Protein Calculator

Protein for Body Recomposition: Build Muscle, Lose Fat

Body recomposition works best with high protein of 1.8-2.4 g per kg of body weight per day while training near maintenance calories. A 75 kg (165 lb) person targets roughly…

Calculate Your Protein Intake

Recomposition, gaining muscle and losing fat simultaneously, is most achievable for beginners, those returning from a break, and anyone with higher body fat. A high protein intake is the common thread across every successful recomp because it supports muscle growth even without a calorie surplus.

Eat around maintenance calories, keep protein high, and train with progressive resistance two to four times a week. Progress is slower than a dedicated bulk or cut, so track strength and measurements rather than scale weight alone.

  • Recomp target: 1.8-2.4 g/kg per day
  • Eat near maintenance calories, not a big surplus or deficit
  • Best results for beginners and higher body fat
  • Judge progress by strength and measurements, not scale weight

Quick Reference

  • General health (sedentary): 0.8–1.0 g/kg body weight
  • Weight loss: 1.6–2.2 g/kg to preserve muscle in a deficit
  • Muscle gain: 1.8–2.5 g/kg depending on training experience
  • Athletic performance: 2.0–3.1 g/kg
  • Spread intake across 4–5 meals of 25–40g each for best results

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Frequently Asked Questions

1g per pound of body weight (about 2.2g per kilogram) sits at the high end of the evidence-based range and works well for lean, heavily-training individuals. Most people — including those simply maintaining muscle or losing fat — do just as well with 0.7g to 1g per pound (1.6g to 2.2g per kg).