What simple formula is used to calculate daily carbohydrate needs?

The correct formula for calculating daily carbohydrate needs is derived from the caloric needs of an individual and the desired percentage of those calories that should come from carbohydrates. Since each gram of carbohydrate provides 4 calories, the process involves dividing the total caloric intake allocated for carbohydrates by 4 to convert calories into grams.

To break it down further:

1. First, you calculate the total caloric needs based on the person's specific requirements—this could vary depending on activity level, age, weight goals, etc.

2. Next, you apply the desired percentage to those caloric needs to determine how many calories should come from carbohydrates.

3. Finally, to convert those carbohydrate calories into grams, you divide by the number of calories provided per gram of carbohydrates, which is 4.

This approach ensures that the individual’s macronutrient distribution aligns with their dietary goals, whether aimed at weight management, performance enhancement, or overall health.

The other choices do not correctly apply this logic, either by improperly combining caloric needs and percentages or by failing to account for the caloric value of carbohydrates appropriately. Thus, the selected choice accurately reflects the standard practice in nutrition for calculating carbohydrate needs.