1. What is Net Carbs?

Net carbs represent the carbohydrates that are actually absorbed by the body and impact blood sugar levels. They are calculated by subtracting fiber and sugar alcohols from total carbohydrates since these components are not fully digested.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the net carbs formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Total Carbs} \) — Total carbohydrates in grams
• \( \text{Fiber} \) — Dietary fiber in grams
• \( \text{Sugar Alcohols} \) — Sugar alcohols in grams

Explanation: Fiber and sugar alcohols are subtracted because they have minimal impact on blood sugar levels compared to other carbohydrates.

3. Importance of Net Carbs Calculation

Details: Calculating net carbs is particularly important for people following low-carb or ketogenic diets, as it helps them track the carbohydrates that actually affect their blood sugar and ketosis state.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and sugar alcohols in grams. All values must be non-negative numbers. The calculator will automatically compute the net carbs.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why subtract fiber from total carbs?
A: Dietary fiber isn't digested by the body and passes through the digestive system without raising blood sugar levels.

Q2: Do all sugar alcohols count equally?
A: Different sugar alcohols have varying effects on blood sugar. Some people subtract only half the grams of certain sugar alcohols (like maltitol) for more accuracy.

Q3: What are typical net carbs targets?
A: Ketogenic diets often aim for 20-50g net carbs daily, while low-carb diets may allow 50-100g.

Q4: Should I count all fiber?
A: Yes, all dietary fiber can be subtracted, though some people make exceptions for processed fiber supplements.

Q5: Is this calculation used outside keto diets?
A: Yes, people with diabetes may use net carbs to better manage blood sugar levels, and many nutrition labels now include net carbs.