How many calories are in 1 slice of regular pizza?

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a standard regular crust slice of cheese pizza from a 14-inch pie contains approximately 285 calories. However, the specific number of calories in 1 slice of regular pizza can vary widely depending on the crust, cheese, toppings, and even the brand.

Quick Summary

A regular cheese pizza slice typically contains around 285 calories, but this can increase based on crust type and toppings. Heavy meats and extra cheese boost the calorie count, while vegetable toppings and thin crusts help lower it.

Key Points

Average Calorie Count: A standard regular slice of cheese pizza from a 14-inch pie contains approximately 285 calories.
Crust Matters: The crust type is a major calorie factor; thin crust reduces calories, while deep-dish or stuffed crust adds a significant amount.
Toppings Impact: Meat toppings like pepperoni and sausage increase calories, whereas vegetable toppings keep them lower.
Portion Control is Key: Your total calorie intake depends on how many slices you consume, not just the per-slice count.
Calorie Variations: The amount of cheese, the type of sauce, and the restaurant or brand can all cause calorie counts to differ.
Making Healthier Choices: You can reduce calories by opting for thin crust, extra vegetables, less cheese, or lean protein.

Understanding the Calories in a Regular Pizza Slice

While the 285-calorie figure for a standard 14-inch cheese pizza slice is a common benchmark, it's crucial to understand that this is just an estimate. The exact number can fluctuate significantly. A regular slice is typically defined as a hand-tossed or classic crust pizza, which sits in the middle of the spectrum between thin crust and deep-dish in terms of dough volume and calories. For a basic cheese pizza, a slice can range from 250 to 350 calories, depending on the restaurant and portion size. When considering the question of how many calories are in 1 slice of regular pizza, you must first define what a 'regular' pizza means to you and then account for the many variables at play.

Key Factors Influencing Pizza Calories

Numerous components of a pizza contribute to its final calorie count. The type of crust, the amount and kind of cheese, and the toppings all play a critical role in determining the nutritional value of each slice. Understanding these factors allows for a more accurate estimation of your intake.

The Impact of Crust Type

The crust is the foundation of any pizza and a primary source of carbohydrates. As a result, its thickness is one of the most significant calorie drivers. A thin-crust pizza uses less dough, resulting in fewer calories per slice compared to a regular crust. Conversely, a deep-dish or stuffed-crust pizza will be substantially higher in calories due to the increased dough and, often, extra cheese in the crust. For example, a slice of deep-dish could contain 400 to 600 or more calories.

The Role of Toppings

Toppings have a major influence on the calorie count. Fatty meats and extra cheese can pile on the calories quickly. Here’s a breakdown of how different toppings affect a regular slice:

Pepperoni: One of the most popular toppings, pepperoni can add around 50 calories per slice due to its high-fat content.
Sausage: Similar to pepperoni, sausage is calorie-dense and can significantly increase the total.
Vegetables: Toppings like mushrooms, onions, and peppers are much lower in calories and add vitamins and fiber without a big caloric penalty.
Meat Lovers: As the name suggests, a meat lovers' pizza, loaded with various processed meats, will have one of the highest calorie counts, sometimes exceeding 500 calories per slice.

Cheese and Sauce

The amount and type of cheese are critical calorie factors. Cheese is calorie-dense, and asking for extra cheese or opting for fattier cheeses will push the calorie count upward. Most tomato-based sauces are relatively low in calories, but cream-based sauces, like Alfredo, can add substantial calories and fat. Hidden calories from extra oils and dipping sauces should also be considered.

Calorie Comparison: Regular vs. Other Pizza Types

To put the regular slice in perspective, here is a comparison of different pizza types based on average calorie estimates per slice.


Pizza Type	Crust	Approx. Calories per Slice
Cheese	Regular (14-inch)	285
Pepperoni	Regular	300-400
Veggie	Thin	200-280
Meat Lovers	Regular	350-500+
Deep-Dish	Thick	400-600+

Smart Choices for a Healthier Pizza Slice

For those who love pizza but are mindful of their calorie intake, there are several ways to enjoy it without overindulging. Choosing your ingredients wisely is the key to creating a more balanced meal.

Choose a thin crust: Opting for a thin crust over regular or deep-dish will immediately reduce your calorie and carbohydrate intake.
Load up on veggies: Pile on low-calorie, nutrient-rich vegetables like bell peppers, onions, spinach, and mushrooms.
Go light on the cheese: Requesting less cheese or choosing a part-skim variety can significantly cut down on saturated fat and calories.
Choose leaner proteins: Swap out fatty pepperoni and sausage for lean grilled chicken or turkey.
Control your portions: Be mindful of how many slices you eat. Pair one or two slices with a side salad to create a more balanced meal.
Make it at home: A homemade pizza gives you complete control over all ingredients, allowing you to create a healthier version tailored to your preferences. For inspiration, explore some recipes like these healthy pizza alternatives from Verywell Fit to get started.

Conclusion: It's All About Balance

Knowing how many calories are in 1 slice of regular pizza is a great starting point, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. The true calorie content depends on many variables, from the type of crust to your choice of toppings. By making informed decisions about your ingredients and practicing mindful portion control, you can still enjoy your favorite pizza while maintaining a balanced diet. Whether you go for a classic cheese slice or a veggie-loaded thin crust, moderation is always the key.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

A regular crust pepperoni slice typically falls between 300 and 400 calories, but this can vary depending on the slice size and the amount of pepperoni.

Thin crust pizza usually has fewer calories than regular or thick crust because it contains less dough, but high-calorie toppings can still increase the total.

You can reduce calories by choosing a thin crust, loading up on vegetables, asking for less cheese, or opting for lean protein like chicken over processed meats.

A deep-dish or stuffed crust pizza with multiple meat toppings usually has the highest calorie count, potentially exceeding 400-500 calories per slice.

Yes, it is possible. As with any food, it's about overall calorie intake and balance. Eating pizza in moderation and practicing portion control is key to fitting it into a calorie-conscious diet.

Many store-bought or frozen pizzas can be higher in calories due to processed ingredients, excess salt, and unhealthy fats compared to a carefully prepared homemade version.

The calorie density comes primarily from the cheese (which is high in fat), the crust (carbohydrates), and fatty meat toppings like sausage and pepperoni.

The calorie count for a slice of pizza can vary by brand. National chains have different crust recipes, sauce amounts, and ingredient standards, leading to variations in the final calorie count.