Water Intake Calculator

Calculate your daily water intake based on weight, activity and climate.

Urine Color Hydration Guide
Very Dark Severely dehydrated
Drink water immediately
Dark Yellow Dehydrated
Drink 1–2 glasses now
Yellow Slightly dehydrated
Increase water intake
Light Yellow Hydrated
Maintain current intake
Pale Yellow Well hydrated
Keep it up!
Clear Over-hydrated
Ease off a little

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water should I drink per day?

A widely used formula is 0.033L per kg of body weight. A 70 kg person needs about 2.3L (roughly 9-10 cups) at rest. The National Academies of Sciences recommend about 3.7L total water for men and 2.7L for women including water from food (which accounts for ~20%). Individual needs vary significantly with activity, heat, and health.

Is the "8 glasses of water a day" rule accurate?

The "8×8" rule (eight 8-oz glasses = about 2L) is a rough guideline with no strong scientific basis — it ignores your weight, activity level, and climate. Use this calculator for a personalised estimate instead. A lighter, sedentary person in a cool climate may need less; a large, active person in hot weather needs considerably more.

Does coffee and tea count toward daily water intake?

Yes — caffeinated beverages still contribute to your fluid intake despite caffeine's mild diuretic effect. Studies show the net hydration effect of coffee and tea is positive, not negative. However, water, herbal teas, and diluted juice are the most efficient sources. Alcohol is dehydrating and should not be counted.

How do you know if you're well-hydrated?

The simplest indicator is urine colour: pale yellow (like lemonade) means well-hydrated; dark yellow or amber means drink more water. Clear urine can indicate over-hydration. Other signs of dehydration include headache, fatigue, dry mouth, and reduced urine frequency (fewer than 4–5 times per day).

Do pregnant or breastfeeding women need more water?

Yes. Pregnant women are typically advised to drink an additional 0.3L (1.5 cups) per day. Breastfeeding women need an extra 0.7–1L per day since breast milk is about 87% water. The calculator includes these adjustments automatically when you select the relevant option.