Question 1

What is %Daily Value (%DV)?

Accepted Answer

%DV tells you how much a nutrient in a single serving contributes to a total daily diet based on 2,000 calories. 5% DV or less is considered low; 20% DV or more is considered high. The FDA updated daily reference values in 2020 based on the latest dietary research.

Question 2

Which daily values does this calculator use?

Accepted Answer

This calculator uses the 2020 FDA Daily Reference Values (DRVs) and Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs) as required by 21 CFR 101.9(c)(9). These are the same values that appear on US Nutrition Facts labels and replaced the older 1990 DRVs in January 2020 (large manufacturers) and January 2021 (small manufacturers).

Question 3

Does total sugar or trans fat have a %DV?

Accepted Answer

No. Total sugars and trans fat do not have an established %DV because no reference amount has been set by the FDA for these nutrients. You must still declare grams of each on the label, but no %DV column entry is required.

Question 4

What counts as "low" vs "high" %DV?

Accepted Answer

The FDA guideline: 5% DV or less per serving = low in that nutrient. 20% DV or more per serving = high in that nutrient. Use this to evaluate whether a nutrient claim like "low sodium" or "good source of fiber" is appropriate.

Question 5

Do I need a %DV for protein?

Accepted Answer

Only if a protein claim is made (e.g., "good source of protein") or if the product is intended for children under 4. Otherwise, you must declare grams of protein but the %DV column entry is optional for most adult foods under 21 CFR 101.9.

Question 6

How do I add these values to a real nutrition label?

Accepted Answer

Use NutriCalcPro to enter your full recipe, and %DV values are calculated automatically for all nutrients and populated onto your FDA, EU, SFDA, Canada, UK, or Australia label — no manual calculation needed.

%Daily Value (%DV) Calculator

FDA 2020 Daily Reference Values

Frequently asked questions

%Daily Value (%DV) Calculator

FDA 2020 Daily Reference Values

Frequently asked questions