A rapid assessment method (RAM) for dietary calcium was designed to accomplish three goals: (1) to be user friendly to those with at least an eighth grade education level for self-report and calculation by limiting the number of functional digits and food items for mathematical manipulation; (2) to be useful in evaluating dietary calcium intake as shown by significant correlation with 24-hour recalls and 3-day diet records; and (3) to provide a nutrition education framework helpful in optimizing food choices for dietary balance.