Fish Oil EPA/DHA Calculator

Enter Calculation

Target EPA + DHA per day (mg)

EPA per capsule (mg)

DHA per capsule (mg)

Formula

Show calculation steps (1)

1. Total delivered

   

   Total EPA+DHA actually delivered by the rounded number of capsules.

Results

Capsules per day

4

capsules to reach your target

EPA + DHA per capsule	300 mg
Total EPA + DHA delivered	1,200 mg

What This Calculator Does

The Fish Oil EPA/DHA Calculator tells you how many fish oil capsules to take each day to reach a target dose of the two key omega-3 fatty acids: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Because supplement labels often list total fish oil weight separately from the active EPA and DHA content, it is easy to under-dose. This tool works directly from the EPA and DHA milligrams stated per capsule.

How to Use It

Enter your daily target for combined EPA + DHA in milligrams. Then read the supplement label and enter how many milligrams of EPA and DHA are in a single capsule. The calculator adds the EPA and DHA per capsule, divides your target by that figure, and rounds up so you always meet (and never fall short of) your goal. It also shows the total EPA + DHA you will actually receive.

The Formula Explained

$$\text{Capsules} = \left\lceil \dfrac{\text{Target}}{\text{EPA}_{cap} + \text{DHA}_{cap}} \right\rceil$$ The ceiling function (\(\lceil\ \rceil\)) rounds up to the next whole capsule because you cannot take a fraction of a softgel and still want at least your target dose. $$\text{Total} = \text{Capsules} \times (\text{EPA}_{cap} + \text{DHA}_{cap})$$

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Each capsule supplies a combined EPA + DHA amount used in the formula.

Worked Example

Suppose you aim for 1,000 mg of combined EPA + DHA per day. Your capsules contain 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA, so each provides 300 mg. \(1{,}000 \div 300 = 3.33\), which rounds up to 4 capsules. Those 4 capsules deliver \(4 \times 300 = 1{,}200\) mg of EPA + DHA — comfortably above your target.

Partial capsules are rounded up so the daily target is fully met.

FAQ

Is fish oil the same as EPA + DHA? No. A "1,000 mg fish oil" capsule may contain only ~300 mg of actual EPA + DHA. Always dose by the EPA/DHA numbers.

What is a common target? Many general-health guidelines suggest roughly 250–500 mg combined EPA + DHA daily, with higher amounts sometimes used for specific goals.

Should I split the capsules across the day? Taking them with meals can improve absorption and reduce fishy aftertaste, but the daily total is what matters most. Consult a healthcare professional before changing supplement doses.