Quick answer: Enter the price, calories and protein of each item you plan to order. The calculator shows your total, the cost per 100 calories and the cost per 10 grams of protein, and it points out which item gives you the best value.
Use it before you order, compare combo and single-item choices, or plan a meal that fits both your budget and your calorie goal.
Last updated · Prices are not stored; you enter your own local prices.
Meal cost calculator
Add your items and change the numbers. Results update as you type. The rows below are examples only, so replace them with the prices at your restaurant.
How the numbers work
| Measure | Formula | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | Price x quantity, added up | What the whole order costs |
| Cost per 100 kcal | Total price / total calories x 100 | Lower means more food energy for your money |
| Cost per 10 g protein | Total price / total protein x 10 | Lower means cheaper protein |
| Calories left | Calorie goal – total calories | How much room your meal leaves in your day |
A worked example
Suppose item A costs 5.00 and has 500 calories. Its cost per 100 calories is 5.00 / 500 x 100 = 1.00. Item B costs 4.00 and has 320 calories, so its cost per 100 calories is 1.25. Item B is cheaper to buy, but item A gives you more calories for each unit of money.
Seven ways to get more value from a restaurant order
- Compare by value, not sticker price. A small cheap item can cost more per calorie or per gram of protein than a larger one.
- Check the combo math. Enter the sandwich, side and drink separately, then enter the combo. Sometimes the combo saves money; sometimes you pay for extras you do not want.
- Decide what you are buying for. If you want fullness, look at calories per price. If you want muscle-friendly food, look at cost per 10 g protein.
- Count the drink. A sweet drink can add 150 to 300 calories with almost no protein. Water or an unsweetened drink can lower your total.
- Plan sauces and toppings. Extra cheese, mayo and creamy sauces raise calories and sometimes price.
- Share large sides. Two people splitting a large side often pay less per serving than each buying a small one.
- Use deals carefully. A discount is only a good deal if you would have ordered the item anyway. Enter the deal price and compare it with what you normally buy.
Prices, portion sizes and nutrition values differ by branch, city and country. Use the numbers printed on the menu or the restaurant’s own nutrition information.
Common mistakes when comparing menu prices
Comparing different portion sizes
A medium and a large may look close in price, but the extra calories in the large can make it better value per calorie, or worse for your calorie goal. Enter both and compare.
Forgetting the quantity
If you are ordering for two people, set the quantity so the total reflects the full order.
Using the wrong nutrition numbers
Nutrition values usually describe the standard item. Add-ons and customizations change them, so add those as separate items.
Frequently asked questions
What is cost per 100 calories?
It is the price you pay for every 100 calories of food. A lower number means you get more energy for your money. It is useful for comparing a small item with a large one on equal terms.
What is cost per 10 grams of protein?
It shows how much you spend to get 10 grams of protein. Lower is better value if protein is your priority. It helps you compare chicken, beef, egg and plant-based options fairly.
Is the cheapest item always the best value?
No. A cheap item can be small and low in protein, so you may need to buy more. Comparing cost per 100 calories and cost per 10 grams of protein shows the real value.
Where do I find calories and protein for a menu item?
Most restaurants publish nutrition information on their website or app. Use the standard serving values and remember that sauces, extra cheese and drinks add calories.
Does this calculator save my data?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is sent to a server.
This calculator is for general information and budgeting only. It is not medical, nutrition or financial advice. This website is independent and is not affiliated with any restaurant brand. Results depend entirely on the values you enter.
