How to calculate % Daily Value

Checked on 2026-10-31 · SupportMates LLC

%DV shows how much one serving contributes to a 2,000-calorie reference diet. The formula is simple; rounding is where people slip.

1. The formula

%DV = amount per serving ÷ Daily Value × 100. FDA allows either the declared (rounded) amount or the actual amount before rounding (101.9(d)(7)(ii)).

2. Daily Values (adults and children 4+)

3. Rounding

• Nutrients with a DRV (fat, sodium, carbohydrate, fiber, added sugars and so on): nearest whole percent.
• Vitamins and minerals: 2% steps up to 10%, 5% steps from 10% to 50%, 10% steps above 50% (101.9(c)(8)(iii)).

4. Example

480 mg sodium ÷ 2,300 mg × 100 = 20.9%, declared as 21%.

5. Protein

Protein %DV is optional unless you make a protein claim or the product is for children under 4. If declared, it uses PDCAAS-corrected protein (101.9(c)(7)).

LabelKit calculates and rounds %DV automatically.

Official sources (checked on 2026-10-31)

1. 21 CFR 101.9 — Nutrition labeling of food (eCFR)
2. FDA — Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels
3. FDA — Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label

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