Understanding Exactly How Many Carbs Are in a 5 Inch Tortilla

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

While the exact number varies by brand and ingredients, a typical 5-inch flour tortilla can contain around 13 to 26 grams of carbohydrates, while a corn tortilla of the same size is generally lower. The main factors influencing the carb count are the type of flour used and the specific recipe, making it crucial for dieters to read nutritional labels carefully.

Quick Summary

The carb count of a 5-inch tortilla depends heavily on whether it is made from corn or flour, with corn being the lower-carb option. Flour tortillas vary significantly by brand and recipe, while specialized low-carb alternatives are available for those monitoring their intake closely. Key differences include total carbs, fiber, and net carb count, impacting suitability for specific diets.

Key Points

Corn vs. Flour: A 5-inch corn tortilla (7-14g total carbs) generally has fewer carbohydrates than a standard 5-inch flour tortilla (13-26g total carbs).
Net Carb Variation: The difference between total and net carbs is important for keto diets; specialized low-carb flour tortillas boost fiber to lower net carb count.
Brand and Ingredients Matter: Nutritional information can vary significantly between brands, based on the specific recipe, added fats, and enrichment.
Check Serving Size: Some nutrition labels list information for multiple tortillas, so always verify the serving size to get an accurate carb count per piece.
Look for Low-Carb Alternatives: For those needing fewer carbs, purchasing specialty low-carb tortillas or making homemade versions with alternative flours are good options.
Consider Thickness: A thicker or denser tortilla of the same diameter will have a higher carbohydrate content than a thinner one.

Carbs in a 5-Inch Flour Tortilla

For most people watching their carb intake, the flour tortilla is the primary focus. The total carbohydrate count for a 5-inch flour tortilla can fluctuate dramatically based on the brand, ingredients, and thickness. It is not uncommon to see standard 5-inch flour tortillas containing anywhere from 13 to 26 grams of total carbohydrates per serving. For example, some 'kid's size' options, which are often around 5 inches, have a lower carbohydrate count simply due to their smaller weight and ingredients. Conversely, a brand's standard 5-inch product may be heavier or contain more fat, leading to a higher calorie and carb count.

Net Carbs in Flour Tortillas

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the dietary fiber from the total carbohydrates. Many regular flour tortillas have a low fiber count, meaning their net carb total is only slightly less than the total carb count. For those following a keto or low-carb diet, finding a low-carb specialty flour tortilla is essential, as these products are specifically engineered with higher fiber to dramatically reduce the net carbs. Some specialty brands offer 5-inch flour tortillas with net carb counts as low as 4-6 grams.

Carbs in a 5-Inch Corn Tortilla

Corn tortillas are generally considered the lower-carb alternative to flour tortillas, especially for those in need of moderation. A typical 5-inch corn tortilla contains fewer carbohydrates and is also naturally gluten-free. According to nutritional data, a 5-inch corn tortilla typically contains around 7 to 14 grams of carbohydrates. The exact number can vary depending on brand and preparation methods. Some products may list the nutritional information for two or more tortillas, so always double-check the serving size. Corn tortillas are made primarily from corn, water, and lime (calcium hydroxide), leading to a simpler and often less processed nutritional profile compared to their flour-based counterparts.

Comparison: Corn vs. Flour Tortillas

To help illustrate the nutritional differences, the following table provides a side-by-side comparison of a standard 5-inch flour tortilla versus a standard 5-inch corn tortilla. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary by manufacturer. Always check the specific product label.


