Vitamin D20mcg
Vitamin B61.7mg
Zinc11mg

Example Problem

How to calculate %DV?

  1. First, determine the total recommended daily value.

    For this example, we are looking at carbohydrates, which have a recommended daily value of 275g.

  2. Next, determine the total amount consumed.

    In this case, the person has consumed 300 grams of carbohydrates.

  3. Finally, calculate the percentage daily value.

    Using the formula above, the percent daily value is calculated as:
    %DV = TC/DV *100
    %DV = 300/275 *100
    %DV = %109.1