How many calories are in one patty? Your guide to beef, turkey, and vegan options

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 4-ounce beef patty made from 80/20 ground beef contains approximately 280 to 300 calories, but this number changes drastically based on ingredients and cooking methods. The precise number of calories in one patty is determined by its protein source, size, and preparation, making it a critical factor for anyone monitoring their intake.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a single patty is influenced by the protein source (beef, turkey, or vegan), fat percentage, size, and cooking technique. Figures range widely from low-calorie veggie patties to high-fat beef versions.

Key Points

Fat Content is Key: The fat percentage in a beef patty is the biggest determinant of its calorie count, with higher fat content yielding more calories.
Size Matters: Larger patties naturally contain more calories; a 6-ounce patty can have significantly more calories than a 4-ounce one.
Cooking Method Impacts Calories: Grilling or broiling can reduce a patty's calories by allowing excess fat to drain, whereas pan-frying in oil increases them.
Vegan Options Vary Widely: Calorie counts for vegan patties range dramatically depending on the brand and ingredients, from as low as 80 calories to over 200.
Choose Leaner Meats to Cut Calories: Opting for lean ground turkey or 90/10 beef is an effective strategy to lower the calorie and saturated fat content of your patty.
Add-Ins Reduce Calories and Boost Nutrients: Mixing ground meat with shredded vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms can lower the overall calories while adding fiber and volume.

Factors Influencing Calorie Count

The caloric value of a single patty is not a fixed number; it is a variable that depends on several key factors. Understanding these elements is essential for accurately assessing the nutritional impact of your meal.

Patty Size and Weight

One of the most straightforward factors is the size and weight of the patty. Naturally, a larger patty will contain more meat and, consequently, more calories. This is true across all patty types, from beef to plant-based versions. For instance, a 6-ounce beef patty has a much higher calorie count than a 4-ounce one of the same lean-to-fat ratio. When cooking or purchasing, paying attention to the uncooked weight can provide a clear indication of the potential calorie intake.

Protein Source and Fat Content

The source of the patty—whether beef, turkey, chicken, or vegan—significantly impacts its nutritional profile and calorie count. Within meat patties, the fat content is the primary driver of caloric density, as fat contains 9 calories per gram, more than double the 4 calories per gram found in protein. This is why leaner beef, such as a 90/10 mix (90% lean, 10% fat), has fewer calories than a standard 80/20 patty. Alternatives like ground turkey or chicken can also be leaner, while vegan patties vary depending on their specific ingredients and how they achieve their texture and fat content.

Cooking Method

The way a patty is prepared can alter its final calorie count. For example, grilling a meat patty allows excess fat to drip away, which can slightly reduce the total calories. In contrast, pan-frying with additional oils or butter will increase the calorie content because the meat will absorb some of the added fat during cooking. For those looking to minimize calories, grilling or baking on a rack are often healthier preparation methods.

Calorie Breakdown by Patty Type

Here is a closer look at the typical calorie ranges for different kinds of patties, based on standard serving sizes.

Beef Patties

Beef patties are one of the most common types, and their calories vary based on the lean-to-fat ratio.

4-ounce (113g), 80/20 beef: Approximately 280–300 calories.
4-ounce (113g), 90/10 beef: Approximately 200–220 calories.
3-ounce (85g), 85/15 beef: Approximately 197 calories.
6-ounce (170g), 80/20 beef: Approximately 420–450 calories.

Turkey Patties

Often a leaner alternative to beef, turkey patties also have a range of calories depending on the cut of meat and fat percentage.

4-ounce (112g), 93/7 turkey: Approximately 160–180 calories.
4-ounce (112g) ground turkey patty (generic): Approximately 212 calories.

Vegan and Veggie Patties

Plant-based patties can have widely different calorie counts, largely dependent on the ingredients used to create them.

Beyond Burger (4oz): 230 calories.
Boca Original Vegan Veggie Burger (small): 80 calories.
Veggie Burger Patty (70g): 124 calories.

How to Reduce Calories in Your Patty

If you are aiming for a healthier burger, here are several strategies for reducing the calorie load without sacrificing flavor.

Choose leaner proteins: Opting for 90/10 ground beef or ground turkey can significantly cut fat and calories.
Reduce patty size: Simply making a smaller patty can dramatically decrease the total calories. The American Heart Association recommends a serving size of just three cooked ounces for beef.
Use healthy extenders: Mixing ground meat with low-calorie vegetables like finely chopped mushrooms or grated zucchini can add bulk and fiber while reducing calories.
Employ healthier cooking methods: Grill or broil patties on a rack instead of pan-frying in oil. This allows fat to drain away, reducing the final calorie count.

Comparison of Popular Patty Options


Patty Type	Approx. Size	Approx. Calories	Key Factor	Source
80/20 Beef	4 oz (113g)	280-300 kcal	High fat content
90/10 Beef	4 oz (113g)	200-220 kcal	Leaner meat
93/7 Turkey	4 oz (112g)	160-180 kcal	Leaner protein
Beyond Burger	4 oz (113g)	230 kcal	Plant-based ingredients
Boca Veggie Burger	~2.5 oz (71g)	80 kcal	Low-fat, plant-based
Portobello Mushroom	1 large cap	~30-50 kcal	Naturally low-calorie

Conclusion

The total number of calories in one patty is not a one-size-fits-all figure. It is the result of a combination of the patty's protein source, fat content, size, and how it is cooked. By understanding these variables, consumers can easily adjust their choices to fit their dietary goals. Opting for leaner meats, smaller portions, or plant-based alternatives, and utilizing healthier cooking methods are all effective strategies for managing the caloric impact of a burger patty. Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or a vegan option, an informed decision allows you to enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal that aligns with your health objectives.

For more information on the nutritional profiles of various foods, consider visiting a comprehensive resource like the USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 4-ounce patty made from 80% lean ground beef contains approximately 280 to 300 calories.

Yes, fat content is a primary factor. A 4-ounce patty from 80/20 ground beef has about 280-300 calories, while a 90/10 patty has closer to 200-220 calories for the same size.

Generally, yes, especially leaner options. For example, a 4-ounce, 93/7 turkey patty can have as few as 160-180 calories, compared to a higher-fat beef patty.

Calories for vegan patties vary significantly by brand and type. For instance, a Beyond Burger has 230 calories per 4oz patty, while a Boca veggie patty has around 80 calories.

Yes, grilling can cause some of the fat to drip away, slightly reducing the overall calorie count compared to pan-frying.

To reduce calories, use a leaner ground meat (like 90/10 beef or ground turkey), mix the meat with shredded vegetables, and cook by grilling or baking instead of pan-frying.

Fast-food or large patties can vary, but a substantial 6-ounce gourmet beef patty could have 420-450 calories or more depending on its fat content.

Yes, binders or fillers such as breadcrumbs or eggs, along with seasonings, can add a small number of calories to the patty.