Nutrient	Standard 5" Flour Tortilla (Approx. Average)	Standard 5" Corn Tortilla (Approx. Average)	Low-Carb 5" Flour Tortilla (Example)
Total Carbs	20g	10g	14g
Dietary Fiber	1g	1g	5g
Net Carbs	19g	9g	9g
Calories	90-135	60-70	90
Sodium	150-330mg	0-100mg	125mg

Factors That Affect Tortilla Carbohydrate Count

Beyond the base ingredient of corn or flour, several other factors can significantly impact the final carbohydrate content of a 5-inch tortilla:

Added Fats: Standard flour tortillas often contain added vegetable shortening or other fats to enhance pliability and texture. This increases the total calorie and, in some cases, carb count.
Enrichment: Enriched flour used in many flour tortillas adds back nutrients like B vitamins and iron, but doesn't change the carbohydrate profile significantly compared to standard flour.
Fiber Fortification: Low-carb and high-fiber tortillas achieve their reduced net carb count by adding ingredients like oat fiber, cellulose, or resistant starch to replace some of the traditional flour.
Thickness and Density: A thicker, denser tortilla will naturally have more carbs than a very thin, delicate one of the same diameter.
Brand Variation: As demonstrated by the diverse range of search results, different brands use unique recipes that lead to widely different nutritional values, even for a standard 5-inch size.

Healthier Tortilla Choices for Carb-Conscious Eaters

For those managing their carb intake, making a more informed choice is key. Here are some strategies:

Opt for corn tortillas: When possible, choose corn over standard flour tortillas. They offer a more moderate carbohydrate level and often a simpler ingredient list, as well as being gluten-free.
Seek out low-carb brands: Many companies now market tortillas specifically for low-carb or keto diets. These are typically higher in fiber and have a significantly lower net carb count.
Make your own: For ultimate control, making tortillas at home allows you to use low-carb flour substitutes or blend ingredients to your exact specifications. Recipes for keto-friendly tortillas often use almond flour, coconut flour, or egg whites.
Consider alternative wrappers: If tortillas aren't a necessity, other low-carb alternatives exist. Lettuce wraps, cabbage leaves, or cheese wraps can provide a crunchy, carb-free vessel for your fillings.

Conclusion

The carbohydrate content of a 5-inch tortilla is not a single, fixed number but varies based on its main ingredient. Standard corn tortillas are generally the lower-carb choice, offering a simpler nutritional profile. Conversely, standard flour tortillas contain a more significant amount of carbohydrates, although low-carb versions are readily available. For anyone tracking macros or following a specific diet like keto, always check the product's nutrition label for the most accurate information. Making mindful choices, from opting for corn tortillas to using specialized low-carb alternatives, can help you enjoy your favorite Mexican-inspired meals while staying on track with your health goals. A standard 5-inch corn tortilla has roughly 10g of total carbs, while a flour one is closer to 20g, and specialty low-carb flour versions can also hit that 10g total carb mark by increasing fiber content.

Final Summary

Whether you're making tacos or a quick wrap, knowing the carbohydrate difference between corn and flour tortillas is essential for dietary planning. A 5-inch corn tortilla typically falls in the 7-14g total carb range, while a standard 5-inch flour tortilla can be 13-26g. Fortunately, the market now offers many low-carb options for those seeking to reduce their intake without sacrificing convenience. The best practice is always to scrutinize nutritional labels, as ingredients and brand recipes can lead to surprising variations in the final carb count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Corn tortillas are often considered a healthier option because they are naturally gluten-free, typically lower in carbohydrates and calories per tortilla, and have a simpler ingredient list.

Most standard flour tortillas have little fiber, so net carbs are only slightly lower than total carbs. Corn tortillas may offer a slightly higher fiber content relative to their size, and specialty low-carb flour tortillas have significantly more fiber to lower the net carb count substantially.

Standard 5-inch tortillas are generally not suitable for a strict keto diet due to their carbohydrate count. However, there are many specialty low-carb 5-inch flour tortillas on the market explicitly made to be keto-friendly.

A standard 5-inch flour tortilla can range from 90 to 135 calories, while a standard 5-inch corn tortilla is typically around 60 to 70 calories. Calories will vary by brand and ingredients.

Whole wheat tortillas often have a similar total carbohydrate count to regular flour tortillas of the same size. The key difference is that the fiber content is typically higher, which provides more nutritional benefits and lowers the net carb count.

Total carbohydrates is the total amount of carbs in a food item. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrates, representing the carbs that the body can actually digest and use for energy.

The most accurate way to find a tortilla's nutritional information is to check the product's nutrition label. Brand websites, like Mission Foods, and nutritional tracking databases are also reliable sources.