Meal Prep Quantity Calculator

How to calculate meal prep quantities?

To scale a recipe, you first determine the total servings needed for your duration and then apply a conversion factor to every ingredient.

Formula: Total Portions = People × Days × Meals/Day followed by New Qty = (Base Qty / Original Portions) × Total Portions

Using the meal prep calculator: an example

Example: Scaling a 4-portion Chicken Salad for 2 people over 3 days (1 meal/day).

Step-by-step calculation:

• Calculate target portions: 2 people × 3 days = 6 total servings.
• Determine factor: 6 total servings / 4 original servings = 1.5x scaling.
• Apply to ingredients: If base chicken is 400g, new amount is 400g × 1.5 = 600g.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does prepped food stay fresh?

Most cooked meals last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For 5+ days, consider freezing the later portions.

How do I handle spices when scaling?

Spices don't always scale linearly. Start with the calculated amount but taste-test as you go, especially for heat (chili) and salt.

What containers are best for meal prep?

Airtight glass containers are ideal as they are microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and do not retain odors or stains.