💧 Hydration Guide

How Much Water Should I Drink Per Day? A Complete Guide

March 15, 2026 6 min read Suu Team
The "8 glasses a day" rule is convenient but inaccurate for most people. Your actual daily water need depends on your weight, activity level, climate, and the beverages you consume. This guide gives you the science-backed formula plus a personalized intake table.

The Science-Based Formula

The most widely accepted guideline from nutritionists and sports scientists is to drink 30–40ml per kilogram of body weight per day under normal conditions. This is far more accurate than a flat "8 glasses" recommendation.

Base daily water intake:

Body weight (kg) × 35ml = Daily intake (ml)

Example: 70kg person → 70 × 35 = 2,450ml per day

Daily Water Intake by Body Weight

Body Weight Sedentary (30ml/kg) Average (35ml/kg) Active (40ml/kg)
50 kg (110 lbs)1,500 ml1,750 ml2,000 ml
60 kg (132 lbs)1,800 ml2,100 ml2,400 ml
70 kg (154 lbs)2,100 ml2,450 ml2,800 ml
80 kg (176 lbs)2,400 ml2,800 ml3,200 ml
90 kg (198 lbs)2,700 ml3,150 ml3,600 ml
100 kg (220 lbs)3,000 ml3,500 ml4,000 ml

Adjusting for Activity and Climate

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Exercise: Add 500–1,000ml per hour of activity

During physical exercise, you can lose 500–1,500ml per hour through sweat. Add this to your baseline. For intense or prolonged exercise, consider electrolyte drinks rather than plain water.

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Hot Weather: Add 500ml in warm climates

In hot weather (above 25°C / 77°F), your body sweats more for temperature regulation. Add 500ml to your daily baseline. In very hot conditions (35°C+), add 1,000ml or more.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: +300–700ml above baseline

Pregnant women need about 300ml extra daily. Breastfeeding mothers need even more — up to 700ml above their normal baseline — since breast milk is about 87% water.

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Illness: Increase significantly when sick

Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea cause significant fluid loss. When sick, drink as much water as possible and consider adding electrolytes. Dehydration during illness can worsen symptoms and slow recovery.

Does Coffee Count as Water?

Yes — but not 1:1. Caffeinated beverages like coffee have a mild diuretic effect, meaning they cause your kidneys to excrete slightly more water. However, modern research shows the net effect is still positive hydration: a 250ml coffee contributes roughly 150–200ml of net hydration.

This is exactly why Suu uses a "dehydration factor" system for each beverage. When you log a coffee, Suu calculates its actual hydration contribution rather than counting the full volume. This is the most scientifically accurate way to track hydration — and it's a feature no other water app offers.

⚠️ Warning Signs of Dehydration: Dark yellow urine, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and reduced cognitive performance. If your urine is pale yellow, you're well hydrated. If it's dark yellow or amber, drink water immediately.

5 Practical Tips to Hit Your Daily Goal

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1. Start your morning with 300–500ml

You wake up 6–8 hours dehydrated. Drinking water first thing in the morning jumpstarts your metabolism and sets you up for a hydrated day.

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2. Use smart reminders

The Suu app sends goal-based notifications — not on a fixed timer, but when you're falling behind your personal target. This is far more effective than generic hourly reminders.

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3. Drink a glass before each meal

Drinking 250–300ml before each meal adds 750–900ml to your daily intake without any effort — and can help with portion control.

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4. Track from your Lock Screen

Suu supports iOS Lock Screen widgets, so you can log a drink with a single tap without even opening the app. The less friction, the more consistently you'll track.

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5. Compete with friends

Suu's friend league system lets you compete with others on daily hydration. Social accountability is one of the most powerful habit-formation tools — knowing your friends can see your progress is a surprisingly effective motivator.

Let Suu Calculate Your Personal Goal

Enter your weight, activity level, and lifestyle — Suu sets your exact daily water goal and tracks every beverage accurately.

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