How many calories are in one single egg?

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

One large egg contains approximately 72 calories, making it a nutritious and relatively low-calorie food choice. However, the exact number of calories can vary depending on factors such as the egg's size and how it is prepared.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a single egg depends primarily on its size, with larger eggs containing more calories. Preparation method, such as frying versus boiling, also significantly affects the final calorie count by adding fats.

Key Points

Egg Size Matters: A large egg contains approximately 72 calories, but smaller and jumbo eggs vary significantly.
Yolk vs. White Calories: The yolk is the more calorie-dense part of the egg, containing most of the fat and calories, while the white is primarily protein.
Cooking Method Impacts Calories: Boiling or poaching an egg doesn't add extra calories, whereas frying in oil or butter increases the total.
Eggs are Nutrient-Dense: Beyond calories, eggs are a rich source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and essential minerals like choline and selenium.
Versatile for Different Diets: Eggs can support various dietary goals, from weight management to muscle growth, depending on how they are prepared.
Don't Overlook Micronutrients: Focusing solely on calorie count ignores the vast nutritional benefits that eggs offer for brain and eye health.

Egg Calorie Breakdown by Size

Not all eggs are created equal, and their calorie content is directly tied to their size. A small egg will naturally have fewer calories than a jumbo one, a crucial detail for anyone tracking their intake. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a standard breakdown for egg sizes.

Small Egg (38g): Approximately 54 calories.
Medium Egg (44g): Approximately 63 calories.
Large Egg (50g): Approximately 72 calories.
Extra-Large Egg (56g): Approximately 80 calories.
Jumbo Egg (63g): Approximately 90 calories.

The Calorie Difference: White vs. Yolk

For those curious about the specifics, the calories are not evenly distributed throughout the egg. The yolk is significantly more calorie-dense than the white. In a large egg, the egg white contains only about 18 calories, while the yolk contributes around 54 calories. This is because all the fat in the egg is concentrated in the yolk, along with many of the vitamins and minerals. The white, or albumen, is mostly water and protein, making it a very low-calorie, high-protein option.

How Cooking Methods Impact Calorie Count

The preparation method is a major factor in the final calorie count of your egg dish. While a plain, boiled egg has a static number of calories, adding oil, butter, or cheese during cooking will increase the total.

Boiled vs. Fried: A Comparison

Poaching or boiling an egg does not add any extra calories, leaving the number of calories at the raw value based on its size. Frying, however, introduces additional fat and calories. For example, a large fried egg can contain up to 120 calories or more, depending on how much oil or butter is used. This difference is significant for individuals monitoring their total fat and calorie intake.

Comparing Common Egg Preparations


Egg Dish (1 Large Egg)	Estimated Calories	Key Calorie Sources
Boiled/Poached Egg	~72-78	Naturally occurring fat and protein
Fried Egg	~90-120+	Added oil or butter during frying
Scrambled Egg	~100-140+	Added milk and/or butter
Omelet (3 eggs)	~400+	Three eggs plus cheese and other fillings

The Health Benefits Beyond Calories

Focusing solely on the number of calories in one single egg can cause one to overlook its substantial nutritional value. Eggs are packed with high-quality protein, which aids in muscle building and promotes feelings of fullness, a benefit for weight management. They also contain essential nutrients, including choline for brain health, selenium, and vitamins D, B12, and A.

For those on a calorie-restricted diet, eggs offer a satisfying meal that provides a lot of nutritional bang for its caloric buck. The balance of protein and fat helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep hunger at bay. Choosing preparation methods that don't add extra fat, such as boiling or poaching, is key for a lower-calorie option, while mindful use of oils or butter is important for those who prefer to fry their eggs.

Conclusion

In summary, the precise number of calories in one single egg depends on its size and how it is prepared. A large, plain egg contains approximately 72 calories, with the majority of those coming from the yolk. While cooking methods that add fat can increase the total, eggs remain a nutrient-dense and versatile food. Understanding these calorie variations allows for better dietary planning and a more informed approach to nutrition. Eggs offer more than just calories; they are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall health and well-being. By being mindful of preparation, you can easily incorporate eggs into a balanced diet to meet your nutritional goals.

Here is a reputable source from Healthline.

A Balanced Perspective

Remember that no single food, including eggs, should be judged solely on its calorie content. The overall nutrient profile, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, is what truly defines a food's health value. The versatility of eggs allows them to fit into a wide variety of diets, from weight management to muscle-building, simply by altering the preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single large, hard-boiled egg contains approximately 78 calories. The calorie count is slightly higher than a raw large egg due to minor changes during cooking but is largely similar as no fat is added during boiling.

A fried egg contains more calories than a boiled egg of the same size. For instance, a large fried egg can range from 85 to 120 calories or more, depending on the amount of oil or butter used, while a large boiled egg is around 72-78 calories.

The yolk has significantly more calories than the egg white. In a large egg, the yolk contains about 56 calories, while the egg white has only around 18 calories.

Yes, eggs can be an excellent food for weight loss. They are high in protein, which promotes a feeling of fullness, and their calorie count is relatively low, especially when prepared without added fats.

Yes, the nutritional content, including calories, varies by size. Larger eggs have more calories, protein, and fat compared to smaller eggs. The difference is proportionate to the egg's weight.

Adding ingredients like cheese will substantially increase the total calorie count of an egg dish. For example, a three-egg omelet with cheese could easily contain over 400 calories.

While egg whites are very low in calories and fat, many of the egg's vitamins and nutrients are found in the yolk. Eating the whole egg provides the maximum nutritional benefit, including choline, vitamin D, and essential fatty acids.