How Many Calories Are in 2 Scrambled Eggs Cooked?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for two scrambled eggs can range from approximately 140 to over 250, depending heavily on the ingredients and cooking method used. While the eggs themselves offer a consistent baseline, the addition of fats like butter or oil, along with milk or cream, significantly increases the final total. This variability is a key factor for anyone counting calories or monitoring their nutritional intake.

Quick Summary

The exact number of calories in two scrambled eggs depends on ingredients like added fats and dairy. A simple preparation with water has fewer calories than one with butter and milk. Different cooking methods and serving sizes also impact the total nutritional profile.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The calorie total for 2 scrambled eggs typically ranges from 140 to 250+ calories, depending on added ingredients like butter, oil, and dairy.
Base Egg Calories: Two large eggs alone provide around 148–156 calories, which is the starting point before cooking additions.
Cooking Method Impact: Using a non-stick pan with a minimal oil spray or microwaving the eggs results in a lower calorie count compared to cooking with butter or oil.
Low-Calorie Option: Scrambling with water instead of milk or cream results in the lowest calorie count, keeping it closest to the eggs' natural nutritional value.
Rich in Nutrients: Scrambled eggs are a complete protein source and contain essential nutrients like choline, vitamins A, D, and B12, and antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
Healthier Preparations: To keep calories low, use a non-stick pan, add vegetables for bulk and nutrients, and season with herbs and spices rather than high-fat ingredients.

The Baseline: Calories in Eggs Alone

Before diving into the variations, it's essential to understand the calorie content of the eggs themselves. A single large egg contains approximately 74–78 calories. This breaks down to around 148–156 calories for the base of two large eggs. This fundamental number is the starting point, with everything else added during cooking contributing to the final tally.

Large Egg Nutritional Profile

Calories: ~74–78 calories
Protein: ~6.3 grams
Fat: ~5.2 grams

The Impact of Added Ingredients

What makes scrambled eggs so versatile also makes their calorie count variable. The fat used to cook the eggs is the most significant addition to the calorie count. A single tablespoon of butter adds around 100 calories, while olive oil, though healthier, also contains about 120 calories per tablespoon. Even a splash of milk or cream, often added for creaminess, can increase the total. For example, two tablespoons of semi-skimmed milk add a modest amount of calories, but using heavy cream will add considerably more.

How Cooking Methods Change the Calorie Count

Pan-fried (Butter/Oil): This is the most common method and also adds the most calories. A small knob of butter (around 100 calories) or oil (around 120 calories) will dramatically increase the final count. Two large eggs scrambled with a knob of butter and milk can reach 200–245 calories.
Microwaved (with Milk): This is one of the lowest-calorie methods. Using a microwave with just a little semi-skimmed milk for two large eggs can result in a dish with approximately 170 calories.
Using a Non-Stick Pan: Cooking with a minimal spray of non-stick oil can keep the calorie count closer to the base egg calories, as you are not adding significant fat. This is an ideal method for those looking to minimize added fats.
Water Scrambled: For the absolute lowest-calorie version, some people scramble eggs with a tablespoon of water instead of milk, which adds no extra calories and still helps with texture. This keeps the calorie count very close to the eggs' natural total, at around 140 calories for two eggs.

Calorie Comparison: Different Scrambled Egg Recipes


Recipe Type	Approx. Total Calories (Two Large Eggs)	Added Ingredients	Key Differences
Simple Pan Scramble	200–245 kcal	Butter or oil, splash of milk	Highest in calories due to added fat.
Microwave Scramble	~170 kcal	Small amount of milk	Less added fat and cooks quickly.
Water-Based Scramble	~140 kcal	A tablespoon of water	No added fat or dairy, resulting in the lowest calorie count.
Egg Whites Only	~34 kcal (for two)	Minimal fat/oil spray	Significantly lower in calories and fat, but also less flavorful.
Cheese & Butter Scramble	250+ kcal	Butter, shredded cheese	Significantly higher calories due to high-fat cheese.

Additional Nutritional Benefits of Eggs

Beyond the calorie count, scrambled eggs offer a wealth of health benefits. Eggs are considered a 'complete protein' because they provide all nine essential amino acids needed by the human body. They are also a good source of healthy fats and an array of vitamins and minerals.

Key Nutrients in Scrambled Eggs

Choline: One of the most notable nutrients, choline plays a vital role in brain function and metabolism.
Vitamins: Eggs are rich in vitamins A, D, E, B12, and riboflavin.
Antioxidants: The yolks contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against age-related eye diseases.
Minerals: A single scrambled egg contains iron, zinc, and selenium, which support various bodily functions.

How to Cook Healthier Scrambled Eggs

To create a healthier version of scrambled eggs without sacrificing taste, consider these tips:

Use a non-stick pan: This minimizes or eliminates the need for butter or oil. Just a quick spray of a non-stick cooking spray is sufficient.
Cook with water or a low-fat liquid: A tablespoon of water or skim milk can help achieve a creamy texture with minimal added calories.
Incorporate vegetables: Adding chopped spinach, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms increases fiber, vitamins, and minerals without adding many calories.
Flavor with herbs and spices: Use chives, parsley, black pepper, or a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor instead of relying on high-calorie add-ins like cheese.

Conclusion: A Flexible Breakfast Option

Ultimately, how many calories are in 2 scrambled eggs cooked is a flexible number that is entirely within your control. The primary takeaway is that the base eggs are relatively low in calories and packed with nutrients. The significant calorie increase comes from the fats and other ingredients added during the cooking process. For a lighter meal, opt for cooking with a non-stick pan and a splash of water. If you want a more indulgent version, understanding the calorie cost of ingredients like butter and cheese allows you to make an informed dietary choice. This adaptability makes scrambled eggs a fantastic and nourishing breakfast for a wide range of dietary needs.

For more detailed nutritional information on various foods, including eggs, you can visit the USDA FoodData Central website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When cooking two large scrambled eggs with a small knob of melted butter and a splash of semi-skimmed milk, the calorie count is typically between 200 and 245 calories.

Yes, adding ingredients changes the calorie count. Using water adds no extra calories, keeping the dish lower in calories, whereas adding milk or cream will increase the total depending on the fat content of the dairy product.

The lowest calorie method is scrambling eggs with a little water in a non-stick pan with a minimal spray of oil or in the microwave with a dash of skim milk.

The calorie difference is not significant for the eggs themselves; the variation comes from the amount of fat used during cooking. A large fried egg and a large scrambled egg cooked similarly have a comparable number of calories.

Yes, eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein. A serving of two large scrambled eggs provides all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete protein.

Scrambled eggs are rich in vitamins A, D, E, B12, and riboflavin, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and selenium. They also contain choline and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.

To make them healthier, cook with a non-stick pan and minimal oil, use water or low-fat milk, and mix in nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Season with herbs and spices for flavor instead of relying on cheese.