# Fish Oil Calculator (EPA and DHA)

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/health/fish-oil/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The fish oil calculator works out how much EPA and DHA you get from your fish oil capsules, how many capsules you need to reach a daily target, and compares it with common recommendations for general health and for high triglycerides.

## Inputs

- EPA per capsule (mg)
- DHA per capsule (mg)
- Daily target
- Capsules you take a day

## Results

- EPA + DHA per capsule
- Capsules needed for your target
- EPA + DHA you get now
- Share of your target

## Formula

```
EPA + DHA per serving = EPA + DHA on the label
Capsules for target = target ÷ (EPA + DHA per capsule)
Targets: 250–500 mg/day (general health), 1 g/day (heart disease), 2–4 g/day (high triglycerides, under supervision)
```

## Explanation

Fish oil capsules vary widely: a "1,000 mg" capsule often contains only 300 mg of EPA plus DHA, the omega-3 fats that matter. Eating oily fish twice a week provides about 250–500 mg a day on average.

### How to use the Fish Oil Calculator

- **EPA per capsule**
- **DHA per capsule**
- **Daily target**
- **Capsules you take a day**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the EPA and DHA per capsule from the label and your target.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterEPA per capsuleIn mgDHA per capsuleIn mgDaily targetChoose one: General health (250–500 mg), Heart disease (1,000 mg), High triglycerides (4,000 mg, prescribed)Capsules you take a dayA number

### What each result means

- **EPA + DHA per capsule** = [EPA per capsule] + [DHA per capsule]
- **Capsules needed for your target** = ceil([Daily target]÷[EPA + DHA per capsule])
- **EPA + DHA you get now** = [EPA + DHA per capsule]×[Capsules you take a day]
- **Share of your target** = [EPA + DHA you get now]÷[Daily target]×100

### Example values

How the main result changes when **EPA per capsule** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

EPA per capsule (mg)Capsules needed for your target90313521802225227023602
*Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.*

## Worked example

Inputs — EPA per capsule: 180 mg; DHA per capsule: 120 mg; Daily target: General health (250–500 mg); Capsules you take a day: 1.

Results — EPA + DHA per capsule = 300 mg; **Capsules needed for your target = 2**; EPA + DHA you get now = 300 mg/day; Share of your target = 60 %.

## Key terms

- **EPA/DHA**: Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, long-chain omega-3 fats.

## FAQ

**How much omega-3 do I need?**
Most guidelines suggest 250–500 mg of EPA plus DHA a day for healthy adults.

**Are high doses safe?**
Up to 5 g a day is considered safe by EFSA, but high doses can increase bleeding risk and atrial fibrillation.

**Is eating fish better?**
Fish also provides protein, vitamin D and selenium; two portions a week are recommended.


## Sources

- [NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Omega-3 fatty acids](https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/)