How many calories should you eat a day?

According to WebMD, the number of calories a person should consume per day ranges from 1,800 to 3,000 calories, based on age, gender and daily activities. In general, men require more calories than women due to their larger size.

WebMD states that females ages 19 through 30 who are sedentary should consume between 1,800 and 2,000 calories per day. If they are moderately active they should eat up to 2,200 calories. If they are highly active then they should eat 2,400 calories.

WebMD states that men of the same age who are sedentary should consume 2,400 to 2,600 calories per day. Moderately active men should consume up to 2,800 calories per day, and highly active men should consume 3,000 calories per day.