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Daily water target

The "8 glasses a day" rule isn't bad — but isn't right for everyone. Adjust for body weight, activity level, and climate.

Daily target

95 oz

~12 cups

In liters

2.8 L

~5.5 standard 16oz bottles

CalPilot

Target set. CalPilot logs water in one tap.

Track ounces alongside calories and watch the day fill toward your target. Free download.

How it's calculated

  • Base: body weight (lbs) × 0.5 = ounces of water
  • Exercise add: +12 oz per 30 minutes of exercise
  • Climate add: +16 oz hot/humid, +0 cool/temperate

What counts as water

All non-caffeinated beverages count toward hydration. Water, herbal tea, sparkling water, milk. Coffee and tea have a mild diuretic effect but still net positive for hydration. Alcohol is dehydrating.

Watch for over-hydration

Drinking far above your needs can dilute electrolytes (hyponatremia). Endurance athletes are at highest risk. If your urine is frequently clear-clear, you might be drinking more than needed.

The pee test

Pale yellow = hydrated. Dark yellow/amber = drink more. Frequent clear urine = ease off. Better signal than a fixed daily target.