Guide
FDA rounding rules for nutrition labels
Work out the real number first, then round it by these rules. Never round before you add. Every nutrient has its own floor, and most small amounts become 0.
The rules in one table
Calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate and protein.
| Nutrient | Under the floor | Middle range | Upper range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | under 5: can be listed as 0 | 5 to 50: nearest 5 | over 50: nearest 10 |
| Total fat, saturated fat | under 0.5 g: must be 0 | under 5 g: nearest 0.5 g | 5 g or more: nearest 1 g |
| Cholesterol | under 2 mg: can be listed as 0 (or left off if there is no fat or cholesterol claim, with "Not a significant source of cholesterol") | 2 to 5 mg: can be stated as "less than 5 mg" | over 5 mg: nearest 5 mg |
| Sodium | under 5 mg: 0 | 5 to 140 mg: nearest 5 mg | over 140 mg: nearest 10 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | under 0.5 g: can be listed as 0 | under 1 g: can say "less than 1 gram" | 1 g or more: nearest 1 g |
| Protein | under 0.5 g: can be listed as 0 | under 1 g: can say "less than 1 gram" | 1 g or more: nearest 1 g |
Protein has one extra rule: a food with low-quality protein must add "not a significant source of protein" or a corrected % Daily Value (21 CFR 101.9(c)(7)). Most small-batch foods are not affected.
Four examples
The real number on the left, what goes on the label on the right.
Calories
47 → 45
5 to 50: nearest 5
Calories
63 → 60
over 50: nearest 10
Total fat
2.3 g → 2.5 g
under 5 g: nearest 0.5 g
Sodium
143 mg → 140 mg
over 140 mg: nearest 10
Skip the rounding by hand
BatchFacts applies these rules when you type in your recipe. Free, no account, no card.
Source: 21 CFR 101.9(c)(1) to (7), eCFR. Check the current eCFR before you rely on a value. For specific foods, see the hot sauce and jam guides.