How many calories in a 12 inch New York pizza?

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A 12-inch medium pizza can contain over 1,000 calories, but the final number for how many calories are in a 12 inch New York pizza is heavily influenced by the specific ingredients and portion size. Factors like crust thickness, amount of cheese, and the choice of toppings all contribute to the final calorie count.

Quick Summary

The total calories in a 12-inch New York style pizza can vary widely based on its ingredients, with a standard cheese version averaging around 1,000 to 1,200 calories. The number of slices you eat, and your chosen toppings, significantly impacts the overall nutritional intake.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A 12-inch New York pizza's total calories range from 1,060 for a plain cheese up to 2,800 or more for loaded versions.
Toppings Increase Count: High-fat toppings like pepperoni and sausage can significantly increase the calorie count per slice compared to a standard cheese pizza.
Average Slice Count: A 12-inch pizza is typically cut into 6 to 8 slices, with calorie figures varying based on the exact number of slices.
Mindful Portions: Controlling your portion size is the most effective way to manage calorie intake when eating pizza.
Crust and Cheese: The type of crust and the amount of cheese are major factors determining the base calorie count of any pizza.
Healthier Alternatives: Opting for veggie toppings, blotting excess oil, and pairing with a salad are simple ways to make your pizza meal healthier.

Understanding the New York Style Pizza

Before diving into the numbers, it's essential to understand what makes a New York style pizza unique. It's known for its large, wide, foldable slices with a characteristic thin, yet sturdy, crust that is thicker than a Neapolitan crust but thinner than a pan pizza. This distinctive crust requires a specific amount of dough, which forms the base of the calorie count. The slices are typically sold individually, which influences how consumers think about the total calories they are consuming, often underestimating the impact of eating multiple large slices.

The Standard 12-Inch New York Pizza (Cheese)

A 12-inch pizza is generally considered a medium size, and the number of slices can vary from 6 to 8 depending on the pizzeria. A standard, 12-inch New York style cheese pizza provides a baseline for calorie estimation. According to nutrition data, a 12-inch cheese pizza can range from approximately 1,060 to 1,200 calories in total, or roughly 190 to 200 calories per slice if cut into 8 pieces. This base estimate is primarily composed of the flour in the crust, the tomato sauce, and the mozzarella cheese.

Impact of Toppings on Calorie Count

Adding toppings to your 12-inch pizza significantly increases the calorie count. Meat toppings, especially processed options like pepperoni and sausage, are substantial calorie contributors due to their high fat content. Even extra cheese or oily vegetables can push the numbers up. Here is a breakdown of how common toppings can affect the calorie per slice:

Pepperoni: A 12-inch pepperoni pizza slice can add an extra 20 to 50 calories compared to a plain cheese slice.
Meat Lovers: Piling on multiple types of meat, such as sausage, bacon, and ground beef, can increase the calories per slice to over 300.
Vegetable: While generally lower in calories than meat, a veggie pizza can still have a moderate calorie count, often ranging from 225 to 300 calories per slice, depending on the volume of toppings and cheese.

Comparison Table: 12-Inch New York Pizza Calories by Topping

The following table provides a clear comparison of how different topping choices affect the calorie count for a typical 12-inch New York style pizza, assuming it is cut into 8 slices.


Pizza Type (12-Inch)	Approx. Calories per Slice (1/8)	Total Approx. Calories	Key Calorie Sources
Cheese	190-200	1,520-1,600	Crust, mozzarella cheese, sauce
Pepperoni	210-250	1,680-2,000	Pepperoni, extra cheese, fats
Vegetable	225-300	1,800-2,400	Crust, mozzarella, assorted vegetables
Meat Lovers	300-350+	2,400-2,800+	Sausage, bacon, pepperoni, extra cheese
Supreme	280-350	2,240-2,800	Combination of meat and veggie toppings

Note: Calorie estimates can vary significantly by pizzeria due to ingredient quality, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Mindful Eating and Healthier Choices

While pizza is a classic indulgence, there are strategies to make your 12-inch New York pizza experience healthier without sacrificing enjoyment. Mindful eating is key, which involves paying attention to portion sizes and listening to your body's hunger signals.

Here are some tips for a more balanced meal:

Blot the excess oil: Using a napkin to gently press down on the pizza can absorb a surprising amount of grease and fat.
Downsize your order: If you're dining alone or in a small group, opting for a smaller pizza or sticking to just one or two slices is a simple way to control calories.
Add a side salad: Pairing your pizza with a fresh, crisp side salad provides fiber and nutrients, helping you feel full and reducing the likelihood of overeating.
Opt for lighter toppings: Choosing more vegetables over fatty meats is a straightforward way to reduce the calorie density of each slice.

Understanding the calorie breakdown and being strategic with your choices allows you to enjoy your pizza while staying aligned with your dietary goals. For an authentic New York experience, you can explore traditional recipes and baking methods, as described by Serious Eats in their detailed article on New York-style pizza.

Conclusion

Determining the exact calorie count for a 12-inch New York pizza depends on several variables, including the crust, cheese, and toppings. While a standard cheese pie contains approximately 1,520 to 1,600 calories, additional toppings can push this figure much higher. By being aware of how each component contributes to the nutritional profile and practicing mindful portion control, you can indulge in this classic American favorite without derailing your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

For one slice (1/8th) of a 12-inch cheese pizza, the average calorie count is between 190 and 200 calories. Adding toppings like pepperoni can increase this number.

Yes, while New York style pizza has a relatively thin crust, a thicker crust will contain more dough and therefore more carbohydrates and calories than a very thin-crust pizza.

For two people with average appetites, a 12-inch pizza can be sufficient, as it typically offers 6 to 8 slices. For heartier eaters, or for a very filling meal, it may not be enough.

Pepperoni can add approximately 20 to 50 calories per slice, pushing the total for a single slice to over 210 calories, depending on the amount used.

A simple trick is to blot the excess oil and grease off the top of the pizza with a napkin, which can significantly reduce the total fat and calorie content.

While often lower, it's not a dramatic difference depending on the quantity of cheese and how many vegetables are added. Veggie pizzas still contain calories from the crust and cheese, so portion control is still important.

Yes, pizza can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. The key is to be mindful of portion sizes, choose lighter toppings, and balance it with other nutrient-dense foods like a side salad.

Pizza can be very high in sodium, particularly New York style. The cheese, sauce, and processed meat toppings contribute significantly. A 12-inch cheese pizza can have a very high sodium count, so it's a concern for those monitoring their intake.