How Many Calories in a Gram of Protein?
Quick Answer
There are 4 calories (kcal) in a gram of protein.
1 g protein = 4 kcal
Understanding the Conversion
Protein provides 4 kilocalories per gram, the same energy density as carbohydrates but less than fat (9 kcal/g). A 30g protein shake provides 120 kcal from protein. High-protein diets can help with satiety since protein requires more energy to digest (thermic effect).
Formula
1 g protein = 4 kcal
Common Examples
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| A chicken breast (31g protein per 100g) | 124 kcal from protein |
| A 25g protein shake | 100 kcal from protein |
| An egg (6g protein) | 24 kcal from protein |
Quick Reference Table
Use this table for quick conversions between gram of protein and calories:
| gram of protein | calories |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 |
| 2 | 8 |
| 5 | 20 |
| 10 | 40 |
| 25 | 100 |
| 50 | 200 |
| 100 | 400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Calories in a Gram of Protein?
There are 4 calories (kcal) in a gram of protein. Protein provides 4 kilocalories per gram, the same energy density as carbohydrates but less than fat (9 kcal/g). A 30g protein shake provides 120 kcal from protein. High-protein diets can help with satiety since protein requires more energy to digest (thermic effect).
What is the formula to convert gram of protein to calories?
The formula is: 1 g protein = 4 kcal. To convert, multiply the number of gram of proteins by 4 to get the equivalent in calories.
How do I convert calories to gram of protein?
To convert calories to gram of protein, divide the number of calories by 4. For example, 20 calories equals 5 gram of proteins.