Water Intake Calculator

Calculate your optimal daily water intake based on your body weight, activity level, climate, and lifestyle. Get a personalized hydration schedule.

Last updated: January 2026 View methodology
Body Weight
70kg
Climate

Your typical environment

Activity Level

How often do you exercise?

Daily Exercise

Average minutes per day

30min
Caffeinated Drinks

Coffee, tea, energy drinks per day

2

💧 Hydration Quick Guide

Base: 35ml per kg body weight
Exercise: +500ml per 30 min workout
Heat: +20-30% in hot climates
Check: Pale yellow urine = good hydration

Why Hydration Matters

Water makes up about 60% of your body weight and is essential for nearly every bodily function. Proper hydration supports cognitive function, physical performance, digestion, temperature regulation, and nutrient transport. Even mild dehydration (1-2%) can impair mood and concentration.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your body weight
  2. Select your typical climate
  3. Choose your activity level
  4. Add daily exercise minutes
  5. Include caffeinated drinks
  6. Get your personalized target

Frequently Asked Questions

The general recommendation is about 2-3 liters (8-12 cups) per day, but individual needs vary based on body weight, activity level, climate, and diet. A more personalized approach is 35ml per kg of body weight as a baseline, adjusted for your specific factors.

Caffeinated beverages do contribute to hydration, but caffeine has a mild diuretic effect. This calculator adds extra water to compensate for caffeine intake. Water, herbal tea, and water-rich foods are the best hydration sources.

Yes, overhydration (hyponatremia) is possible but rare. It occurs when you drink so much water that sodium levels become dangerously diluted. Stick to your calculated target and spread intake throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once.

Increase intake during exercise, hot weather, illness (especially with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea), pregnancy/breastfeeding, and when consuming alcohol or caffeine. Also drink more if you're at high altitude or eating a high-protein or high-fiber diet.

Check your urine color - pale yellow indicates good hydration, dark yellow suggests dehydration. Other signs include thirst, dry mouth, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and decreased urine output. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be mildly dehydrated.

Both are equally hydrating. Cold water may be more refreshing during exercise and can slightly boost metabolism. Room temperature water is gentler on digestion and may be absorbed faster. Choose whichever you'll drink more of.

Yes! About 20% of daily water intake typically comes from food. Water-rich foods include cucumbers (96%), watermelon (92%), oranges (87%), and soups. However, this calculator focuses on fluid intake - consider water-rich foods as a bonus.

All three are fine. Drinking water before meals can aid satiety and digestion. Small sips during meals are fine. There's no strong evidence that drinking water with meals significantly dilutes digestive enzymes, despite this common myth.

Important Note

This calculator provides general guidance based on common recommendations. Individual needs vary significantly based on health conditions, medications, and other factors. People with kidney disease, heart conditions, or on certain medications should consult a healthcare provider about fluid intake.