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Water intake calculator: how much water you need a day

See how much water your body needs a day by sex and weight, and how much of it from drinks, in pregnancy and breastfeeding too, by the European Food Safety Authority.

Calculator

Medical note: The result is an estimate for general information, it does not replace an examination and your doctor's advice, and is not to be used alone for a treatment decision.

How it works and when to use it

The calculator uses the adequate intakes of total water from drinks and food set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): about 2 litres a day for women and 2.5 litres for men, more in pregnancy and breastfeeding, with about 80% of it from drinks.

It also shows an estimate by weight of 30 to 35 mL per kilogram, a common clinical estimate and not a guideline value, and needs rise with heat and physical effort.

Reference: EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies. Scientific opinion on dietary reference values for water. EFSA Journal 2010;8(3):1459 (adequate intake of total water 2.0 L/day women, 2.5 L/day men, +0.3 L in pregnancy, 2.6-2.7 L in lactation, about 20% from food); 30-35 mL/kg is a common clinical estimate, not a guideline value

Frequently asked questions

Do tea, coffee and food count?

Yes, all drinks count, and food gives about a fifth of daily water, especially vegetables, fruit and soup.

Do I need more water in summer or with sport?

Yes, sweating adds to the loss, and pale urine is a simple sign that you drink enough in most cases.

Should anyone drink less?

Yes, some people with heart, kidney or liver disease are given a lower amount by their doctor, so follow your doctor's advice if you have one of these.

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