How many calories are in a full ear of corn on the cob?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, a medium-sized ear of sweet corn (approximately 6.75-7.5 inches long) contains about 88 calories. This provides a great starting point for understanding how many calories are in a full ear of corn on the cob, but the final count can vary based on several factors, including size and preparation.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a full ear of corn on the cob varies by size, with a medium ear having about 88 calories and a large one around 123 calories. Toppings like butter and oil significantly increase the calorie count, while cooking methods like boiling or grilling do not add calories on their own.

Key Points

Plain Corn is Low-Calorie: A medium, plain ear of corn has approximately 88 calories, making it a naturally low-calorie food option.
Size Matters for Calories: The total calorie count is directly related to the size of the ear, with small ears having fewer calories and large ears having more.
Toppings Increase Calorie Count: Adding butter, oil, or mayonnaise can significantly increase the total calories, sometimes more than doubling the final amount.
Cooking Methods Don't Add Calories: Boiling, steaming, and grilling do not add calories to the corn itself, though some nutrients may be affected by the cooking process.
Nutrient-Rich Source: Corn is a good source of fiber, vitamins (especially B vitamins and C), and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health, eye health, and sustained energy.
Choose Healthier Seasonings: To keep calories low, opt for light seasonings like herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lime instead of heavy butter or cheese.

Calorie Breakdown by Ear Size

The calorie content of a full ear of corn on the cob is primarily determined by its size. Sweet corn is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and filling side dish or snack. However, an ear is not a standardized unit, so understanding the variations by size is key for accurate tracking.

Nutrition data from sources like Nutritionix and Verywell Fit offers a clear breakdown based on size:

Small Ear (approx. 5.5-6.5 inches): Around 63 calories.
Medium Ear (approx. 6.75-7.5 inches): Around 88 calories.
Large Ear (approx. 7.75-9 inches): Around 123 calories.

These figures represent plain, cooked corn without any added fats or seasonings. The majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, specifically complex carbohydrates and fiber, which provide sustained energy.

The Impact of Toppings and Cooking Methods

While cooking methods like boiling, steaming, or grilling don't add calories themselves, the fats and flavorings used can dramatically increase the calorie count. Corn is often served with rich toppings, and understanding their caloric impact is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake.

Comparing Corn on the Cob with Different Toppings


Topping	Typical Serving Size	Added Calories (Approx.)	Total Calories for a Medium Ear (Approx.)
Plain (No Toppings)	N/A	0	88
1 tbsp Butter	1 tablespoon	100	188
1 tbsp Olive Oil	1 tablespoon	120	208
Mayonnaise & Chili Powder (Mexican-style 'Elote')	2 tablespoons mayo	~200	~288
Parmesan Cheese	2 tablespoons shredded	~45	~133

This comparison highlights how a simple addition can more than double the total caloric value. For a lower-calorie option, consider seasoning with herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lime juice instead of high-fat toppings.

How Cooking Affects Corn's Nutrients

The cooking process itself does not add calories, but it can affect the overall nutritional profile of corn. As Verywell Fit notes, while the caloric content of boiled versus grilled corn is similar, some water-soluble vitamins and minerals could potentially be lost during boiling. However, some studies suggest that cooking can boost the availability of certain antioxidants in corn.

For a healthier preparation, try the following:

Boiling/Steaming: This method keeps the corn tender and juicy. To preserve the maximum amount of nutrients, keep the cooking time brief.
Grilling: Grilling offers a smoky flavor without adding fat. For a low-fat seasoning, try a light dusting of smoked paprika and a spritz of lime.
Microwaving: Microwaving can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook corn, locking in flavor and nutrients. Wrap a single, cleaned ear in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 2-4 minutes.

Nutritional Benefits Beyond Calories

Beyond its low-calorie nature, plain sweet corn offers several health benefits that contribute to a balanced diet.

Rich in Fiber: Corn is a good source of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. This aids digestion, promotes feelings of fullness, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Vitamins and Minerals: It contains several essential nutrients, including B vitamins (thiamin, folate), vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Antioxidants: Corn contains beneficial antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health.
Energy-Boosting Carbs: As a starchy vegetable, corn provides complex carbohydrates that give the body a sustained energy boost, making it a great source of fuel.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in a full ear of corn on the cob? A medium ear of plain corn contains around 88 calories, while a large one has about 123 calories. The key takeaway is that corn is naturally low in calories and packed with nutrients, but the final calorie count heavily depends on the size of the ear and the amount of toppings added during preparation. By choosing lighter seasonings, corn on the cob can be a delicious and highly nutritious addition to your meal plan.

For further reading on the health benefits and preparation of corn, consult sources such as the National Corn Growers Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

A medium ear of corn on the cob, approximately 6.75-7.5 inches long, contains about 88 calories when cooked plain without any butter or oil.

A large ear of corn, measuring around 7.75-9 inches, contains approximately 123 calories.

Yes, adding butter drastically increases the calorie count. Just one tablespoon of butter can add about 100 calories to your corn.

The caloric content of grilled corn is virtually the same as boiled corn, as the cooking method itself does not add calories. Any difference comes from the toppings applied afterward.

Yes, plain corn on the cob is naturally low in fat, with a medium ear containing only about one gram of fat.

Yes, corn is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins (such as B vitamins and C), and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health and digestion.

For a low-calorie seasoning, use fresh herbs like cilantro or chives, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a squeeze of lime juice instead of butter or other fatty toppings.