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Science-Based Formula

Find Your Daily Water Intake in 20 Seconds

Calculate optimal hydration based on your weight, activity level, and lifestyle factors

Calculate My Water Needs

35ml per kg baseline • Activity & climate adjusted

Your current body weight
Your typical weekly activity level
Select any that apply

How the Water Intake Calculator Works

The science behind personalized hydration recommendations

The Hydration Formula

Our calculator uses body weight as the primary factor (30-35ml per kg), then adjusts for activity level, climate, and individual factors. The old "8 glasses a day" rule ignores that a 50kg woman and 100kg man have vastly different needs.

Sweat losses during exercise add 500-1000ml per hour of training. Hot climates increase baseline needs by 20-30%. The calculator accounts for all these variables to provide personalized targets.

Base Calculation:

  • Baseline: 30-35ml per kg bodyweight
  • Activity: +400-800ml per hour of exercise
  • Climate: +500-750ml in hot/humid conditions
  • Pregnancy: +300ml additional needs

Why Proper Hydration Matters

Even 2% dehydration impairs performance, cognitive function, and recovery. Water regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, transports nutrients, and removes waste. For athletes, hydration status directly impacts strength and endurance.

Dehydration Performance Impact:

  • -1% bodyweight: Reduced endurance, increased fatigue
  • -2% bodyweight: 10-20% performance decrease
  • -3% bodyweight: Strength loss, cramping risk
  • -5% bodyweight: Serious performance/health impacts

Hydration status also affects: muscle recovery, nutrient absorption, joint lubrication, mental focus, and thermoregulation during training.

When to Use the Water Intake Calculator

Situations where hydration calculation is essential

Starting Training Program

Before beginning regular exercise, establish baseline hydration needs. Many people are chronically under-hydrated without realizing it.

Hot Weather Training

Summer heat or humid climates dramatically increase sweat losses. Recalculate needs to prevent performance decline and heat illness.

Unexplained Fatigue

Chronic low energy despite adequate sleep and nutrition? Check hydration first. It's the most overlooked performance factor.

Hydration Monitoring: Signs You Need to Adjust

Signs of Under-Hydration:

  • • Dark yellow urine (should be pale)
  • • Persistent fatigue or brain fog
  • • Decreased training performance
  • • Muscle cramps during/after exercise
  • • Dry mouth, skin, or lips
  • • Headaches in afternoon

Optimal Hydration Markers:

  • • Light yellow/clear urine throughout day
  • • Consistent energy levels
  • • Normal training performance
  • • No cramping during workouts
  • • Moist mouth and skin
  • • Urinating every 2-4 hours

Complete Nutrition System

3 essential calculators for optimal health

Step 1

TDEE Calculator

Find your daily calorie needs first

Calculate TDEE
Step 2

Macro Calculator

Set protein, carbs, and fats

Calculate Macros
Step 3

Water Intake

Optimize hydration for performance

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