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Gel Shopping Calculator
How many gels do you actually need to buy — and what will it cost? Enter your race length and carb target and get a precise shopping list with spares built in.
Your race & gels
Match the carb target to your fuelling plan.
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Last updated: June 2026Reviewed by: Bryan Collins, founder
How this calculator works
Gels needed = (carbs per hour × race hours ÷ carbs per gel), rounded up, plus your chosen spares. Packs to buy and total cost follow from your pack size and price.
Assumptions
- • All carbohydrate comes from gels
- • Even fuelling across the race
Limitations
- • Ignores drink-mix and real-food carbs you may also carry
- • Prices and pack sizes vary by retailer
Who this is for
- • Triathletes and runners stocking up for a race
- • Athletes budgeting race-day nutrition
Who this is not for
- • Planning the full mix of carbs (use the Carb Mix Calculator)
- • Real-food or on-course-only fuelling strategies
Related Articles
Continue exploring our comprehensive triathlon resources
Gel Shopping Calculator FAQ
Scientific References
Jeukendrup AE. Carbohydrate intake during exercise and performance. Nutrition. 2010.
Carbohydrate intake guidance that informs per-hour gel needs