How many calories are in a Subway meatball?

January 4, 2026 •

3 min read

A single serving of Subway meatballs, the component for a 6-inch sub, contains approximately 260 calories. This number is for the meatballs and marinara sauce alone, and the total caloric intake increases significantly once the bread, cheese, and other toppings are added.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the nutritional content of a Subway meatball, differentiating between the calories for the meatballs alone and the complete Meatball Marinara sub. It also explores how customizing your sandwich with different bread and cheese options can alter the overall calorie and macro counts.

Key Points

Base Calorie Count: A serving of Subway meatballs and marinara for a 6-inch sub contains approximately 260 calories.
Sub Calorie Impact: The addition of bread and cheese raises a 6-inch Meatball Marinara sub's total to around 480-520 calories.
Footlong Total: A footlong Meatball Marinara can contain close to 1000 calories, particularly with added cheese.
High Sodium Content: The meatball marinara itself contains a high amount of sodium, which is significantly increased in the full sandwich.
Customization is Key: Choosing lower-calorie bread or opting for a salad bowl can significantly reduce the overall calories and carbohydrates.
Fat and Protein: Both the meatballs and the full sub provide a substantial amount of protein and fat.

A Detailed Look at the Subway Meatball Calorie Count

When assessing the nutritional information for a Subway Meatball Marinara sandwich, it is crucial to distinguish between the core component—the meatballs and marinara—and the entire assembled sub. The calorie count of the meatballs themselves is just one piece of the puzzle, and the final total is influenced by several factors, including the type of bread, cheese, and any additional toppings chosen.

The Meatball Component Alone

According to nutritional data, a standard serving of Subway meatballs and marinara, which is used for a 6-inch sub, contains 260 calories. The macronutrient breakdown for this portion is notable and consists of the following:

Fat: 15.5g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 13g

It is important for those monitoring their intake of sodium or saturated fat to pay close attention to these figures. The sodium alone represents a significant portion of the daily recommended intake.

Full Sub Sandwich Calorie Breakdown

Assembling the sandwich on bread with cheese drastically changes the total calorie count. Here’s a look at the approximate values for different sizes and compositions:

6-Inch Meatball Marinara Sub

A standard 6-inch Meatball Marinara sub on 9-grain wheat bread with cheese (provolone, for example) adds additional calories and nutrients from the bread and cheese. A typical 6-inch sub with basic toppings (lettuce, tomatoes, etc.) can range from 460 to 480 calories, depending on the cheese and bread. For instance, adding provolone can bring the total closer to 520 calories.

Footlong Meatball Marinara Sub

Doubling the portion size by opting for a footlong sub also doubles the base calorie count. A footlong version can contain over 900 calories, particularly when served on Italian bread with provolone cheese. Customers should be aware that the footlong represents a substantial meal with a high caloric density.

Customization: Your Calorie-Control Lever

One of the biggest advantages of ordering at Subway is the ability to customize your meal. This is a powerful tool for controlling the final calorie count of your Meatball Marinara sub. Here are some key areas for adjustment:

Bread Choice: Artisan Italian is often a high-calorie choice. Opting for 9-grain wheat bread or a flatbread may slightly adjust the numbers. For a low-carb option, consider the meatball bowl, which removes the bread entirely.
Cheese Selection: Provolone cheese adds a significant number of calories and fat. Skipping the cheese altogether can save a substantial amount of calories.
Vegetables: Piling on fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and green peppers adds volume, fiber, and nutrients with minimal caloric impact. The base calorie counts often assume a standard mix.
Sauce: While the meatballs are served in marinara, adding extra sauces or dressings can increase the calorie count. The marinara sauce itself contributes to the total, so be mindful of extra condiments.

Comparison Table: Calories by Meatball Option


Item	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)	Sodium (mg)
Meatballs & Marinara (6" serving)	~260	15.5	16	13	720
6" Meatball Marinara (on wheat, w/ cheese)	~480-520	18-22	56-59	21-25	920-1070
Footlong Meatball Marinara (on Italian, w/ cheese)	~960	36	118	42	1900

Note: Nutrition facts can vary based on regional ingredients and exact customization. Figures are based on US market data.

Conclusion

Understanding the calorie count in a Subway meatball requires looking beyond the meatball itself to the entire sandwich composition. While the meatballs and marinara provide a concentrated source of protein, fat, and sodium, the total calories are heavily dependent on your choices for bread and cheese. For those watching their caloric intake, opting for a 6-inch sub, holding the cheese, and maximizing fresh vegetable toppings are effective strategies for creating a more balanced meal. For the most precise nutritional information, referencing the official Subway nutrition guide is always recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 6-inch Meatball Marinara sub, without any cheese, contains around 458 calories. However, this count can increase to approximately 480-520 calories depending on the type of bread and cheese chosen.

A footlong Meatball Marinara sub with Italian bread and provolone cheese contains approximately 960 calories. This total can vary slightly with different bread choices and additional toppings.

Yes, different types of bread can slightly alter the total calorie count. For example, some bread options may be slightly more caloric than others. The 9-grain wheat bread and artisan Italian bread have different nutritional profiles.

A serving of Subway meatballs and marinara, intended for a 6-inch sub, contains 15.5 grams of total fat.

The sodium content is quite high. The meatballs and marinara component alone contain 720mg of sodium, and the full 6-inch sub can have over 1000mg with bread and cheese.

To reduce calories, consider ordering a meatball bowl instead of a sub to eliminate the bread entirely. You can also skip the cheese and pile on extra fresh vegetables to add fiber and nutrients without extra calories.

While the exact number can vary, a 6-inch sub typically contains four meatballs, while a footlong contains eight meatballs. The calorie and macronutrient totals scale accordingly.