How Many Calories Do 3 Flour Tortillas Have?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for 3 flour tortillas varies dramatically, with a typical serving of three small (6-inch) tortillas containing around 140 to 160 calories, while three large burrito-sized tortillas can easily exceed 400 calories. This difference is influenced by size, brand, and ingredients, making it crucial to look beyond the general assumptions for an accurate dietary plan.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of three flour tortillas varies significantly depending on size and brand, ranging from approximately 140 calories for small tacos to over 400 for large burritos. Factors like added fats and ingredients contribute to the variation, highlighting the importance of reading nutrition labels.

Key Points

Size is the primary factor: The calorie count for 3 flour tortillas varies dramatically based on their size, with small ones being the lowest in calories and large ones the highest.
Check the nutrition label: Due to variations in ingredients and manufacturing, checking the specific brand's label is the most accurate way to determine the calorie count.
Corn vs. flour: Corn tortillas are generally lower in calories and higher in fiber than flour tortillas and are a gluten-free option.
Fat content influences calories: The use of shortening or lard in flour tortillas increases their fat and calorie content compared to corn tortillas.
Choose whole wheat for more fiber: Opting for whole wheat flour tortillas adds more fiber and nutrients, promoting satiety, even though their calorie count is comparable to white flour varieties.
Mind your fillings: Calorie-dense fillings often contribute more to the total calorie count of a meal than the tortillas themselves.

Understanding how many calories do 3 flour tortillas have is essential for anyone tracking their nutritional intake. The answer is not a single number but a wide range, primarily determined by the tortilla's size, ingredients, and preparation method. While three small street-taco style tortillas can be a relatively low-calorie option, the same number of large, restaurant-style ones can pack a significant caloric punch due to their larger size and higher fat content.

Factors Influencing Flour Tortilla Calories

The nutritional information of flour tortillas is not standardized across the board. Several variables play a role in determining the final calorie count.

Size and Weight

This is arguably the most significant factor. As the diameter and weight of the tortilla increase, so does its calorie content. For example:

Small tortillas (e.g., 6-inch taco size) weigh less and therefore contain fewer calories per piece.
Medium tortillas (e.g., 8-inch) are larger and have more calories than small ones.
Large tortillas (e.g., 10-12-inch burrito size) are substantially heavier and can contain twice the calories of a small tortilla.

Ingredients and Preparation

Commercially produced flour tortillas often contain added oils, fats, and preservatives to enhance their texture and extend shelf life. These additions can inflate the calorie count. Some key ingredients include:

Shortening or Lard: Traditional and restaurant-style flour tortillas often use shortening or lard, which significantly increases the fat and calorie content compared to leaner options.
Refined vs. Whole Wheat Flour: Tortillas made with refined white flour are less nutritious and may have a different calorie density than those made with whole wheat, which offers more fiber and nutrients.
Additives and Preservatives: Many commercial varieties include additives that can affect the overall nutritional profile. Homemade tortillas, which often use fewer and simpler ingredients like olive oil, can offer a cleaner nutritional option.

Calories by Tortilla Size

To provide a clear picture, here is an approximation of the calorie content for three flour tortillas based on common sizes, though exact numbers will vary by brand.

Small (6-inch Taco) Tortillas

Three small tortillas are typically used for street tacos or lighter meals. A single 6-inch tortilla averages around 90-140 calories, making a portion of three approximately 270-420 calories. However, some brands offer smaller or thinner versions with even lower counts.

Medium (8-inch) Tortillas

Used for larger tacos or quesadillas, three medium tortillas will be more caloric. A single 8-inch tortilla can contain approximately 146-160 calories. Three of these would amount to 438-480 calories, before adding any fillings.

Large (10-12-inch Burrito) Tortillas

These are the largest and most calorie-dense option. One 10-inch tortilla can have around 190-210 calories, while a 12-inch version can range from 240-355 calories. Three large burrito-style tortillas could therefore be anywhere from 570 to over 1000 calories, highlighting the need for portion awareness.

Flour vs. Other Tortillas: A Calorie Comparison

To put flour tortillas into perspective, let's compare their calorie counts with other popular alternatives. The following table provides an overview, based on standard sizes.


Tortilla Type	Typical Size	Calories (per 1)	Calories (per 3)	Primary Ingredients
Flour (White)	6-inch	90-140	270-420	Refined flour, shortening, water
Flour (Whole Wheat)	6-inch	120-140	360-420	Whole wheat flour, oil, water
Corn	6-inch	50-70	150-210	Corn (masa harina), lime, water
Low-Carb	6-inch	50-70	150-210	Various flours, isolated fiber

As the table shows, corn tortillas are generally the lowest calorie option among traditional varieties, making them a great alternative for those watching their calorie intake. Whole wheat tortillas offer more fiber than white flour, which can promote satiety, although their calorie count is often similar or slightly higher.

Making Healthier Choices with Flour Tortillas

While flour tortillas, particularly the larger ones, can be high in calories, you don't have to eliminate them from your diet. Here are some strategies for mindful consumption:

Choose smaller sizes: Opt for street-taco size tortillas instead of large burrito wraps to instantly reduce your calorie and sodium intake.
Select whole wheat options: If you prefer flour, choose whole wheat varieties for more fiber, which aids digestion and promotes fullness.
Mind your fillings: The bulk of the calories in a burrito or taco often comes from the fillings. Prioritize lean proteins, beans, and a generous portion of vegetables while being mindful of calorie-dense additions like cheese and sour cream.
Read nutrition labels: Different brands have different formulations. Always check the label for calorie count, fat content, and ingredients to make the most informed choice.
Consider homemade: Making your own tortillas at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use healthier oils like avocado or olive oil and avoid unnecessary preservatives.

Conclusion: The Final Tally on Your Tortilla Calories

In short, the calorie count for 3 flour tortillas is not uniform and depends heavily on their size and ingredients. For a precise estimate, checking the specific product's nutrition label is always the best approach. However, as a general rule, you can expect the range to be from a lighter 140-160 calories for small taco-sized versions to over 400 calories for larger burrito-style tortillas. By being mindful of your portion sizes and making conscious choices about the type of tortilla and its fillings, you can easily incorporate them into a balanced and healthy diet.

For more detailed information on choosing healthier options, you can consult sources like this helpful guide: Consumer Reports' guide on healthier tortillas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Flour tortillas typically contain more calories than corn tortillas of a similar size because they are often made with added fats like shortening or lard. Corn tortillas, made from masa harina, are generally the lower-calorie option.

Yes, flour tortillas can be part of a healthy diet, but portion control is important. Choosing smaller, whole wheat tortillas and filling them with lean protein and vegetables can help manage calorie intake effectively.

A single 6-inch flour tortilla typically contains around 90 to 140 calories, depending on the brand and thickness. Some high-fiber or very thin versions may have slightly fewer calories.

Not necessarily. Whole wheat flour tortillas often have a similar calorie count to white flour ones but offer the benefit of higher fiber content, which promotes satiety and digestive health.

Homemade flour tortillas can have a different calorie count depending on the recipe. They often use fewer ingredients and healthier oils like olive or avocado oil, potentially resulting in a cleaner, more controlled calorie count than some commercial versions with added fats and preservatives.

The high calorie count in large burrito tortillas comes from their significant size and weight. A single 12-inch tortilla contains a large amount of refined flour and often added fats, contributing to a high total calorie count.

To reduce calories, opt for smaller, street-taco size tortillas, use corn tortillas instead of flour, or choose whole wheat for more fiber. Additionally, fill your tortillas with lean proteins, beans, and plenty of vegetables while limiting high-fat additions like cheese and sour cream.