Demystifying the Calorie Count: How many calories are in a 9 inch Neapolitan pizza?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While a standard 10-inch Neapolitan Margherita pizza typically contains around 930 calories, the calorie count for a 9-inch version varies based on its specific toppings. The question of how many calories are in a 9 inch Neapolitan pizza? is a common one for those balancing nutrition with the enjoyment of this classic Italian dish.

Quick Summary

The exact number of calories in a 9-inch Neapolitan pizza depends on its ingredients, with estimations for a Margherita around 750 kcal, a Marinara about 520 kcal, and higher for versions with meat toppings. Key factors influencing calories are the amount of cheese, olive oil, and the dough itself.

Key Points

Topping choices are the main variable: A 9-inch Neapolitan pizza's calorie count is determined primarily by its toppings, ranging widely from cheese-less options to those with fatty meats.
Marinara is the lowest-calorie option: Without cheese, a 9-inch Neapolitan Marinara pizza is estimated to be around 520 calories.
Margherita is a moderate choice: A 9-inch Neapolitan Margherita, with fresh mozzarella and basil, contains approximately 753 calories.
Olive oil adds significant calories: A heavy drizzle of olive oil, a staple ingredient, adds over 100 calories per tablespoon.
Healthier options are available: Reducing cheese, using less oil, and adding vegetable toppings can lower the calorie count effectively.
Homemade allows for full control: Making pizza at home gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing for precise calorie management.

Understanding the Neapolitan Pizza Calorie Breakdown

Unlike heavier, American-style pizzas, the traditional Neapolitan is known for its light, airy crust, San Marzano tomato base, and minimal toppings. This often leads to a lower overall calorie count, but the density of specific ingredients plays a significant role. The primary contributors to the total energy value are the dough, cheese, and olive oil, with a generous drizzle of olive oil adding a substantial number of calories.

Calorie Estimates for a 9-inch Neapolitan Pizza

Since calorie data is often provided for 10-inch pizzas, we can calculate a reliable estimate for a 9-inch version. By using the area ratio (a 9-inch pizza is about 81% the area of a 10-inch), we can scale down the calorie counts for popular types.

Marinara (No cheese): A 10-inch Marinara is around 640 calories, making a 9-inch approximately 518 calories. This is the lowest-calorie option due to the absence of cheese.
Margherita (Tomato, mozzarella, basil): A 10-inch Margherita contains about 930 calories, bringing the 9-inch equivalent to roughly 753 calories. This is a good benchmark for a classic version.
Pepperoni: A 10-inch pepperoni pizza is cited at 990 calories. Using the scaling factor, a 9-inch version would be around 802 calories, showing how fatty meats increase the total.

The Major Calorie Contributors

The Dough: Made from a simple mix of flour, water, yeast, and salt, the dough is the foundation of the pizza and accounts for a large portion of the carbohydrates. On average, the dough alone can contain several hundred calories.
The Cheese: Traditional Neapolitan pizza uses minimal fresh mozzarella, but it is still a key source of fat and calories. The amount used directly correlates to the pizza's total energy content.
The Olive Oil: A staple of Italian cuisine, a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor and, importantly, calories. One tablespoon of olive oil can add around 120 calories.

Comparison of Calorie Distribution in 9-inch Neapolitan Pizzas


Ingredient (Estimate)	Marinara (No Cheese)	Margherita (With Cheese)	Pepperoni (With Cheese & Meat)
Dough	~425 kcal	~425 kcal	~425 kcal
Tomato Sauce	~5 kcal	~5 kcal	~5 kcal
Olive Oil	~100 kcal	~100 kcal	~100 kcal
Mozzarella Cheese	-	~245 kcal	~245 kcal
Pepperoni	-	-	~50 kcal
Other (Garlic, Basil)	~10 kcal	negligible	negligible
Estimated Total	~540 kcal	~775 kcal	~820 kcal

Note: Calorie estimates are scaled down from 10-inch ingredient breakdowns, based on an area ratio of 0.81. Actual values may vary depending on recipe and portioning.

Tips for Reducing Calories and Making Healthier Choices

For those who love Neapolitan pizza but want to reduce the calorie impact, there are several simple strategies to employ:

Opt for the Marinara: By foregoing the cheese, you can save a significant number of calories without sacrificing the authentic flavors of the sauce and crust. Consider adding extra fresh basil and a light sprinkle of garlic.
Request Lighter Cheese: If you prefer cheese, ask for less mozzarella or use a lower-fat option when making your own at home. Less is often more in Neapolitan tradition anyway.
Watch the Oil Drizzle: A generous finishing drizzle of olive oil adds a lot of calories. Ask for a lighter hand with the oil or add it yourself at home in a controlled amount.
Load Up on Veggies: Add high-fiber vegetables like peppers, onions, and mushrooms, which are low in calories and can increase satiety, helping you feel full faster.
Make It Homemade: When you prepare pizza at home, you have complete control over ingredients and portion sizes. You can use whole wheat flour for a nutritional boost or precisely measure calorie-dense items.
Practice Portion Control: Remember that a whole 9-inch pizza is a substantial meal. Consider sharing it or saving half for later to keep your total calorie intake in check.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Neapolitan Pizza

The calories in a 9-inch Neapolitan pizza, while not negligible, can be managed with mindful choices. By understanding which ingredients contribute the most calories, you can make smarter decisions without giving up your favorite food. The classic Margherita sits around 750 calories, while a Marinara is a much lighter option. Moderation, strategic ingredient selection, and a focus on nutrient-dense toppings can help you enjoy this delicious dish as part of a balanced diet.

Key takeaways

Calorie count depends heavily on toppings: A 9-inch Neapolitan pizza can range from roughly 520 calories for a simple Marinara to over 800 for a pepperoni-topped version.
Margherita pizza is about 750 calories: A 9-inch Margherita, scaled from a typical 10-inch, contains approximately 753 calories.
Dough and cheese are major calorie sources: The pizza dough and mozzarella cheese contribute the bulk of the calories, with olive oil being a significant addition.
Reducing calories is simple: Opt for a cheese-less Marinara, use less cheese, or add low-calorie vegetable toppings to lower the overall calorie count.
Portion control is key: Even a classic Neapolitan pizza can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and as part of a balanced weekly intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

The type and quantity of toppings are the primary factors. Ingredients like cheese, meat, and the amount of olive oil used have the greatest impact on the total calorie count, far more than the base dough itself.

In general, yes. Neapolitan pizza is often considered healthier due to its thin crust and a lighter, more balanced application of toppings, particularly less cheese compared to thick-crust or fast-food pizzas.

To reduce calories, consider ordering a Marinara pizza (with no cheese), asking for less cheese on a Margherita, or requesting a lighter drizzle of olive oil. Adding more vegetables can also help you feel full without adding many calories.

A 9-inch Neapolitan Marinara, which has no cheese, is estimated to contain around 520 calories, while a 9-inch Margherita with fresh mozzarella is approximately 753 calories. The cheese is the main source of this difference.

Yes. While the ingredients' calorie density remains the same, a smaller pizza made with less dough will naturally have fewer calories overall. The standard Neapolitan dough ball for a 10-inch pizza is around 250 grams.

The calories from the San Marzano tomato sauce are typically very low. It is the fattier additions like mozzarella and olive oil that contribute most significantly to the total calories.

Using scaled-down data, a 9-inch Margherita is primarily composed of carbohydrates from the dough, followed by fat from the cheese and olive oil, and a smaller amount of protein.