Calculate %DV from total nutrient amount and FDA or custom Daily Value, or find the amount needed for a target %DV in g, mg, or mcg.

Compare a nutrient amount with its FDA Daily Value.

FDA references are for adults and children age 4+. They are labeling references, not personal nutrition targets. Custom references are arithmetic comparisons only.

Note: This calculator uses Daily Values (DV) used on FDA Nutrition Facts labels (generally for ages 4+ and many are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet). DVs are reference amounts for labeling—not personalized nutrition targets. The custom-reference modes are math helpers for comparing to a limit/goal you choose; for individualized advice, consult a clinician or registered dietitian. For the official DV list and context, check the FDA website.

%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 Daily Value (DV) someone has consumed.
  • TC is the total amount of the nutrient consumed
  • DV is the Daily Value (DV) reference amount used on Nutrition Facts labels

To calculate a percent daily value, divide the total amount of nutrient consumed by the Daily Value reference amount, 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 Daily Value (DV) reference amount.

FDA Daily Values (DV) for Nutrition Labels

The following table outlines FDA Daily Values (DV) used on Nutrition Facts labels for common nutrients (generally for ages 4+; many are based on a 2,000‑calorie diet).

Nutrient FDA Daily Value (DV)
Carbohydrates275g
Fat78g
Protein50g
Sodium2300mg
Added Sugars50g
Vitamin C90mg
Vitamin D20mcg
Vitamin B61.7mg
Zinc11mg

Sources

For the most current Daily Values and labeling context, refer to the FDA Daily Value reference guide. These results are mathematical percentages; regulatory labeling can require nutrient-specific rounding and protein-quality adjustments.

Example Problem

How to calculate %DV?

  1. First, determine the Daily Value (DV) reference amount.

    For this example, we are looking at carbohydrates, which have an FDA Daily Value (DV) of 275 g.

  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%