How many calories are present in one gram of fat?

One gram of fat contains 9 calories (kcal), which is a fundamental fact in nutrition. This figure is significant because it highlights that fat is a dense source of energy compared to carbohydrates and proteins, which provide only 4 calories per gram. Understanding this energy content is essential for nutrition planning, weight management, and understanding dietary sources of energy. This distinction between macronutrients reflects why fats are often considered energy-dense foods, which can influence dietary choices and energy balance in meal planning and overall health.