Sonya Bolch Angelone, M.S., R.D., C.L.C. Responds:

Sonya Angelone, a registered dietitian, responds: It depends on how specific a number you need or the method with which you are most comfortable. The % DV (% Daily Value) is dietary advice based on recommendations for nutrients in a 2,000-calorie daily diet. The % DV is a relative measure that shows if a serving of food is high or low in key nutrients, and it helps in making product comparisons. 

For example, a food with 20% DV or greater is high in that nutrient, making it an excellent source (think fiber or iron). If the labels says 40% DV for total fat, however, the food contributes a lot to your fat intake for the day—and may not necessarily be a great choice. To count your exact intake of fat, simply look at the grams of fat listed on the nutrition label. Experts recommend no more than 35% of calories from fat, which means the average person should stay below about 65 grams of fat a day.