How many calories are in one full-size banana?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

A large, full-size banana (8-9 inches long) contains approximately 121 calories. This popular and nutritious fruit's total calorie count can vary slightly depending on its specific size, ripeness level, and whether it is eaten raw or prepared differently.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a banana depends on its size, with a large (8-9 inch) fruit containing around 121 calories. Ripeness and preparation also influence the total caloric intake.

Key Points

121 Calories: A full-size banana, which is typically 8-9 inches long, has approximately 121 calories.
Size Matters: The calorie count is most heavily influenced by the banana's size, ranging from about 72 calories for extra small to 135 for extra large.
Ripeness Effect: As a banana ripens, starch converts to sugar, causing a slight, but not significant, increase in its sugar content and total calories.
Preparation Variation: A cup of mashed banana has more calories than a cup of sliced banana because it contains more fruit by volume.
Nutrient-Dense Snack: Beyond calories, a large banana is a great source of carbohydrates, fiber, potassium, and vitamins B6 and C.
Digestive and Heart Health: The fiber and potassium content support both digestive regularity and cardiovascular health.
Supports Weight Management: The fiber in bananas can help promote feelings of fullness, assisting with appetite control and weight management goals.

The Calorie Count of a Full-Size Banana

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a large banana, defined as being 8 to 8-7/8 inches long, provides approximately 121 calories. This figure is an important benchmark for anyone tracking their daily caloric intake or simply curious about the nutritional value of this common fruit. While many people think of bananas as a standard-sized item, their natural growth means significant variations in size, which directly affects the calorie count. A "full-size" banana is best represented by this larger measurement, though it’s useful to understand the calorie differences across the full range of banana sizes.

How Banana Size Impacts Calories

The most significant factor determining a banana's calorie content is its size. The larger the banana, the more calories it contains due to a higher concentration of carbohydrates and sugars. Here is a breakdown of the approximate calorie counts for various banana sizes, as referenced by nutrition experts and sources like Chiquita and Healthline:

Extra Small (under 6 inches, 81 grams): ~72 calories
Small (6-7 inches, 101 grams): ~90 calories
Medium (7-8 inches, 118 grams): ~105 calories
Large (8-9 inches, 136 grams): ~121 calories
Extra Large (9 inches or longer, 152 grams): ~135 calories

The Effect of Ripeness on Calorie Content

As a banana ripens, its caloric composition changes subtly. An unripe, green banana is primarily composed of starch. Over time, this starch is converted into simple sugars—sucrose, fructose, and glucose. This conversion makes the banana sweeter and softer but only causes a minimal shift in the total calorie count. For most dieters, the change is negligible, but it's a good reminder that a very ripe banana has a slightly higher sugar load.

Prepared Bananas: Sliced vs. Mashed

The way a banana is consumed can also alter the perception of its calories, mainly due to volume. For example, a cup of sliced bananas (about 150 grams) contains approximately 134 calories, while a cup of mashed banana (about 225 grams) provides around 200 calories. This is not because mashing adds calories, but because a cup of mashed banana contains a greater overall volume of fruit than a cup of slices, resulting in a higher calorie total for the same unit of measurement.

Beyond Calories: Nutritional Facts for a Large Banana

While the calorie count is a key metric, a full-size banana is also packed with essential nutrients.

Carbohydrates: ~31g
Dietary Fiber: ~3.5g
Sugars: ~17g
Protein: ~1.5g
Potassium: ~487mg (~10% of Daily Value)
Vitamin B6: ~0.5mg (~20% of Daily Value)
Vitamin C: ~11.8mg (~13% of Daily Value)

Health Benefits of Eating Bananas

Beyond their calorie and macronutrient profile, bananas offer several notable health benefits, making them a wise choice for a balanced diet.

Heart Health: Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral and electrolyte critical for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Digestive Health: The dietary fiber in bananas aids in promoting regularity and digestive health. Unripe bananas contain resistant starch, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Weight Management: Despite being a source of carbohydrates, bananas can be an effective part of a weight-loss plan. The fiber and resistant starch can increase feelings of fullness, helping to manage appetite and calorie intake. Energy Boost: The natural sugars and carbs in bananas make them an ideal snack for a quick and easily digestible energy boost before or after a workout.

A Comparison of Banana Calories by Size


Banana Type	Approximate Length	Approximate Weight	Calories
Extra Small	< 6 inches	81 g	~72
Small	6-7 inches	101 g	~90
Medium	7-8 inches	118 g	~105
Large	8-9 inches	136 g	~121
Extra Large	> 9 inches	152 g	~135

Conclusion

In summary, a full-size banana, typically defined as large (8-9 inches), contains around 121 calories. This calorie count can fluctuate slightly based on the fruit's exact size, ripeness, and preparation. However, regardless of these minor variations, the banana remains a nutritious and beneficial food choice. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins like B6 and C, and essential minerals like potassium, it's a great option for a healthy snack, workout fuel, or a simple addition to your balanced diet. Understanding the calorie and nutrient content of a banana helps in making informed food choices without forgoing this convenient and delicious fruit.

For more information on the health benefits of bananas, you can read this comprehensive guide from Healthline: Bananas 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

A full-size (large, 8-9 inch) banana contains about 121 calories, while a medium-sized banana (7-8 inches) has approximately 105 calories.

Yes, ripeness has a minimal effect. As a banana ripens, its starch converts to sugar, which makes it sweeter but only slightly increases its overall calorie content. The difference is not significant for most dietary considerations.

Yes, bananas can be good for weight loss. The fiber content helps you feel full longer, which can prevent overeating. A medium banana is around 105 calories, making it a satiating and healthy snack.

The vast majority of a banana's calories, about 93%, come from carbohydrates. A small portion comes from protein and a very minimal amount from fat.

A whole, medium banana has about 105 calories. A cup of mashed banana contains about 200 calories, but this is because a cup of mashed fruit includes a greater volume of banana than a single fruit does.

In addition to about 121 calories and 31g of carbohydrates, a large banana provides ~3.5g of dietary fiber, ~1.5g of protein, and is an excellent source of potassium and vitamin B6.

Yes, banana chips are significantly higher in calories. The drying process concentrates the sugars, and they are often fried, increasing both the sugar and fat content. As a result, 100g of banana chips can have more than 500 calories, compared to a fresh banana with about 89 calories per 100g.