The number of calories you should eat per day depends on factors such as your age, sex, weight, height, and activity level. Here are general guidelines: For adult females:

• Ages 19–30: 1,800 to 2,400 calories per day
• Ages 31–60: 1,600 to 2,200 calories per day
• Ages 61 and older: 1,600 to 2,000 calories per day

For adult males:

• Ages 19–30: 2,400 to 3,000 calories per day
• Ages 31–60: 2,200 to 3,000 calories per day
• Ages 61 and older: 2,000 to 2,600 calories per day

These ranges vary depending on how active you are; more active individuals require more calories, while sedentary people need fewer

. If your goal is to maintain weight, you should consume roughly the number of calories you burn daily. To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit by eating fewer calories than you burn. Conversely, to gain weight, you need to consume more calories than you expend

. For a more personalized estimate, you can use calorie calculators based on the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which take into account your age, sex, height, weight, and activity level. Consulting a doctor or dietitian can provide tailored advice based on your health and goals

. In summary, adult calorie needs typically range from about 1,600 to 3,000 calories per day, depending on individual factors and goals.