Nutrition8 min read

How to Count Macros: Complete Beginner Guide

Master macro counting with this step-by-step guide. Learn to calculate your ideal protein, carbs, and fat ratios for any fitness goal.

FitFlow Nutrition TeamUpdated 2026-02-01

1Calculate Your TDEE

Determine your Total Daily Energy Expenditure using your age, weight, height, and activity level. FitFlow calculates this automatically when you set up your profile.

2Set Your Calorie Target

For weight loss, subtract 300-500 calories from TDEE. For muscle gain, add 200-500 calories. For maintenance, eat at TDEE.

3Determine Macro Ratios

A balanced starting point: 30% protein, 40% carbs, 30% fat. Adjust based on goals — higher protein for muscle building, higher carbs for endurance athletes.

4Convert Percentages to Grams

Protein: 4 cal/g, Carbs: 4 cal/g, Fat: 9 cal/g. For a 2000-cal diet at 30/40/30: 150g protein, 200g carbs, 67g fat.

5Track Your Meals

Use FitFlow's AI food scanner to photograph meals and get instant macro breakdowns. No manual searching required.

6Adjust and Optimize

Review weekly averages in FitFlow's analytics. Adjust macros every 2-4 weeks based on progress toward your goals.

Pro Tips

  • Focus on hitting protein targets first — it is the most important macro for body composition
  • Don't obsess over hitting exact numbers daily; aim for weekly averages
  • Weigh food raw when possible for accuracy
  • Meal prep helps you stay consistent with macro targets
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