How Many Calories Are in a Hamburger?
Check calorie content instantly with this free online tool.
-
1Enter data
Enter content, paste text or load a file from disk. -
2Click the button
The tool will immediately process your data in the browser. -
3Get the result
Copy the finished text or save the file to your device.
return "Result ready in 0.1s";
}
Rate this tool:
Related tools
Other tools you may find usefulHamburger - calorie content of the American fast-food icon
Hamburger is undoubtedly the most iconic dish of American cuisine and gastronomic pop culture. It consists of a grilled or fried cutlet (traditionally made of ground beef) placed inside a cut yeast roll, usually with vegetables (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickled cucumber) and sauces. In terms of calories, a hamburger can represent extremely different energy values. A small, classic hamburger from a chain (e.g. McDonald's) contains approximately 250-260 kilocalories (kcal). In turn, a large, craft burger from a restaurant (with a thick beef cutlet, cheddar cheese, bacon and mayonnaise) can easily provide from 800 to even 1,200 kcal.
Our online hamburger calorie calculator allows you to precisely estimate the caloric content and macronutrients of homemade, fast-food and artisan burgers, depending on the weight of the meat and the additives used.
Macronutrients in a burger - meat quality and saturated fat content
A hamburger is a dish rich in protein, but also contains large amounts of saturated fat and sodium. The key elements influencing the quality and caloric value are:
- Beef:Beef is an excellent source of high-quality protein, heme iron, zinc and vitamin B12. However, the calorie content of a cutlet depends on the fat content of the meat (e.g. entrecote meat has more fat and calories than lean beef shoulder).
- Yellow cheese (Cheddar):Adding a slice of cheese turns the hamburger into a cheeseburger and increases the caloric value by an additional 50-70 kcal, while providing additional saturated fat and calcium.
- Burger bun:A classic yeast bun (often brioche type with the addition of butter and sugar) is a source of simple carbohydrates with a high glycemic index, which quickly raise blood sugar levels.
Comparison table: Calorie content of different types of hamburgers
The table below shows a comparison of the calorie content and macronutrients of the most popular types of hamburgers:
| Hamburger type | Portion weight (g) | Energy value (kcal) | Protein (g) | Total fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic hamburger (fast-food) | 100 g | 253 kcal | 13.0 g | 9.0 g | 490 mg |
| Cheeseburger (fast-food) | 120 g | 300 kcal | 16.0 g | 12.0 g | 680 mg |
| Craft burger (beef with vegetables) | 350 g | 780 kcal | 42.0 g | 38.0 g | 1100 mg |
| Poultry burger (chicken) | 150 g | 350 kcal | 18.0 g | 14.0 g | 590 mg |
| Vegan burger (e.g. chickpea) | 200 g | 410 kcal | 15.0 g | 16.0 g | 620 mg |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many calories are in a small McDonald's hamburger?
A classic small hamburger from McDonald's weighs 100 grams and provides exactly 253 kilocalories (kcal). In turn, a cheeseburger from the same chain provides 300 kcal.
What has the most calories in a large restaurant burger?
The most caloric element are fatty mayonnaise-based sauces (e.g. barbecue sauce, burger sauce), which can add up to 150-200 kcal. The second element is the high fat content of beef and additions such as melted cheese and fried bacon.
Can a hamburger be a healthy meal?
Yes, if you prepare it at home (so-called "fit burger"). Using lean beef, chicken breast or legume cutlet, whole grain roll, plenty of fresh vegetables and a light sauce based on natural yogurt and garlic, you will get a complete, healthy meal with moderate calories.
What is the glycemic index (GI) of a hamburger?
The glycemic index of a hamburger is on average 55-60. Although the bun has a high index, the high content of protein and fat from the meat slows down stomach emptying, which lowers the total release of glucose in the blood compared to eating the bun alone.
Why is there so much sodium in fast food burgers?
The high sodium (salt) content results from the meat preservation process, salting of cutlets during frying and the presence of salt in rolls and ready-made sauces. One large burger can fully meet the daily salt requirement of an adult.