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Percent Daily Value (%DV) Calculator

Convert any nutrient amount into its %Daily Value using current FDA reference values for a 2,000-calorie diet — the same numbers used on nutrition labels.

Enter the amount in the same unit shown on the label (grams for fat/carbs/protein, milligrams for sodium/cholesterol/calcium/iron/potassium, micrograms for Vitamin D).

Percent Daily Value

What Is Percent Daily Value (%DV)?

%Daily Value (%DV) is the number on nutrition labels that shows how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a total daily diet. It's based on a standard 2,000-calorie reference diet set by the FDA, so it gives you a quick way to compare foods without doing math yourself.

The formula is simple:

%DV = (Amount of Nutrient ÷ Reference Daily Value) × 100

FDA Reference Daily Values (2,000-Calorie Diet)

NutrientReference Daily Value (RDV)
Total Fat78 g
Saturated Fat20 g
Cholesterol300 mg
Sodium2,300 mg
Total Carbohydrate275 g
Dietary Fiber28 g
Added Sugars50 g
Protein50 g
Vitamin D20 mcg
Calcium1,300 mg
Iron18 mg
Potassium4,700 mg

How to Use %DV When Reading Labels

Keep in mind %DV is based on a general 2,000-calorie diet — your own needs may be higher or lower. Use our TDEE Calculator to find your actual daily calorie target, then adjust these percentages proportionally.

Want Your Exact Macro Targets?

%DV is based on a generic 2,000-calorie diet — get numbers based on your actual goals.

Calculate Your Macros →

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a high or low %DV?

The FDA guideline is that 5% DV or less is low and 20% DV or more is high for any given nutrient. Use "low" as your target for things like sodium and saturated fat, and "high" as your target for fiber, calcium, and Vitamin D.

Are Daily Values the same for everyone?

No. Daily Values are based on a general 2,000-calorie reference diet for adults. If you eat significantly more or less than 2,000 calories, your actual nutrient needs will differ from the %DV shown on labels.

Why did the FDA update Daily Values in recent years?

The FDA revised Daily Values (effective on the updated Nutrition Facts label) to reflect current nutrition science — for example, raising the sodium and fiber reference values and adding "Added Sugars" as its own line with a dedicated %DV.

Does %DV account for my specific calorie goal?

No — it's a general reference point, not personalized. If you're tracking specific goals like weight loss or muscle gain, use our Macro Calculator for targets based on your actual calorie needs.