How the calculator works
Every packaged food in the US has a Nutrition Facts label showing calories per serving and servings per container. Multiply those by the number of containers you have and you get the total calories for that item. Add up every item and divide by what your household needs in a day.
Days covered = Σ(calories per serving × servings per container × containers) ÷ (people × calories per person per day)
The default of 2,000 calories per person per day is the general reference FDA uses on Nutrition Facts labels. Real needs vary with age, body size and activity, and can be higher when people are working hard, for example clearing up after a storm. Change the number to fit your household.
What the number means, and what it doesn't
Calories are only one part of a food supply. A pantry made of nothing but rice could show plenty of days while lacking protein, fat, fruit and vegetables. Use the result as a rough check on quantity, then look at variety:
- Store foods your household already eats, so you can rotate them into normal meals.
- Include foods that need little or no water or cooking, in case power and water are out.
- Don't forget a manual can opener, special diets, baby food and pet food.
Rotation matters more than the total
A big total is no help if half of it is past its date. Put new purchases at the back and use the oldest first (first in, first out). Our food storage rotation guide explains how, including what the dates on food packages mean according to USDA.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find calories per serving?
On the Nutrition Facts label: 'Calories' is per serving, and 'servings per container' is near the top. For bulk foods without a label, use the label from the package you bought them in.
Is 2,000 calories right for everyone?
No. It's a general reference used on labels. Children may need less, and active adults or teenagers may need more. Enter a number that fits your household.
Does the calculator save my pantry list?
No. Everything stays on this page in your browser and disappears when you leave. Nothing is sent or stored.
Read the full guide
Sources
Results are estimates for planning, not professional advice. Check the official sources above for rules that apply to you.