How many calories are provided by one gram of fat?

One gram of fat provides approximately 9 calories. This value is crucial for understanding macronutrient energy contributions in the diet. Fats are a dense source of energy, and each gram contains a significant amount of calories compared to proteins and carbohydrates, which provide 4 calories per gram. The high caloric content of fats plays an essential role in nutrition, especially for those needing to increase caloric intake, such as athletes or individuals in energy-demanding situations. Understanding this helps in designing effective dietary plans and calculating total energy needs, especially when balancing macronutrient intake for performance or body composition goals.