How Many Calories Are in a Single Slice of Pepperoni Pizza?

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard slice of pepperoni pizza from a 14-inch pie typically contains between 290 and 350 calories, but this can vary dramatically depending on the crust thickness, amount of cheese, and specific brand. Understanding how these factors influence the final nutritional value is key for anyone monitoring their calorie intake.

Quick Summary

This article details the average calorie count for a standard slice of pepperoni pizza and explains the factors that cause the nutritional value to fluctuate. It breaks down how different crust styles and ingredient quantities impact the final calorie total, offering a thorough analysis for health-conscious consumers.

Key Points

Average Calorie Range: A single slice of pepperoni pizza (regular crust, 14-inch pie) typically contains 290 to 350 calories, but this can vary widely.
Crust Thickness Matters: Thicker crusts, like deep-dish, have more dough and calories than thin crust options, which are generally the lightest choice.
Toppings Add Calories: Fatty meats like pepperoni and sausage, along with extra cheese, significantly increase the calorie count, while vegetable toppings add very little.
Brand Recipes Differ: The exact calorie count varies by brand due to different recipes and portion sizes; checking a specific chain's nutritional information is recommended.
Portion Control is Key: Limiting yourself to one or two slices and pairing it with a healthy side like a salad are effective strategies for balancing your intake.
Healthier Alternatives: Making homemade pizza allows for control over ingredients like crust, cheese, and toppings, which can dramatically lower the caloric load.

What is the average calorie count for a single slice of pepperoni pizza?

Based on data from food databases and fast-food chains, a regular-crust, 14-inch pepperoni pizza slice (cut into 8) has an average of 290 to 350 calories. For example, one source notes a standard 111g slice contains around 313 calories. However, this is just an average, and the final number is significantly influenced by several factors, including the type of crust and the amount of cheese and pepperoni used.

The Impact of Crust Type on Calorie Content

The crust forms the foundation of the pizza and is a major contributor to its overall calorie count. The thicker the crust, the more dough is used, which means more carbohydrates and calories. Conversely, a thinner crust will result in a lighter slice with fewer calories.

Thin Crust: Often the lowest-calorie option, a thin-crust pepperoni slice can range from 225 to 300 calories, depending on the size and amount of cheese.
Regular/Standard Crust: The most common variety, with the calorie count falling within the average range of 290–350 calories per slice.
Thick Crust/Deep Dish: These hearty options contain a significant amount of extra dough and cheese, pushing the calorie count much higher, often between 325 and 400 calories or more per slice.

How Toppings Affect the Calorie Count

Beyond the crust, the toppings on a pizza are the next biggest factor in determining its caloric density. The fatty nature of processed meat like pepperoni, combined with cheese, significantly increases the total calories compared to a simple cheese or vegetable pizza.

Pepperoni: A small number of pepperoni slices typically adds 25–35 calories to a single slice of pizza.
Extra Cheese: Adding more cheese is one of the quickest ways to increase calories, with some sources estimating an additional 60–80 calories per slice for extra mozzarella.
Sausage/Bacon: Other fatty meat toppings can contribute 30–90 calories per slice, depending on the portion size.
Vegetables: Onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers add very few calories, often only 5–10 calories per slice, making them a great option for a lighter pizza.

Comparison of Pepperoni Pizza Calories by Brand

For those ordering from major chains, the calorie count per slice can vary due to differences in recipes and portion sizes. Here is a comparison based on available nutritional information:


Brand	Approx. Calories per Slice (Regular Crust)	Slice Type/Size	Notes
Domino's	340	Regular (Small, 100g slice)	Calories reflect specific slice weight and recipe.
Pizza Hut	253	Thick, 14" slice	Averages can vary significantly with crust choice.
Papa John's	~300	Estimated standard slice	Varies by specific ingredients used.
Generic (Fatsecret)	298	14" slice	Reflects a general, baseline estimate.

Making Healthier Pizza Choices

While a slice of pepperoni pizza is not inherently unhealthy, it is often high in saturated fat and sodium. For those looking to enjoy pizza while making healthier choices, several strategies can be employed. Opting for a thin crust, for instance, significantly reduces the caloric base. Choosing vegetable toppings instead of extra fatty meats can also help manage the total calories. At home, making your own pizza with a whole-wheat crust, low-fat cheese, and lean protein can provide a much healthier alternative.

Tips for Balancing Your Pizza Consumption

To maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying your favorite food, consider the following points:

Portion Control: Sticking to one or two slices, especially if they are a standard size, is a simple way to manage intake.
Pair with a Salad: Serving pizza alongside a large, fresh salad can increase your vegetable and fiber intake, making you feel full faster.
Blot Excess Grease: Dabbing the top of the slice with a napkin can remove some of the excess fat from the cheese and pepperoni.
Check Nutritional Information: Many chains provide detailed nutrition information online or on their apps, allowing you to choose the lowest-calorie options.
Homemade Pizza: Making pizza from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients, including the crust, cheese, and toppings, enabling you to create a healthier version.

Conclusion: Understanding Your Slice

The average calorie count for a single slice of pepperoni pizza typically falls between 290 and 350 calories, but this is far from a fixed number. The variations come from the choice of crust, the amount of cheese, and the specific brand's recipe. Being aware of these variables allows you to make more informed decisions, whether you're ordering in or making a homemade pie. Enjoying pizza is possible even on a calorie-conscious diet by controlling portions and making simple substitutions for a balanced approach to eating.

For more detailed nutritional data on various foods, including specific pizza types from different restaurants, visit the USDA FoodData Central database.(https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/)

Frequently Asked Questions

A small slice of pepperoni pizza, such as a 100g slice from a small Domino's pizza, can contain around 340 calories, while other smaller variations can be closer to 225 calories.

Two standard slices of pepperoni pizza from a 14-inch pie can have approximately 580 to 700 calories, or more, depending on crust thickness and toppings.

Yes, pepperoni pizza is typically higher in calories than a plain cheese pizza. The addition of pepperoni, a fatty cured meat, significantly increases the total fat and calorie content.

Yes, thin-crust pepperoni pizza generally has fewer calories because it uses less dough. This can reduce the calorie count to the 225-300 range per slice.

You can reduce calories by opting for a thin crust, blotting excess oil from the top, and moderating your portion size. You can also make a homemade version with less cheese.

Vegetable toppings are much lower in calories than pepperoni. For instance, veggies like mushrooms or onions might only add 5-10 calories per slice, whereas pepperoni adds 25-35 calories or more.

The crust type is arguably the largest factor influencing the calorie count, with thicker, more elaborate crusts like deep-dish contributing substantially more calories than thinner alternatives.