Nutrition

How much water per day? Beyond the 2-liter myth

How to estimate daily water intake by weight, climate, and activity level — and why the "two liters" rule falls short.

By Equipo Almendra4 min read

The "eight glasses a day" rule is a useful anchor, but serious recommendations depend on body weight, climate, and physical activity. For most adults, 30-40 ml per kg of body weight per day is a reasonable starting point.

Factors that raise the need

  • Heat or high humidity: +0.5-1 liter per day.
  • Intense training: +0.4-0.8 L per hour of exercise.
  • Breastfeeding: +0.7-1 L over baseline.
  • High-protein or high-fiber diets: slightly higher due to renal/digestive load.

Frequently asked questions

Do coffee and tea count?

Yes. At usual doses, caffeine does not cause net dehydration — these drinks hydrate.

About the author

Equipo Almendra

Editorial · Almendra

The Almendra editorial team brings together nutritionists, engineers, and product managers writing about how to run a modern nutrition practice.

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