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Guide

Macro split examples

Three common splits, in grams for a 2,000 kcal day: balanced is 100 g protein, 250 g carbs and 67 g fat; higher protein is 150, 200 and 67; lower carb is 150, 150 and 89.

Updated 21 October 2026. Sources named on the page.

Key factFor a 2,000 kcal day, a balanced split is 100 g protein, 250 g carbs and 67 g fat, a higher protein split is 150, 200 and 67, and a lower carb split is 150, 150 and 89 (Atwater factors).

  • Three splits in grams at 2,000 kcal
  • The same balanced split at 1,800 and 2,500 kcal
  • Who each style tends to suit
  • No single best split
Grams = calories x share / calories per gram 20%50% carbs30% fat 2,000 kcal: 100 g protein, 250 g carbs, 66.7 g fat4 kcal per gram of protein and carbs, 9 per gram of fat.
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The splits in grams

Grams use 4 kcal per gram of protein and carbohydrate and 9 per gram of fat, rounded to the nearest gram.

At 2,000 kcal

SplitProteinCarbohydrateFat
Balanced (20 / 50 / 30)100 g250 g67 g
Higher protein (30 / 40 / 30)150 g200 g67 g
Lower carbohydrate (30 / 30 / 40)150 g150 g89 g

Balanced (20 / 50 / 30) at other calorie levels

CaloriesProteinCarbohydrateFat
1,800 kcal90 g225 g60 g
2,000 kcal100 g250 g67 g
2,500 kcal125 g313 g83 g

Sources: Energy values per gram are the standard Atwater figures. The three splits are common planning examples, not recommendations

General information, not medical advice.

Balanced

Half the energy from carbohydrate, a fifth from protein and a third from fat. A familiar starting point for many people.

Higher protein

More protein and slightly less carbohydrate. Some people who train, or who feel full for longer on more protein, choose it. Check the protein reference for your weight first.

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Lower carbohydrate

Less carbohydrate and more fat, with protein held high. Some people prefer it, though it is not suitable for everyone, so ask a doctor or dietitian if you have a condition.

How to choose

Pick the one you can eat comfortably and keep up. A plan you follow beats a perfect plan you drop.

Questions

Which macro split is best for weight loss?

No split is best for everyone. Total calories and what you can keep up matter most. A dietitian can help you choose.

How much protein is in a higher protein split?

At 2,000 kcal and 30 percent, it is 150 g. Compare that with the reference amount for your weight.

Is lower carbohydrate safe?

It suits some healthy adults but not everyone, for example some people with medical conditions. Ask a doctor or dietitian if unsure.

Why is fat 67 g rather than 66.7 g?

The tables round to the nearest gram. The calculator shows one decimal place.

Track the split you choose

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