How many calories are in one gram of carbohydrates?

How many calories are in one gram of carbohydrates?

• A. 4 cal
• B. 9 cal
• C. 7 cal
• D. 6 cal

Answer: (A)

Carbohydrates provide about four calories per gram when your body uses them for energy. This standard value is used in nutrition calculations and labeling to estimate how much energy a carbohydrate-containing food will yield. For comparison, fats supply about nine calories per gram and alcohol about seven, while the energy value often cited for protein is around four calories per gram as well. The idea behind the four-calorie figure is that carbohydrate molecules release energy at a lower yield per gram than fat, which is why foods rich in fats have higher energy density.

Carbohydrates provide about four calories per gram when your body uses them for energy. This standard value is used in nutrition calculations and labeling to estimate how much energy a carbohydrate-containing food will yield. For comparison, fats supply about nine calories per gram and alcohol about seven, while the energy value often cited for protein is around four calories per gram as well. The idea behind the four-calorie figure is that carbohydrate molecules release energy at a lower yield per gram than fat, which is why foods rich in fats have higher energy density.