Calories in butter
Salted. 717 kcal (3,000 kJ) per 100 g. Choose a portion below and every figure on the page updates.
Butter is about 81% fat and 16% water, which makes it one of the most energy-dense everyday foods at 717 kcal (3000 kJ) per 100 g. Practically all the energy comes from fat, about two-thirds of it saturated. It contains almost no protein or carbohydrate. It is a notable source of vitamin A, and salted butter adds a fair amount of sodium.
Where the energy comes from
Share of total energy contributed by each macronutrient, using the standard 4/4/9 kcal per gram factors:
Full nutrition breakdown
Values shown for 14.2 g.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 102 kcal | – |
| Energy | 426 kJ | – |
| Protein | 0.1 g | <1% |
| Total fat | 11.5 g | 15% |
| Saturated | 7.29 g | 36% |
| Monounsaturated | 2.98 g | – |
| Polyunsaturated | 0.43 g | – |
| Trans | 0.47 g | – |
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | <1% |
| Sugars | 0.01 g | – |
| Fibre | 0 g | 0% |
| Water | 2.3 g | – |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A | 97.1 µg | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K | 1 µg | <1% |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.001 mg | <1% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.005 mg | <1% |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.006 mg | <1% |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.016 mg | <1% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0 mg | <1% |
| Folate | 0.4 µg | <1% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.024 µg | 1% |
| Choline | 2.7 mg | <1% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 3.4 mg | <1% |
| Iron | 0.003 mg | <1% |
| Magnesium | 0.3 mg | <1% |
| Phosphorus | 3.4 mg | <1% |
| Potassium | 3.4 mg | <1% |
| Sodium | 91.3 mg | 4% |
| Zinc | 0.013 mg | <1% |
| Copper | 0 mg | 0% |
| Manganese | 0 mg | 0% |
| Selenium | 0.1 µg | <1% |
Daily Values are the FDA reference intakes for adults and children aged 4 and over, based on a 2,000 kcal diet. They are a labelling standard, not a personal target.
Common portions
| Portion | Grams | kcal | kJ | Protein g | Carbs g | Fat g |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 14.2 | 102 | 426 | 0.1 | 0 | 11.5 |
| 1 tsp | 4.7 | 34 | 141 | 0 | 0 | 3.8 |
| 1 pat | 5 | 36 | 150 | 0 | 0 | 4.1 |
| 1 stick (US) | 113 | 810 | 3,390 | 1 | 0.1 | 91.7 |
Things worth knowing
- One tablespoon (14.2 g) has about 102 kcal (426 kJ), and a teaspoon about 34 kcal (141 kJ). A US stick (113 g) comes to roughly 810 kcal (3390 kJ).
- Unsalted butter has the same 717 kcal per 100 g; the only real difference is sodium, about 11 mg per 100 g against 643 mg in salted.
- Whipped butter has air beaten in, so a tablespoon weighs only about 9.4 g and has around 69 kcal. Per gram it is no lighter than regular butter.
- Ghee (clarified butter) has the water and milk solids removed and is essentially pure fat, at about 900 kcal per 100 g, roughly a quarter more than butter.
Converting these figures
One 1 tbsp of butter is 102 kcal, which is 426 kJ. To convert any other figure, divide kilojoules by 4.184 for calories, or use the converter on the home page.
It takes 33 g of butter to reach 1,000 kJ (239 kcal). See how that compares with other foods on the 1000 kJ to calories page.
Similar foods
Compare all 23 dairy and egg foods in one table →
Source: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy 01001. Values are averages; individual samples vary with variety, growing conditions, and preparation.