How Nutrition Is Calculated

ServingCalc uses database analysis — the same method used by Genesis R&D, ReciPal, and other professional nutrition labeling software. For each ingredient in your recipe, the tool looks up its nutrient profile in the USDA FoodData Central database, calculates the nutrient contribution based on the ingredient quantity, sums contributions across all ingredients, divides by the number of servings per container, and applies FDA-mandated rounding rules.

The formula for each nutrient: nutrient per serving = SUM(nutrient per 100g for each ingredient multiplied by that ingredient's weight in grams, divided by 100) divided by servings per container.

FDA permits database analysis as a valid labeling method alongside laboratory analysis. The key requirement is that declared values must be within FDA compliance thresholds.

Every nutrient on the Nutrition Facts panel must be rounded according to specific rules in 21 CFR 101.9(c). These are not optional formatting preferences — they are legal requirements. ServingCalc applies every rounding rule automatically.

The rounding rules are nutrient-specific and use different thresholds. Calories below 5 may be expressed as zero; between 5 and 50, round to nearest 5; above 50, round to nearest 10. Total Fat, Saturated Fat, and Trans Fat below 0.5g express as 0g; between 0.5g and 5g, round to nearest 0.5g; above 5g, round to nearest 1g.

ServingCalc shows you exactly which rounding rule was applied to each nutrient, with the CFR citation. This transparency lets you verify the calculation and explain your label to regulators if questioned.

Percent Daily Value (%DV) tells consumers what percentage of a nutrient's recommended daily intake is provided by one serving. ServingCalc uses the current Daily Values established in the 2016 Nutrition Facts label update.

The reference Daily Values used: Total Fat 78g, Saturated Fat 20g, Cholesterol 300mg, Sodium 2,300mg, Total Carbohydrate 275g, Dietary Fiber 28g, Added Sugars 50g, Vitamin D 20mcg, Calcium 1,300mg, Iron 18mg, Potassium 4,700mg.

%DV rounding follows its own rules: round to nearest 1% for most nutrients, with vitamins and minerals rounded to nearest 2% (up to 10% DV), nearest 5% (10-50% DV), or nearest 10% (above 50% DV). Protein %DV is not required unless a protein claim is made.