Enteral Feeding Calculator

Plan a tube-feed regimen from goals and formula specs. Works in two directions — compute the volume required to meet a kcal/protein target, or compute what a given volume delivers.

Reviewed by Pooja V. Menon, Registered Dietitian · Last updated Apr 20, 2026

Formula

Energy density (kcal/mL)

Protein (g per 100 mL)

Free water (% of volume)

Typical ranges: standard polymeric ~1.0–1.2 kcal/mL · 4–6 g protein/100 mL · 80–85 % water; concentrated ~1.5–2.0 kcal/mL · 6–10 g/100 mL · 70–78 % water. Use the monograph for the exact product.

Patient goals

Target kcal / day

Target protein (g/day)

Target total fluid (mL/day)

Delivery

Mode

Hours / day of feeding

Typical: 20–22 h continuous with a 2–4 h rest, or full 24 h in ICU.

How it works

Volume to hit the kcal goal: V_kcal = target kcal / energy density
Volume to hit the protein goal: V_prot = target protein × 100 / protein-per-100mL
The tool uses the larger of the two as the feed volume; you’ll then see whether the other target is met, under-, or over-shot.
Free water from feed: V_feed × water%. Difference from total fluid target = flush volume to schedule.

Sources

Mueller CM, ed. The ASPEN Adult Nutrition Support Core Curriculum. 3rd ed. 2017.
McClave SA, et al. Guidelines for the Provision and Assessment of Nutrition Support Therapy in the Adult Critically Ill Patient. JPEN 2016.
Bischoff SC, et al. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical nutrition in the intensive care unit. Clin Nutr 2023.