Calories in beer

Regular, all. 43 kcal (180 kJ) per 100 g. Choose a portion below and every figure on the page updates.

Regular beer is about 92% water, and most of its 43 kcal (180 kJ) per 100 g comes from alcohol rather than carbohydrate. With 3.9 g of alcohol (about 5% ABV) and 3.6 g of carbohydrate per 100 g, nearly two-thirds of the energy is alcohol. It contains no fat and only traces of vitamins and minerals.

Where the energy comes from

Share of total energy contributed by each macronutrient, using the standard 4/4/9 kcal per gram factors, and 7 kcal per gram for alcohol:

Things worth knowing

• A 355 ml US can has 153 kcal / 640 kJ, an Australian schooner (425 ml) 183 kcal / 766 kJ, and a UK pint (568 ml) 245 kcal / 1025 kJ.
• Light beer lists 29 kcal per 100 g with 3.1 g of alcohol, about one-third less energy than regular beer; low-carb light beer comes in at 27 kcal.
• Stronger craft beers, IPAs and stouts above 5% ABV carry more energy, because each gram of alcohol supplies about 7 kcal. Alcohol content is the best quick guide to a beer's calories.
• Despite the "beer belly" reputation, beer itself contains no fat. Its energy comes from alcohol and carbohydrate, and the number of drinks drives the total.

Converting these figures

One 1 can (12 fl oz, 355 ml) of beer is 153 kcal, which is 640 kJ. To convert any other figure, divide kilojoules by 4.184 for calories, or use the converter on the home page.

It takes 556 g of beer to reach 1,000 kJ (239 kcal). See how that compares with other foods on the 1000 kJ to calories page.