How many carbohydrates are in a 12 inch flour tortilla?

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 12-inch flour tortilla contains approximately 58.5 grams of total carbohydrates. Knowing precisely how many carbohydrates are in a 12 inch flour tortilla is key for anyone managing their carb intake for dietary reasons or health goals.

Quick Summary

The carb content of a 12-inch flour tortilla can vary by brand, but typically ranges from 48 to over 58 grams, including some dietary fiber. This comprehensive guide breaks down the nutritional profile, explains net carbs, and compares different tortilla types.

Key Points

Carbohydrate Count: A typical 12-inch flour tortilla contains approximately 48 to 58 grams of total carbohydrates.
Net Carb Variation: After subtracting dietary fiber, the net carb count is typically between 45 and 55 grams, depending on the specific tortilla.
Brand and Ingredient Differences: The exact nutritional value varies by manufacturer; some recipes may contain different types of flour, fats, and additives.
Healthier Alternatives: For lower carb options, consider smaller tortillas, whole wheat varieties with higher fiber, or specialized low-carb tortillas.
Dietary Impact: Choosing the right tortilla is important for managing carb intake, especially for those on specific dietary plans like keto or those monitoring blood sugar.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Content of a 12-inch Flour Tortilla

The carbohydrate count of a 12-inch flour tortilla is a critical piece of nutritional information, especially for those tracking their macros. The exact number can differ based on the brand, ingredients, and how it was processed. For example, a restaurant-style tortilla may have different values than a store-bought version. Generally, these large tortillas are designed for burritos and large wraps, which contributes to their higher carb density compared to smaller versions.

Typical Carb Range for a 12-inch Tortilla

Several reliable nutrition databases provide a range of data for a 12-inch flour tortilla. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports a specific figure, while commercially available products often list their own slightly different nutritional facts due to variations in their recipes.

USDA Standard: A 12-inch (approx. 117g) flour tortilla contains about 58.54g of total carbohydrates.
Common Brands: Various commercial brands typically fall within the 48-52g range for a similarly sized tortilla.

Total Carbs vs. Net Carbs

When evaluating a tortilla's impact on your diet, it's helpful to distinguish between total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates. Net carbs are the total carbs minus the dietary fiber, as fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body does not digest and absorb for energy. For those on low-carb diets, the net carb count is the most important metric.

To calculate net carbs, subtract the dietary fiber from the total carbs.
A tortilla with 48g of total carbs and 2g of fiber would have 46g of net carbs.
A tortilla with 58.54g of total carbs and 3.53g of fiber (USDA data) would have about 55g of net carbs.

Factors Influencing Tortilla Carbohydrates

The final carbohydrate content is not just a single number but a reflection of several factors during production. Understanding these can help in making more informed dietary choices.

Refined vs. Whole Wheat Flour: Most standard large flour tortillas are made with enriched white flour, which has a higher carb density. Whole wheat flour tortillas, on the other hand, incorporate more fiber and can offer slightly more complex carbohydrates.
Added Ingredients: Some commercial tortillas include added sugars or corn starch for flavor and texture, which can slightly increase the total carb count. Homemade versions often have simpler ingredients.
Fat Content: The type and amount of fat used, such as vegetable shortening or lard, primarily affects the calorie count, but can also indirectly influence the overall macronutrient balance of the tortilla.
Size and Weight: A 12-inch tortilla's carb count is higher than a smaller 6-inch taco-sized tortilla simply due to its larger surface area and greater weight.

Comparison Table: 12-inch Flour Tortilla vs. Alternatives

To put the 12-inch flour tortilla's nutritional profile into perspective, here is a comparison with other common tortilla types. Values are approximate and can vary by brand and size.


Feature	12-inch Flour Tortilla	Medium Corn Tortilla	Medium Whole Wheat Tortilla
Carbohydrates	48–58g	22–25g	28–35g
Dietary Fiber	1–3g	3–4g	3–5g
Net Carbs	45–55g	19–21g	24–32g
Calories	280–350	90–110	170–210
Protein	7–9g	2–3g	5–6g
Fat	6–10g	1–2g	4–6g
Gluten-Free	No	Yes (typically)	No (contains gluten)

Reducing Carbs in a 12-inch Tortilla Meal

If you want to enjoy a large burrito but need to manage your carbohydrate intake, there are several strategies you can employ.

Choose a smaller size: A 6-inch or 8-inch flour tortilla will significantly reduce the carb count.
Opt for whole wheat: Whole wheat tortillas offer more fiber, which can promote feelings of fullness and help moderate blood sugar spikes.
Try low-carb varieties: Many brands now offer low-carb or high-fiber flour tortillas that are specifically designed for carb-conscious diets. Some may use ingredients like oat flour.
Increase protein and fat: Filling your wrap with more lean protein and healthy fats, and fewer carbs from rice or beans, can make the meal more satiating and balanced.
Load up on vegetables: Extra vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals without a significant increase in carbohydrates.

Conclusion

A standard 12-inch flour tortilla is a substantial source of carbohydrates, with most versions containing between 48 and 58 grams. This figure can vary depending on the brand's recipe, with differences also found in fiber and calorie content. For those looking to reduce their carb consumption, options like smaller tortillas, whole wheat versions, or specifically marketed low-carb alternatives are available. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, you can effectively integrate a large flour tortilla into a balanced meal plan while staying mindful of your dietary goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carbohydrate count for a 12-inch flour tortilla typically falls between 48 and 58 grams, depending on the brand and specific recipe.

To calculate net carbs, simply subtract the dietary fiber amount from the total carbohydrates listed on the nutrition label. For example, a tortilla with 48g of total carbs and 2g of fiber has 46g of net carbs.

Corn tortillas are generally lower in carbs and calories than flour tortillas, especially for a comparable serving size.

Yes, many brands offer low-carb or high-fiber flour tortillas. Other alternatives include whole wheat tortillas, smaller tortilla sizes, or making your own with oat flour.

No, the nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Factors like the type of flour, added fats, and preservatives can affect the final carb, calorie, and fiber counts.

Tortillas made with whole wheat flour or enriched with ingredients like oat fiber tend to have a higher dietary fiber content than those made solely with refined white flour.

To reduce carbs, use a smaller tortilla, opt for a whole wheat or low-carb version, and focus on filling it with more lean protein and vegetables instead of excessive rice and beans.