Calculate exactly how much emergency food your household needs — with calorie totals, suggested food quantities by category, water storage needs, and an estimated budget. No guessing required.

🧮 Calculate Your Emergency Food Needs

Calorie Density Reference: Common Emergency Foods

Food Item Calories per lb Shelf Life Water Needed Notes
White rice (dry) 1,600 25+ years (sealed) 2:1 water:rice Most efficient calorie storage by weight and cost
Pinto beans (dry) 1,550 25+ years (sealed) 3:1 water:beans Complete protein when combined with rice
Rolled oats 1,800 5 years (sealed) 2:1 water:oats Fast prep; good fiber; versatile
Peanut butter 2,850 2 years None High calorie, no cooking needed, shelf-stable
Pasta (dried) 1,650 5–8 years 4:1 water:pasta Wide variety; low cost per calorie
Canned tuna 500 3–5 years None Complete protein; no cooking required
Canned chicken 550 3–5 years None Versatile protein source; ready to eat
Canned beans 380 3–5 years None Ready to eat; fiber and protein
Freeze-dried meals 400–500 25–30 years 1–2 cups per meal Highest convenience; highest cost per calorie
Crackers / hardtack 1,900 2–5 years None No-prep, no-cook carbohydrates
Honey 1,380 Indefinite None Anti-microbial; natural sweetener; wound care
Cooking oil 3,520 2–4 years None Highest calorie density; adds needed fats
Powdered milk 1,580 2–10 years 1 cup water per 1/4 cup powder Calcium, protein; mix with water
Almonds / mixed nuts 2,600 1–2 years None No-prep; dense; good fat and protein

Water Storage Requirements

Use Per Person Per Day Notes
Drinking 0.5 gallons minimum Increase in heat or for active individuals
Cooking (hydrating dry foods) 0.5 gallons Varies by food stored — dry goods need more
Basic sanitation / hygiene 0.5–1 gallon Can be reduced in water emergencies
Practical minimum 1.5–2 gallons FEMA recommends 1 gal minimum; 2 gal is more realistic