Enter the body weight, estimated muscle mass percentage, and glycogen storage per kg of muscle into the calculator to estimate the amount of glycogen stored in skeletal muscle (muscle-only).

Muscle Glycogen Estimate Calculator

Enter the inputs below to estimate skeletal muscle glycogen (this does not include liver glycogen).

If you’re using a body composition estimate (e.g., BIA/DEXA), note that “muscle mass %” can vary by method and is approximate.
Values depend on training status, recent exercise, and carbohydrate intake. If you’re unsure, use an illustrative range (often roughly 5–25 g/kg muscle on a wet-weight basis).

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Further Reading (Evidence-Based)

For background and typical ranges, look for peer‑reviewed reviews on muscle glycogen concentration and liver glycogen via PubMed/academic journals, and consult established sports nutrition guidance (e.g., major professional organizations or university sports physiology resources).

Estimated Muscle Glycogen Formula

The following formula is used to estimate skeletal muscle glycogen from body weight, an estimated muscle mass percentage, and an assumed glycogen amount per kg of muscle.

G = W * (M / 100) * g

Variables:

  • G is the estimated muscle glycogen amount (g)
  • W is the body weight (kg)
  • M is the estimated skeletal muscle mass percentage of body weight (%)
  • g is the assumed glycogen per kg of muscle (g/kg, wet-weight estimate)

To estimate muscle glycogen, multiply body weight by the muscle mass percentage (divided by 100) to estimate muscle mass, then multiply by the assumed glycogen per kg of muscle. This estimate does not include liver glycogen.

What is Muscle Glycogen (Estimated)?

Muscle glycogen is carbohydrate stored in skeletal muscle and used as a readily available energy source during exercise. This calculator estimates the amount of glycogen in skeletal muscle using body weight, an estimated muscle mass percentage, and an assumed glycogen concentration per kg of muscle. Liver glycogen is a separate store that can change substantially with diet, fasting, and health status and is not included in this calculation.

How to Estimate Muscle Glycogen?

The following steps outline how to estimate skeletal muscle glycogen using this formula.

  1. Determine body weight (W).
  2. Estimate skeletal muscle mass percentage (M).
  3. Choose an assumed glycogen per kg of muscle value (g) that matches your intended basis/units.
  4. Calculate: G = W * (M / 100) * g.
  5. Enter the values into the calculator above to check your result and view the calculation steps.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Body Weight (W) = 70 kg

Muscle Mass Percentage (M) = 40%

Glycogen per kg of Muscle (g) = 15 g/kg