How many calories are in IHOP short stack pancakes? (Spoiler: It's more than you think)

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to IHOP's official nutritional data, a short stack of their Original Buttermilk Pancakes contains 460 calories, not including syrup or butter. Understanding the full calorie count is important for managing dietary intake, especially when factoring in extra toppings and sides.

Quick Summary

A short stack of IHOP's Original Buttermilk Pancakes has 460 calories before adding syrup or butter. The total can increase significantly with additional toppings or sides. Comparing nutritional information across different sources helps clarify the impact of a full IHOP breakfast.

Key Points

Base Calorie Count: An IHOP Original Buttermilk short stack (3 pancakes) contains 460 calories on its own, not including any toppings.
Toppings Add Calories: Standard pancake additions like syrup and whipped butter can substantially increase the total calorie count of your meal.
Different Pancakes, Different Calories: Specialty pancake varieties can contain significantly more calories than the basic short stack due to extra fillings and toppings.
Combo Meals Increase Total: Adding common breakfast sides like bacon or sausage to your short stack will raise the overall caloric total.
Control Your Order: For a lower-calorie meal, consider minimizing syrup and butter and choosing lighter sides, such as a side of fruit instead of extra carbs.
Check Official Resources: The most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information can be found on IHOP's official website using their interactive nutrition calculator.

What's Really in IHOP's Short Stack?

While IHOP's Original Buttermilk Pancake short stack (which consists of three pancakes) contains 460 calories on its own, it's crucial to understand what this figure represents. The stated value is for the pancakes alone and does not account for the standard accompaniments. IHOP offers various syrups, and most diners also add butter or other spreads. This can easily add hundreds of extra calories, transforming a seemingly moderate breakfast into a high-calorie meal.

The Impact of Syrups and Toppings

IHOP offers a variety of syrups, and the calorie impact of each can vary. The classic butter pecan, blueberry, and strawberry syrups are popular choices, but the nutritional information for these is not always immediately apparent. For instance, just a quarter-cup of standard table syrup can add over 200 calories to your meal. When you factor in the additional calories from whipped butter, the total can climb even higher. For those watching their intake, it's important to consider requesting smaller portions or alternatives.

Comparing Different Pancake Options

The Original Buttermilk short stack is the foundation, but IHOP's menu features numerous other pancake varieties with vastly different calorie counts. Some of these specialty options can contain over twice the calories of the basic short stack. Here's a comparison to illustrate the difference:


IHOP Pancake Option	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Notes
Original Buttermilk Short Stack	3 pancakes	460	Does not include syrup or butter.
Original Buttermilk Full Stack	5 pancakes	720	Does not include syrup or butter.
Blueberry Cheesecake Pancakes	4 pancakes	1,010	Includes toppings and filling.
Oreo Cheesecake Pancakes	4 pancakes	1,280	Includes toppings and filling.
Protein Power Pancakes	4 pancakes	660	Higher protein content.

How to Enjoy IHOP Pancakes with a Health-Conscious Mind

If you want to indulge in IHOP pancakes without completely derailing your diet, a few strategies can help. First, sticking to the short stack is a great start, as it's the lowest-calorie pancake option on the menu. Secondly, be mindful of your toppings. Instead of drenching your pancakes in sugary syrup, consider a smaller drizzle or opting for a lighter, sugar-free alternative. Ordering a side of fruit instead of more carb-heavy sides like hash browns can also help balance the meal. IHOP's interactive nutrition calculator on their website is a valuable tool for customizing your order and seeing the real-time nutritional impact.

Beyond the Pancakes: A Look at an IHOP Combo

For many, an IHOP visit isn't complete without a combo meal. Combining a short stack with other breakfast staples like eggs, sausage, or bacon will add a significant number of calories. For example, a combo that includes two eggs, two bacon strips, and a short stack will have a much higher caloric total than just the pancakes alone. The addition of two bacon strips can add another 130 calories, while sausage adds 210 calories. This is an important consideration for a complete meal. A typical short stack meal could easily exceed 800 calories with just a few common add-ons.

Conclusion

In summary, while the IHOP Original Buttermilk short stack has a base of 460 calories, the final count can vary dramatically. The ultimate calorie count depends on your choice of syrup, butter, and any additional sides. By being aware of the nutritional information and making conscious choices about your toppings, you can still enjoy this classic breakfast item while staying on track with your dietary goals. The best approach is to utilize IHOP's online resources to make an informed decision and enjoy your meal responsibly. For more detailed information on specific menu items, consider visiting IHOP's official nutrition information page at https://www.ihop.com/en/nutrition.

A Deeper Dive into Nutrition

For those who are particularly diligent about their dietary intake, it's worth noting the macronutrient breakdown. The 460-calorie short stack is predominantly carbohydrate-based, but also contains a notable amount of fat and protein. The exact ratio can be found using the nutrition facts on IHOP's website. Being aware of the carb, fat, and protein content can be helpful for those on specific diets, such as ketogenic or low-carb plans. Additionally, the sodium content is significant, and should be considered by those monitoring their salt intake. Always check the most up-to-date nutritional information directly from IHOP's website as menu items and ingredients can change over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

An IHOP Original Buttermilk short stack, which includes three pancakes, contains approximately 460 calories, before any syrup or butter is added.

An IHOP short stack consists of three pancakes.

Yes, adding syrup can significantly increase the calorie count. For example, a quarter-cup of generic table syrup can add over 200 calories to your meal.

A short stack has 3 pancakes and around 460 calories, while a full stack has 5 pancakes and approximately 720 calories, both without toppings.

While most pancake options at IHOP are high in calories, some specialty items, like the Protein Power Pancakes, can have a different nutritional balance, and sticking to the plain short stack and being mindful of toppings is the best way to reduce calories.

The most reliable and current nutritional information is available on IHOP's official website, which offers an interactive nutrition calculator for customizing your order.

To reduce calories, you can stick with the short stack, use minimal or sugar-free syrup, skip the whipped butter, and opt for a side of fruit instead of other heavy side dishes.