How many calories are in 4 PC bananas?

December 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, four medium-sized bananas contain approximately 420 calories. However, the exact caloric content can vary based on the bananas' size, ripeness, and preparation method, making it essential to understand the different factors involved when tracking your intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for four bananas depends on their size, ripeness, and preparation. A standard estimate for four medium bananas is 420 calories, mainly from carbohydrates, with additional vitamins and minerals.

Key Points

Medium Bananas Calorie Count: Four medium bananas contain approximately 420 calories.
Size Matters: The total calorie count is highly dependent on the banana's size, ranging from 72 calories for an extra-small banana to 135 for an extra-large one.
Ripeness Affects Carbs: As a banana ripens from green to yellow, resistant starches convert into simple sugars, impacting the glycemic index.
Nutrient Rich: Beyond calories, bananas are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.
Versatile Ingredient: Bananas can be incorporated into various meals, from simple snacks to nutrient-packed smoothies and baked goods.

Calorie Breakdown of Four Bananas by Size

To determine the total calorie count, it's important to recognize that not all bananas are created equal. The size of each fruit is the most significant factor affecting its nutritional value. Standardized data provides an excellent baseline for estimation.

Extra-Small Bananas (shorter than 6 inches, 81g each): A serving of four would contain roughly 288 calories (72 calories each).
Small Bananas (6–7 inches long, 101g each): Four small bananas total around 360 calories (90 calories each).
Medium Bananas (7–8 inches long, 118g each): This common size provides about 420 calories for four bananas (105 calories each).
Large Bananas (8–9 inches long, 136g each): Four large bananas amount to approximately 484 calories (121 calories each).
Extra-Large Bananas (9 inches or longer, 152g each): A group of four extra-large bananas contains about 540 calories (135 calories each).

How Ripeness Affects Banana Calories

The ripeness of a banana also plays a role in its nutritional profile, particularly in the type of carbohydrates it contains. As a banana ripens, its starches are converted into sugars, which impacts the overall glycemic load.

Green (Unripe) Bananas: These contain a higher amount of resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that is not easily digested and acts similarly to dietary fiber. This can result in a slightly lower calorie impact and a lower glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar.
Yellow (Ripe) Bananas: As the banana ripens, the starch turns to sugar, making the fruit sweeter and softer. The overall calorie count remains relatively stable, but the carb content is primarily in the form of simple sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose.

Comparison of Banana Sizes and Caloric Content

To illustrate the impact of banana size, the following table breaks down the caloric and carbohydrate content for a single banana based on Healthline data.


Banana Size	Length	Approximate Weight (grams)	Approximate Calories	Approximate Carbohydrates (grams)
Extra-Small	< 6 inches	81g	72 kcal	19g
Small	6–7 inches	101g	90 kcal	23g
Medium	7–8 inches	118g	105 kcal	27g
Large	8–9 inches	136g	121 kcal	31g
Extra-Large	> 9 inches	152g	135 kcal	35g

Broader Nutritional Context of Four Bananas

Beyond just calories, four bananas offer a rich source of other nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet.

Potassium: An excellent source for heart health and blood pressure regulation. Four medium bananas can provide a significant portion of your daily potassium needs.
Dietary Fiber: Bananas are a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and can help you feel full longer. The fiber content in four medium bananas is around 12g.
Vitamins and Minerals: They provide essential vitamins such as vitamin B6 and vitamin C, and minerals like magnesium and manganese. Four medium bananas provide a high percentage of the daily value for vitamin B6.
Carbohydrates: The primary source of calories in bananas comes from carbohydrates. Four medium bananas contain approximately 108g of carbs.

Tips for Incorporating Bananas into Your Diet

Smoothies: Blend four bananas with milk, yogurt, and other fruits for a filling and nutrient-dense shake. This is a great pre- or post-workout meal option.
Snacks: Enjoy a single banana as a quick, energizing snack on its own or paired with nuts or seeds for added protein and healthy fats.
Baked Goods: Mash overripe bananas for use in baked goods like banana bread or muffins. Be mindful of additional ingredients like sugar and butter, which will increase the final calorie count.
Toppings: Slice bananas to top your morning oatmeal, cereal, or yogurt for added sweetness and nutrition.
Post-Workout: Bananas' high potassium content makes them an excellent choice for replenishing electrolytes after strenuous exercise.

For more in-depth nutritional information about a wide range of foods, you can visit a reliable resource like the USDA FoodData Central database. The precise calorie and nutrient values for foods are meticulously cataloged there based on specific serving sizes and preparations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, four medium-sized bananas contain around 420 calories, with the total varying based on the fruit's size and ripeness. The calories primarily come from carbohydrates, and bananas are also a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Whether eaten as a snack, added to a smoothie, or used in baking, bananas are a nutritious and versatile fruit. Understanding these details allows you to effectively track your calorie intake and make informed decisions about your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The overall calorie count of a ripe and unripe banana of the same size is very similar. The primary difference is the type of carbohydrate. Unripe bananas have more resistant starch, while ripe ones have more natural sugars.

Bananas can aid both weight loss and weight gain depending on how they are incorporated into the diet. The fiber content can promote fullness for weight loss, while their caloric density makes them useful for adding calories for weight gain, especially when combined with other foods like nuts.

No, banana chips are generally not a healthy alternative for weight-conscious individuals, as they are often deep-fried and contain high amounts of added sugar and unhealthy fats. Baked or air-dried versions are a better choice.

Four medium bananas contain a substantial amount of potassium, approximately 1690 mg, which contributes significantly to your daily needs for heart health.

People with diabetes can eat bananas, but should monitor their portion size due to the carbohydrate and natural sugar content. The fiber in bananas can help moderate blood sugar spikes.

Slicing or mashing bananas does not change their nutritional composition, though it can change how quickly the body absorbs the sugars. For instance, a cup of mashed banana has more calories than a cup of slices because it is more condensed.

In addition to calories, carbohydrates, and fiber, bananas are a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, magnesium, and manganese.