What deficit or surplus suits muscle gain?
Roughly 20% below TDEE for fat-loss goals, 10% above for lean bulks, neutral for recomposition or maintenance. The calculator picks a sensible default within those windows.
Macro Calculator muscle gain
Macros are not goal-agnostic. The right calorie position and protein band for muscle gain look different from maintenance — and the wrong split is the most common reason muscle gain goals stall before they should. This page sets the calorie target and macro split that the research supports for muscle gain, with a sensible per-meal frame.
Calorie position for muscle gain
muscle gain works best at a specific calorie position: roughly 15–25% below TDEE for cutting, neutral for maintenance and recomposition, 5–15% above TDEE for lean bulks. The calculator picks the middle of that window so the plan is honest about pace without being aggressive.
Pushing the deficit harder rarely accelerates muscle gain — it just costs adherence and lean mass. Smaller, sustained positions outperform extreme swings.
Protein, carbs and fat for muscle gain
Protein anchors at 1.8–2.2 g/kg during muscle gain because the metabolic context (deficit or surplus) raises the cost of holding or building lean mass. Fat sits at 25–30% of total calories to protect hormones and palatability. Carbs fill the remainder and fuel training.
Do not crash any single macro. muscle gain that comes from a fat- or carb-zero plan almost always reverses inside three months.
How AJYX runs muscle gain
Inside AJYX, the macros adapt automatically: as weight trends respond, the app rebalances the deficit or surplus before progress plateaus. muscle gain get a single, current plan rather than a static spreadsheet.
Use this page as the standalone read. Move into the app for the running version that keeps muscle gain moving.
FAQ
Why is protein so high for muscle gain?
muscle gain either creates a deficit or supports new tissue; both raise protein demand. Sitting at 1.8–2.2 g/kg protects lean mass and recovery.
Can I shift carbs and fats around for muscle gain?
Yes, within ±5% of calories on either macro is fine. Keep protein steady and only tweak carbs/fats based on training response and personal preference.