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Food storage calculator

Enter your household and the days you want to cover, and we will show the total calories to store, with a rough weight to help you plan shelf space.

Your household

Quick set:

Based on a planning baseline of 2,000 calories per person per day. Weight uses a rough figure of 1,500 calories per pound of mixed food. For the full method, see how much food to store.

How this calculator works

It multiplies people by your calories-per-day figure, applies your number of days, and adds a buffer if you select active household or cold climate. It then shows the calorie total, the equivalent in person-days, and an approximate weight so you can judge how much shelf space you will need. Round up if you can, and remember most stored staples also need water and a way to cook.

Frequently asked questions

How many calories should I store per person per day?

About 2,000 calories per person per day is a solid planning baseline. Active adults and cold weather raise the need, young children need less, so adjust the calories field for your household.

How many days of food should I plan for?

At least three days for evacuation and two weeks for sheltering at home, with one month a strong goal if you have space. The quick-set buttons cover three days, two weeks, and one month.

How does the calculator estimate pounds of food?

It uses a rough planning figure of about 1,500 calories per pound of mixed shelf-stable food. Actual weight varies a lot by what you store, so treat the pounds as a space-planning estimate, not a precise number.