Calculate Weight Watchers Points

How to Calculate Weight Watchers Points - Original System

This page explains how to calculate the WW points values based on their original system. 

The original system was first introduced in 1998 and lasted until 2010.

However, in 2011 (and sooner in some areas) the new points plus system was introduced.

With the introduction of the new points plus, this method is no longer being used.

If you are looking for answers on how to calculate the new points plus system, click here to learn more.

Otherwise, if you are still following the original method, then be sure to read on and learn more.

This article is broken into three different pages. This page shows the calculation for food points based on Weight Watchers original system.

To view the other pages (allowance and activity points) use the links below or the buttons below the aritcle on each page.

Daily Allowance Calculation

Activity Points Calculation

Weight Watchers Food Points

In order to calculate Weight Watchers points for the original method, there are certain nutritional values you will need.  

The points system is based on assigning each food item a specific point value based on certain nutrition information. 

The nutritional values used to calculate the points include calories, total fat and dietary fiber.

Now to move onto the formula using the calories, fat and fiber.  

Below explains the formula and how each nutritional element is used to calculate the Weight Watchers points.

p=(c/50) + (f/12) - (min{r,4}/5)

P is points
C is calories
F is fat
R is dietary fiber

Dietary fiber greater than 4 is not used.  Only fiber up to 4 grams is used to calculate Weight Watchers points.  For example, if dietary fiber = 2, then 2 would be used to calculate the points. 

However, if dietary fiber = 5, then only 4 dietary fiber would be used in the calculation.

For example, based on the calculation for weight watchers points, every 50 calories would be equal to one point and every 12 grams of fat is equal to one point and for every gram of fiber (up to 4 grams) you deduct 1/5 of a point. 

So if a food item had 100 calories, 2 fat grams and 2 fibers, you would use the following formula to calculate weight watchers points.

(100/50) + (2/12) – (2/5)

2 + .17 - .4 = 1.77 points

Points are then rounded to the nearest whole point, so this particular example would calculate Weight Watchers points at 2 pts.

Allowance Activity Pts

More Weight Watchers

Here are more pages to help you with your Weight Watchers Plan. These pages all have useful information on the original system.

Restaurant Pages

On this site there are over 300 restaurants that show nutrition, points plus and the original points values.

Check it out if you are planning to eat out tonight.


One Point Foods

This list of one point foods are based on the original WW points system.

So if you need a few snacks to keep your hunger under control, then use this list.


Points Tracker Spreadsheet

This free downloadable spreadsheet allows you to track food points, activity points and allowances regardless of which method you are following.

So stay on track and record your information to help you reach your weight loss goals.



Additional Articles

Healthy Recipes
Find a new recipe for your next meal on this site. All recipes include nutrition, points plus and the original points values.

Breaking Weight Loss Plateaus
With any weight loss plan, you are bound to hit a plateau (or two). Don't let the stuck scale discourage you. Use these tips to get past the weight loss plateaus.

Calculate Weight Watchers Points Plus Daily Allowance
If you are thinking of switching to the plus plan, then check out this article. Learn how the daily allowance (and other things) have changed on the new plan.