What Exactly is a 4x1 at In-N-Out?
The term "4x1" is part of In-N-Out's famously known, but unofficially listed, secret menu. The numbers are simple: the first number indicates the number of beef patties, and the second number represents the number of cheese slices. Therefore, a 4x1 is a massive burger featuring four 100% ground beef patties and a single slice of American cheese. It is then prepared like a standard cheeseburger, with hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, and In-N-Out's signature spread, all on a freshly baked bun.
How In-N-Out Prices the 4x1
Because the 4x1 is not a standard menu item, its price is calculated by modifying an existing menu burger. The base of the 4x1 is a single cheeseburger, with three extra patties added on. The final cost will be the price of a cheeseburger plus the charge for the additional three patties. It's crucial to understand that pricing for extra patties and cheese has seen updates. Recent reports from early 2025 indicate changes in pricing to eliminate loopholes for secret menu items like the Flying Dutchman, but adding single extra patties still has a specific cost.
- Cheeseburger Base Price: This is the starting point. Using an example price from a May 2023 Reddit thread in Los Angeles, a cheeseburger was $4.11. As of June 2024, an ABC7 report noted cheeseburger meals had increased, so the base price has risen. Current prices will vary by location due to factors like local minimum wage increases.
- Add-on Patty Cost: Historically, extra patties were priced separately. A February 2024 Reddit post suggests a single patty with cheese was $1.94 in Sunnyvale, CA, while a Las Vegas post in the same thread from two months later cites $2.49 for a patty with cheese. A simpler extra patty-only cost is often around $1.95. You would multiply the single-patty charge by three to get the total cost of the extra patties.
To find the most accurate cost, it's best to check with your specific In-N-Out location, as prices can vary regionally and have seen recent adjustments.
A Detailed Nutritional Look at the 4x1 Burger
The nutritional impact of the 4x1 is substantial due to its four-patty construction. Since In-N-Out doesn't publish nutrition facts for every secret menu combination, we must extrapolate based on published data and individual components. For comparison, a standard Double-Double® (two patties, two cheese) is 610 calories with 34g of fat and 34g of protein.
Here’s a breakdown based on the known components:
- Beef Patty: Approx. 100 calories, 6g fat, 10g protein.
- Cheese Slice: Approx. 70 calories, 2g carbs, 4g protein.
- Bun: Approx. 160 calories, 29g carbs, 4g protein.
- Spread: Approx. 60 calories, 6g fat.
Based on these component estimates, a full 4x1 on a bun is roughly 800+ calories, with over 50g of protein and 45g+ of fat. However, a significant variation is available.
The 'Protein Style' 4x1: A Carb-Conscious Alternative
For those watching their carbohydrate intake, the 4x1 can be ordered “Protein Style,” which replaces the bun with a hand-leafed lettuce wrap. This significantly alters the nutritional profile. One source estimates a Protein Style 4x1 with one slice of cheese and onion has 630 calories, with 43g fat, 48g protein, and only 11g carbohydrates. This is a great example of how customizing a fast-food order can dramatically impact its nutritional balance.
Comparison of In-N-Out Burgers
| Item | Estimated Calories (Approx.) | Protein (g) (Approx.) | Fat (g) (Approx.) | Carbohydrates (g) (Approx.) | Sodium (mg) (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheeseburger | 430 | 20 | 21 | 39 | 1070 |
| Double-Double® | 610 | 34 | 34 | 41 | 1660 |
| 4x1 (Bun) | ~800-850 | ~54-58 | ~45-50 | ~41-45 | ~2100+ |
| 4x1 (Protein Style) | 630 | 48 | 43 | 11 | 990 |
| 4x4 (Bun) | ~1470 | ~75 | ~102 | ~72 | ~3160 |
Note: Estimated nutritional values for the 4x1 (Bun) are based on adding three extra patties (100 cal, 6g fat, 10g protein) to a standard cheeseburger (430 cal, 21g fat, 20g protein). Sodium is also extrapolated based on the salt added to each patty.
How to Customize for Better Nutrition
While the 4x1 is an indulgent treat, there are ways to manage its impact if you’re concerned about overall nutrition. Here are some tips for customizing your In-N-Out order:
- Opt for Protein Style: As shown in the comparison, swapping the bun for a lettuce wrap saves a significant amount of carbs and calories.
- Go Mustard & Ketchup Only: The signature spread, while delicious, adds extra calories and fat. Ordering with just mustard and ketchup is a simple way to reduce these, as the spread is estimated to contain 80 calories and 9g fat per serving.
- Hold the Salt: In-N-Out can prepare patties without salt upon request, which is an easy way to lower the overall sodium content.
- Add Extra Veggies: Loading up on extra lettuce, tomatoes, and onions adds volume, fiber, and nutrients without excess calories.
Conclusion
When asking, "How much is a 4x1 at In-N-Out?", the answer isn't a simple figure. The price of this secret menu item depends on your local cheeseburger price and the current upcharge for additional beef patties. While it offers a large dose of protein, it's also a high-calorie and high-fat option, especially when served on a bun with the standard spread. For those looking for a healthier approach, ordering it “Protein Style” with ketchup and mustard instead of the spread can make it a significantly more balanced meal. The ultimate lesson is that while the In-N-Out secret menu offers fun and indulgent options, understanding the nutritional content is key to enjoying it responsibly.
To view the nutritional information for standard In-N-Out items, you can reference the official nutrition info provided by the company.
