Protein Powder Density Calculator
Calculate calories per 100g protein from a nutrition label. Compare your product against our database to see how it ranks.
What is Protein Density?
Protein density is measured by calories per 100g of protein. Pure protein has exactly 400 calories per 100g. Higher ratios mean more calories from carbohydrates, fats, or other ingredients.
Pure protein contains 4 calories per gram. Therefore, 100g of pure protein equals exactly 400 calories. When a product has more calories per 100g protein, it means there are extra calories from carbohydrates, fats, or fillers in the formula.
Calculate Your Product's Protein Density
How to Interpret Your Results
Lower is better. 400-420 kcal per 100g protein is excellent, 430-450 is good, 460-500 is average, and over 500 means the product delivers substantially more non-protein calories.
The calories per 100g protein ratio tells you how efficiently a protein powder delivers protein:
- 400-420 kcal/100g: Excellent density. Usually whey isolate or very lean formulas.
- 430-450 kcal/100g: Good density. Most quality whey concentrates fall here.
- 460-500 kcal/100g: Average density. May include more flavouring, fat, or carbohydrate.
- 500+ kcal/100g: Lower density. Likely contains significant non-protein calories.
Why Protein Density Matters
Higher protein density means you're getting more protein within a given calorie budget, with fewer non-protein calories. This is especially important if you're tracking calories or trying to build lean muscle. However, some added ingredients (like digestive enzymes or probiotics) can increase the ratio while providing benefits.