The general recommendation for daily water intake for a healthy adult is:
- About 125 ounces (15.5 cups or 3.7 liters) for men
- About 91 ounces (11.5 cups or 2.7 liters) for women
These amounts include water from all beverages and food, with around 20% of water intake typically coming from food. The amount you need can vary depending on factors like exercise, climate, health, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. For example, active people in hot climates may need more than 200 ounces per day. Common advice such as "drink 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water a day" is a rough guideline but not as precise or individualized as the above recommendations. Thirst is usually a better guide for hydration needs than a fixed amount. So, most men should target around 125 ounces and women about 91 ounces of water daily, adjusting as necessary for activity and environment.
