Intermittent Fasting Window Calculator
Calculate your eating and fasting windows for any IF protocol: 16:8, 18:6, 20:4, 5:2, and more.
Find the best schedule for your lifestyle.
Intermittent fasting (IF) is not about what you eat — it is about when you eat. You cycle between periods of eating (your “eating window”) and fasting (your “fasting window”).
The most popular protocols:
| Protocol | Fasting | Eating |
|---|---|---|
| 16:8 | 16 hours | 8 hours |
| 18:6 | 18 hours | 6 hours |
| 20:4 | 20 hours | 4 hours |
| OMAD (23:1) | 23 hours | 1 hour |
| 5:2 | 2 days at 500 cal | Normal eating 5 days |
How the calculator works: You enter the time you want to stop eating (e.g., 8:00 PM). The calculator adds your chosen fasting duration to find when your fasting ends and your eating window begins the next day.
For example, with 16:8 and a last meal at 8:00 PM:
- Fasting window: 8:00 PM → 12:00 PM (noon next day)
- Eating window: 12:00 PM → 8:00 PM
What happens during fasting:
- Hours 0–4: Blood sugar and insulin drop
- Hours 4–8: Body shifts to fat burning (lipolysis begins)
- Hours 12–16: Autophagy increases (cellular cleanup)
- Hours 16+: Deep ketosis and accelerated fat metabolism
Tips for success:
- Black coffee, plain tea, and water are generally allowed during the fast.
- Break your fast with a balanced meal — avoid high-sugar foods first.
- Start with 12:12 if 16:8 feels too aggressive.
- Consistency matters more than the exact window you choose.
- Most people find skipping breakfast easier than skipping dinner.
- Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) can reduce fasting headaches.
- Sleep counts toward your fast — align your window with your sleep schedule.
Who should be careful:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with type 1 diabetes
- Those with a history of eating disorders
- Always consult a doctor before starting any fasting protocol.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
SuperGlobalCalculator is independently built and maintained. See how we build and verify our calculators.