How Many Carbs Are in 2 Small Slices of Cheese Pizza?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

Two small slices of cheese pizza can contain a significant number of carbohydrates, with the exact amount varying widely based on the crust's thickness and the ingredients used. While one slice can be a manageable part of a balanced meal, consuming two slices requires understanding their nutritional impact, especially for those monitoring carb intake.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of two small slices of cheese pizza can vary significantly. Factors like crust type, sauce, and cheese quantity all play a role. A regular thin-crust pizza will contain fewer carbs than a hand-tossed or deep-dish version. It is crucial to check specific nutritional information, but general estimates can help in meal planning.

Key Points

Carb Range: Two small slices of cheese pizza typically contain between 40 and 70 grams of carbohydrates, depending heavily on the crust type.
Crust is Key: The thickest, deepest crusts contain the most carbs. Opting for thin crust is the most effective way to reduce the carb count.
Check Your Source: The exact nutritional information can vary significantly between brands, restaurants, and homemade recipes. Always check the specific facts.
Ingredient Impact: While the crust is the main contributor, sugary pizza sauces or extra ingredients can also affect the final carb total.
Balance Your Meal: Pairing one slice with a nutritious side like a salad is a great way to manage carb intake and maintain a balanced meal.
Low-Carb Alternatives: For very low-carb diets, alternative crusts made from ingredients like cauliflower or almond flour are available.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Content in Pizza

Pizza is a staple of many diets, but its nutritional value, particularly its carbohydrate count, is often misunderstood. The majority of carbohydrates in a slice of cheese pizza come from the crust, with the sauce and cheese contributing smaller amounts. The size and thickness of the crust are the most influential factors determining the final carb count of your meal.

Factors Influencing Carb Count

Crust Thickness: A thin-crust pizza has significantly fewer carbohydrates than a deep-dish or hand-tossed crust. A small, thin-crust slice might have around 20-25 grams of carbs, whereas a regular or pan-style slice is closer to 30-36 grams. Therefore, two small slices could range from approximately 40 to 72 grams of carbohydrates depending on the crust.
Type of Flour: Using a whole wheat flour for the crust increases fiber content but does not drastically reduce total carbohydrates. Specialty crusts, such as cauliflower or almond flour, are specifically designed to be low-carb alternatives.
Pizza Sauce: While contributing a smaller portion of the total carbs, some pizza sauces contain added sugar, increasing the overall carbohydrate count. A quarter-cup serving of generic pizza sauce might contain around 5-6 grams of carbs. For a small pizza, this adds a minimal but notable amount.
Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is naturally low in carbohydrates, typically containing about 1 gram per ounce. Therefore, the cheese's contribution to the total carb count is minimal compared to the crust.

Comparison Table: Estimated Carbs in Two Small Slices

This table illustrates the approximate carb values for two small slices of cheese pizza based on different crust types. These figures are estimates and can vary by brand and preparation.


Crust Type	Estimated Carbs per Slice (g)	Total Carbs for 2 Slices (g)
Thin Crust	20-25	40-50
Regular Crust	27-35	54-70
Deep Dish	35-45	70-90
Cauliflower Crust	5-10	10-20

Making Healthier Pizza Choices

For those watching their carbohydrate intake, there are several strategies to enjoy pizza in a more balanced way. Opting for a thin-crust base is the most effective method for reducing carbs. You can also consider recipes using alternative flours like almond or cauliflower for a homemade, low-carb experience. Increasing fiber-rich vegetable toppings, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, adds valuable nutrients and volume without significantly increasing the carb load. Controlling portion size is also key; instead of having two slices, consider pairing one small slice with a large, fresh side salad. This helps to create a more balanced meal that is lower in carbohydrates.

Nutritional Context

Two small slices of cheese pizza, assuming a regular crust, could contain around 54-70 grams of carbohydrates. For someone on a ketogenic diet limiting daily carbs to 20-50 grams, this would exceed their allowance. For those on a standard diet, this might represent a significant portion of their recommended daily intake (around 225-325 grams on a 2,000-calorie diet). Understanding this context allows for better dietary planning and mindful eating. The carb count is important, but a balanced approach that considers total energy intake and nutrient density is most effective for long-term health.

Conclusion

The number of carbs in two small slices of cheese pizza is not a fixed number and is highly dependent on the crust. While a thin-crust option might keep the total carb count around 40-50 grams, a regular crust could push that figure much higher, closer to 54-70 grams. Mindful ingredient selection, choosing a thinner crust, and portion control are all effective strategies for managing carbohydrate intake when enjoying pizza. For specific and accurate nutritional facts, checking the information provided by the restaurant or product manufacturer is always recommended. This understanding empowers individuals to make informed decisions that align with their dietary goals without completely eliminating their favorite foods. For further information on managing your diet, consider consulting resources like the USDA's FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions

To lower the carbs, choose a thin crust, use a no-sugar-added sauce, and consider making a homemade version with a low-carb flour alternative like cauliflower or almond flour.

Yes, thin-crust cheese pizza is notably lower in carbohydrates than regular or thick-crust versions because the dough is a major source of carbs.

Two slices of regular-crust cheese pizza can contain approximately 54-70 grams of carbohydrates, though this can vary by brand and size.

For most strict low-carb or keto diets, traditional cheese pizza is not suitable. However, using a low-carb alternative crust and being mindful of portion sizes can make it fit into some less restrictive plans.

No, mozzarella cheese is very low in carbohydrates, adding a minimal amount to the total carb count of the pizza.

A standard serving of pizza sauce (around 1/4 cup) contains about 5-6 grams of carbs, although some brands may have higher sugar content.

The most accurate way is to check the nutritional information provided by the restaurant or the product's packaging. Many major chains list this information on their websites.