How many calories are in a beer?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

On average, a single pint of 4% ABV beer contains around 182 calories, roughly equivalent to a bag of potato chips. The precise number for how many calories are in a beer depends heavily on its alcohol content and style, with figures ranging widely from light lagers to heavy stouts.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a beer depends on its alcohol and carbohydrate content; stronger beers have more calories. Light and non-alcoholic options generally have fewer calories, but craft beers can vary significantly. Moderating intake and being mindful of serving size are key to managing calorie consumption.

Key Points

Alcohol is the main calorie source: With 7 calories per gram, alcohol contributes the majority of calories in most beers, meaning higher ABV equals more calories.
Light beer has fewer calories: Most light beers contain 90–110 calories per 12-ounce serving, thanks to lower alcohol and carbohydrate levels.
Craft beer calories vary widely: High-ABV craft brews like IPAs and stouts can range from 180 to over 300 calories per 12 ounces.
Non-alcoholic beers are the lowest in calories: With minimal alcohol, NA beers can contain as few as 17 calories per 12-ounce serving, although carb and sugar content can vary.
Beer can increase appetite: Alcohol stimulates appetite and can affect judgment, potentially leading to increased food consumption and overall calorie intake.
Moderation is key: To manage calorie intake from beer, choose lower-ABV options, watch portion sizes, and alternate with water.

The Hidden Calories in Your Pint

Many people are aware that beer can contribute to weight gain, but the specific caloric impact is often overlooked. The calories in beer primarily come from two sources: alcohol and residual carbohydrates. Alcohol itself is quite calorie-dense, containing 7 calories per gram, which is nearly double that of protein or carbohydrates. The higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the higher the calorie count will be in most cases. Understanding this relationship is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake.

How Calorie Content Varies by Beer Type

Not all beers are created equal in terms of caloric impact. Different brewing processes and ingredients result in significant variation in calorie and carbohydrate counts. Below is a breakdown of how calories differ across common beer styles.

Light Beers

Light lagers and other reduced-calorie options are brewed to have a lower alcohol content and fewer carbohydrates.
Some very low-alcohol beers start at around 60 calories per 12 ounces.
Popular light beers typically contain about 90 to 110 calories per 12-ounce serving.
Some zero-carb options exist, like Bud Light Next, which contains 80 calories.

Regular and Craft Beers

A standard 12-ounce serving of regular lager, around 5% ABV, typically contains about 150 calories.
Craft beers and specialty brews can range dramatically in calories due to their ingredients and higher ABV.
High-ABV brews like double or imperial IPAs can pack 200 to 300 calories or more per 12-ounce serving.

Non-Alcoholic Beers

Non-alcoholic beers (under 0.5% ABV) are typically much lower in calories because the primary calorie source, alcohol, has been largely removed.
A 12-ounce non-alcoholic beer can range from as low as 17 calories to around 80 or 90, depending on the brand and sugar content.
Some non-alcoholic beers may contain higher sugar and carbohydrate levels to compensate for flavor loss, so checking labels is important.

Comparison Table: Calories in Different Beer Types


Beer Type	ABV (%)	Average 12-oz Calories	Contributing Factors
Light Beer	2.5–4.2%	90–110	Lower alcohol and carbohydrate content.
Regular Lager	~5%	~150	Moderate alcohol and carbs.
Standard IPA	5.5–7%	180–220	Higher alcohol content; some residual sugars.
Imperial IPA / Stout	7–11%+	250–300+	Very high alcohol content, higher residual sugars.
Non-Alcoholic Beer	<0.5%	17–90	Minimal alcohol, but can have variable sugar content.

Calculating Beer Calories

If nutritional information is not readily available on the label, you can approximate the calories using a simple formula:

Calories = (ABV% x 2.5) x ounces

For example, for a 12-ounce beer with 5% ABV: (5 x 2.5) x 12 = 150 calories. This method provides a reliable estimate for most standard beers.

The Health Effects of Beer Consumption

Beyond the calorie count, the way your body processes alcohol has a significant impact on weight and overall health. When you consume alcohol, your body prioritizes its metabolism because it treats alcohol as a toxin. This process puts a pause on metabolizing other nutrients, particularly fat, making it more likely for the calories from your meal to be stored as fat. Additionally, alcohol can act as an appetite stimulant, leading to increased food intake, especially high-calorie snack foods.

Tips for Reducing Your Beer Calorie Intake

For those who enjoy beer but are mindful of their calorie consumption, several strategies can help manage intake without giving up the occasional drink:

Choose Lower-ABV Options: Opt for light beers or session IPAs, which naturally have fewer calories due to their lower alcohol content.
Consider Non-Alcoholic Alternatives: Many breweries now produce excellent-tasting alcohol-free options with a fraction of the calories of regular beer.
Alternate with Water: Drinking a glass of water between beers can help slow your consumption and keep you hydrated, naturally reducing your overall calorie intake.
Be Mindful of Serving Size: A 12-ounce bottle has fewer calories than a 16- or 20-ounce pint of the same beer.
Limit High-Calorie Snacks: The hunger-stimulating effect of alcohol can lead to poor food choices. Be prepared with healthier snack options or a well-planned meal.

Conclusion

While a definitive single number doesn't answer how many calories are in a beer, the general rule is simple: the higher the alcohol by volume (ABV), the higher the calorie count. Light beers offer the lowest calorie counts, while heavier, high-ABV craft options, like imperial stouts, have the most. By understanding where these calories come from—primarily alcohol and residual carbs—you can make more informed choices. Moderation, choosing lower-ABV options, and being aware of how alcohol affects your appetite are key strategies for managing your calorie intake while still enjoying your favorite brews. For more detailed information on responsible drinking and calorie calculators, a great resource is the Drinkaware website, which provides comprehensive data on various alcoholic beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 12-ounce (355ml) can of regular beer with an average 5% ABV contains around 150 calories.

Not necessarily. While many heavy stouts are high in calories due to high ABV, the color of a beer is not a direct indicator of calorie content. Calories come from alcohol and unfermented carbohydrates, not the color.

A higher alcohol by volume (ABV) typically results in more calories because alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, making it a more calorie-dense component than carbohydrates in beer.

No. Non-alcoholic beer (under 0.5% ABV) is significantly lower in calories but not calorie-free. Calories can still come from carbohydrates and residual sugars, ranging from 17 to 90 calories per serving depending on the brand.

You can use the formula: (ABV% x 2.5) x ounces of beer. For example, a 16-ounce pint of 6% ABV beer would be (6 x 2.5) x 16 = 240 calories.

Yes, calories from beer are often called 'empty calories' because they provide energy without significant nutritional value. Your body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol, which can affect the processing of nutrients from food.

Generally, yes. Since a portion of a beer's calories comes from carbohydrates, a lower-carb beer is also likely to be lower in calories. However, a beer with higher ABV could still be high in calories even if it's low in carbs.