How many calories are in 1 patty?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

A 4-ounce beef patty made from 80% lean ground beef typically contains between 280 and 300 calories. The exact number of calories in 1 patty varies significantly depending on several key factors, including the type of meat or ingredients, its fat content, and overall size.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single patty is influenced by its size, fat content, and ingredients, such as beef, turkey, or plant-based options. Leaner meats and smaller portions have fewer calories.

Key Points

Fat Content is Key: The lean-to-fat ratio, such as 80/20 versus 90/10, is the most significant factor affecting calories in a beef patty.
Size Matters Greatly: A larger patty will contain more calories, even if the meat-to-fat ratio is the same as a smaller one.
Protein Type Varies: Beef, turkey, and plant-based patties each have different calorie and fat profiles, so read the nutritional information carefully.
Cooking Method Impacts Results: Grilling can reduce calories by draining fat, while frying can increase calories by adding oil.
Watch Restaurant Patties: Fast food and gourmet restaurant patties often use larger portions and fattier meat, resulting in a much higher calorie count.
Homemade is More Controllable: Making patties at home allows for total control over ingredients and portion size, aiding in calorie management.

Factors that influence the calorie count in a patty

Knowing the calorie count for a single patty is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors play a crucial role in determining the final energy value. These factors include the type of protein, the fat-to-lean ratio, and the size of the patty.

Type of protein

Patty composition is the first major variable. The source of the protein—whether beef, turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative—has a direct impact on the calorie count. Beef patties are often higher in fat, but the difference can be marginal compared to turkey if you choose a lean variety. Plant-based patties vary widely; some mimic the fat content of beef, while others are significantly lower in fat and calories.

Lean-to-fat ratio

For beef and turkey patties, the ratio of lean meat to fat is one of the most critical factors. An 80/20 beef patty (80% lean, 20% fat) contains significantly more calories than a 90/10 beef patty. A higher fat percentage translates directly to more calories per ounce, as fat contains more than double the calories per gram compared to protein and carbohydrates.

Size of the patty

It may seem obvious, but the physical size and weight of a patty drastically alter its caloric value. Restaurant patties are often larger than recommended serving sizes (3-4 ounces), with some weighing 6 to 8 ounces or more. A 6-ounce patty will inherently have more calories than a 4-ounce patty, even if they have the same lean-to-fat ratio.

Calorie comparison: Beef vs. Turkey vs. Plant-based

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of the approximate calorie counts for a standard 4-ounce (113-gram) patty across different types. Note that these are averages and can vary by brand and cooking method.


Patty Type	Lean-to-Fat Ratio	Approximate Calories (4 oz patty)
Beef	80/20	280–300 calories
Beef	90/10	200–220 calories
Ground Turkey	93/7	178 calories (for 3oz)
Plant-based	Varies	~200–280 calories
Chicken (frozen, uncooked)	N/A	~292 calories (for 100g)

How cooking affects calories

The cooking method also impacts the final calorie count. Grilling or pan-broiling a beef patty can reduce its fat content, as some of the fat will render and cook off. Frying a patty in additional oil, however, will increase the total calories. For example, a 4-ounce 80/20 ground beef patty can lose some fat during cooking, reducing its final calorie count slightly.

Fast food vs. homemade patties

Fast food patties often contain more calories than homemade versions. Restaurants might use fattier beef, larger portion sizes, or add extra ingredients that increase the calorie count. The total calorie count of a fast food burger is also heavily influenced by toppings and buns. In contrast, making your own patties allows for complete control over the ingredients, size, and cooking method, making it easier to manage calorie intake.

Conclusion: Finding the right patty for you

There is no single answer to how many calories are in 1 patty; it is a nuanced question with many variables. A 4-ounce 80/20 beef patty contains approximately 280–300 calories, while a leaner beef or turkey patty will have fewer. To make an informed choice, consider the protein type, the lean-to-fat ratio, and the portion size. The cooking method and whether the patty is homemade or from a fast food restaurant are also crucial factors. By paying attention to these details, you can select a patty that aligns with your nutritional goals.

The best way to track your calories

For those who are serious about tracking their nutrition, using a food tracking app can be extremely helpful. These apps often provide detailed nutritional information and allow you to log your meals easily. Brands like MyFitnessPal and Cronometer can assist in monitoring your calorie and macro intake accurately. For more information on nutritional guidelines, you can visit the USDA's FoodData Central website.

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical 4-ounce beef patty made from 80% lean ground beef contains approximately 280 to 300 calories. Using a leaner blend, like 90/10, can lower the calorie count to around 200–220 for the same size.

Not always. While some turkey patties are leaner and lower in calories, it depends on the lean-to-fat ratio. A very lean beef patty can have a similar or even lower calorie count than a standard turkey patty.

Plant-based patty calories can vary significantly by brand and formulation. Some popular plant-based patties can contain anywhere from 200 to 280 calories, often mimicking the fat and calorie content of a standard beef patty.

Yes, grilling can help reduce the calorie count of a patty. As the patty cooks, some of the fat renders and drips away, leading to a slightly lower final calorie count compared to frying it in a pan with added oil.

Typically, yes. Fast food restaurants often use larger patties with higher fat content compared to what many people make at home. Additionally, cooking methods and added ingredients can contribute to a higher total calorie count.

To calculate the calories in a homemade patty, you should know the type and lean-to-fat ratio of the meat. Multiply the raw meat weight by the calorie-per-ounce value for that specific cut, then adjust for any oil used during cooking. Food tracking apps can also simplify this process.

The difference is the fat content. An 80/20 beef patty is 20% fat, while a 90/10 is only 10% fat. This higher fat percentage in the 80/20 patty results in a significantly higher calorie count. For a 4-ounce patty, the 80/20 is about 280–300 calories, while the 90/10 is closer to 200–220 calories.