How many kcal are in 50g of butter?

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 100 grams of butter contain approximately 717 kcal. Based on this, 50 grams of butter contain approximately 359 kcal, making it a highly energy-dense food.

Quick Summary

A 50g serving of butter contains around 359 kcal, with slight variations depending on whether it is salted or unsalted. This high-calorie content is primarily due to its fat content, with negligible carbohydrates and protein.

Key Points

Calorie Count: 50g of butter contains approximately 359 kcal due to its high-fat content.
Fat Composition: The high-calorie value is driven by butterfat, a source of saturated fats.
Salted vs. Unsalted: The addition of salt does not significantly alter the caloric content, though it does increase sodium levels.
Comparison to Margarine: Butter differs from margarine in its origin (dairy vs. vegetable oil) and saturated fat profile.
Portion Control: Because of its high energy density, it is important to measure butter portions for accurate calorie tracking.
Healthier Alternatives: Options like olive oil, avocado, or hummus can be used as healthy, lower-fat alternatives for spreads and cooking.
Macronutrient Profile: 50g of butter has negligible protein and carbohydrates, making it almost entirely a fat source.

Calculating the Calories in 50g of Butter

Butter is a dairy product known for its rich flavor and high-fat content. Because of this, it is a very energy-dense food. The calculation for the calories in butter is straightforward once you know the standard nutrition information per 100g.

The Standard Calculation

Most nutritional databases, including the USDA, provide figures for butter based on a 100-gram serving. By simply dividing the 100g value by two, we can find the calories for a 50g portion. The widely accepted average for 100g of butter is approximately 717 kcal. Therefore, the calculation is as follows:

$717 \, kcal / 100 \, g = 7.17 \, kcal/g$
$7.17 \, kcal/g * 50 \, g = 358.5 \, kcal$

Rounding up, we get a figure of approximately 359 kcal for 50g of butter. Some sources may show a slightly different number, such as 357 kcal or 358 kcal, but these minor differences are negligible for general dietary purposes.

Salted vs. Unsalted Butter: Is There a Calorie Difference?

One common question is whether the addition of salt affects the caloric content. The short answer is no, not in any meaningful way. The amount of salt added to salted butter is very small and contains no calories. While the nutritional information for salted butter will show a higher sodium content, the calorie count for a 50g portion remains virtually identical to that of unsalted butter. Any minor differences you see on a nutrition label are due to natural variations in the butterfat content during manufacturing.

Butter vs. Margarine: A Nutritional Comparison

When looking at fat-based spreads, butter and margarine are the most common. While they may appear similar, their nutritional profiles and manufacturing processes are quite different. Here is a comparison:


Feature	Butter	Margarine
Origin	Made from milk fat	Made from vegetable oils
Saturated Fat	High content (about 25-26g per 50g)	Can be lower or higher, depending on processing
Trans Fat	Naturally contains small amounts	Historically high, now often minimized or eliminated
Vitamins	Naturally contains Vitamin A and D	Often fortified with vitamins
Cholesterol	Contains cholesterol (about 108mg per 50g)	Cholesterol-free (plant-based)
Flavor	Rich, distinct dairy flavor	Varies, can be more neutral
Manufacturing	Churning milk or cream	Hydrogenating vegetable oils

A Deeper Look into Fat Content

Butter is composed primarily of butterfat, which accounts for its high-calorie density. For example, a 50g serving provides a significant amount of saturated fat, a type of fat that should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The remaining content consists of small amounts of water and trace proteins and carbohydrates. It's the fat that drives the energy value. The fat provides nine calories per gram, which is more than double the four calories per gram provided by carbohydrates and protein.

Portion Control and Healthy Alternatives

For those monitoring their calorie intake, portion control is key when using butter. A standard knob of butter might be 5-10 grams, but it is easy to use more without realizing it. Using a measuring spoon or scale can help. A tablespoon of butter is roughly 14 grams, containing about 102 kcal.

Here are some healthier alternatives to consider if you're trying to reduce your intake of butter or saturated fats:

Olive oil: Excellent for dressings, sautés, and dipping bread. Offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Avocado: Can be used as a creamy spread for toast, providing healthy fats and fiber.
Hummus: A savory, low-calorie alternative for spreads.
Greek yogurt: A good substitute in baking for moisture, and a lower-fat option.
Nut butter: Provides protein and healthy fats, suitable for toast or recipes.

Conclusion: How many kcal are in 50g of butter? A Quick Summary

To recap, 50 grams of butter contains approximately 359 kcal. This high energy density comes from its primary component, butterfat. While a rich and flavorful ingredient, its consumption should be mindful, especially for those managing their weight or heart health. Opting for healthier fat alternatives and practicing portion control are simple ways to manage your overall calorie intake while still enjoying your food.

Optional Outbound Link

For more detailed nutritional information on common foods, you can visit the USDA FoodData Central website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the calorie count for salted and unsalted butter is virtually identical. The small amount of salt added contains no calories, so it does not affect the overall energy content.

Butter has a similar calorie density to other pure fats and oils, providing approximately 9 kcal per gram. For example, 50g of olive oil would also contain a similar number of calories, though with a different fat profile.

There is no single 'safe' intake, as it depends on your overall diet and health goals. Due to its high saturated fat content, most health guidelines recommend consuming butter in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Because of its high-calorie density, using large amounts of butter can make weight loss more difficult. However, using small amounts for flavor is unlikely to derail a diet. Portion control is key.

Butter contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. However, these can also be obtained from healthier sources with less saturated fat.

A standard tablespoon of butter is about 14 grams. Therefore, 50 grams is approximately 3.5 tablespoons.

Using a digital kitchen scale is the most accurate method to measure 50g of butter. Alternatively, if you have a butter stick with measurements marked on the wrapper, you can follow those guidelines.

Yes, for many cooking and baking applications, you can replace butter with lower-calorie alternatives such as applesauce, Greek yogurt, or other vegetable oils, depending on the desired outcome.