How Much Protein Is in a 3 by 3 in N-Out?

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

A classic In-N-Out 3x3 burger contains approximately 52 grams of protein. This substantial, off-menu item is known for its size and high protein content, making it a favorite for those with larger appetites or specific dietary goals. We will dive into the complete nutritional breakdown and what this means for your meal.

Quick Summary

The classic In-N-Out 3x3 burger delivers 52 grams of protein, a significant amount for a fast food meal, alongside its full calorie and fat content.

Key Points

Protein Content: A standard In-N-Out 3x3 burger contains approximately 52 grams of protein.
Primary Source: The majority of the protein comes from the three beef patties and three slices of American cheese.
Protein Style Variation: Ordering a 3x3 "Protein Style" (lettuce-wrapped) reduces the protein slightly to 44-48 grams but significantly cuts down on calories and carbs.
High in Calories: A standard 3x3 contains about 860 calories, making it a very calorie-dense meal.
Animal Style: Choosing the "Animal Style" option for your 3x3 slightly increases the protein to around 53 grams but also raises the calorie and fat content due to the extra spread and grilled onions.
Dietary Considerations: While a high-protein option, the 3x3 is also high in fat and calories, so it's important to factor this into your overall diet.

The Protein Powerhouse: Deconstructing the 3x3

For those seeking a significant protein boost from a fast food burger, the In-N-Out 3x3 is a top contender. The standard 3x3, which is an off-menu item featuring three beef patties and three slices of cheese, provides a powerful 52 grams of protein. This impressive number is derived almost entirely from the high-quality beef and American cheese slices that are layered inside the bun.

The Source of the 3x3's Protein

The protein in the 3x3 comes from two main components: the beef patties and the cheese. Here’s a rough breakdown based on nutrition estimates for individual items:

Beef Patties: A single In-N-Out hamburger patty is estimated to have around 10 grams of protein. Multiplied by three, that's 30 grams from the beef alone.
American Cheese: Each slice of American cheese used in an In-N-Out burger is estimated to contain about 4 grams of protein. Three slices add another 12 grams.
Other Ingredients: The bun, spread, and fresh vegetables contribute a minimal amount of protein to the total, but the vast majority is from the beef and cheese.

When you combine these factors, the reported 52 grams of protein for the entire burger is a very reasonable figure, considering the generous portions of high-protein ingredients.

A Complete Look at the 3x3’s Nutritional Profile

Beyond its protein content, the 3x3 is a high-calorie and high-fat item. The extra patties and cheese contribute significantly to the total macronutrient count. Understanding the full picture helps you decide how this fits into your dietary plan.

Macronutrient Breakdown of a Standard 3x3:

Calories: ~860 kcal
Fat: ~55g
Carbohydrates: ~39g

While the 3x3 offers a substantial amount of protein, it is also a very calorie-dense meal. The fat content, particularly the saturated fat from the cheese and beef, is also notably high.

Customizing Your 3x3: Standard vs. Protein Style

In-N-Out is famous for its "secret menu," which allows for various customizations. One of the most popular is ordering a burger "Protein Style," which replaces the bun with a lettuce wrap. This is a game-changer for those watching their carb or calorie intake, but it also slightly affects the protein content.

Standard 3x3 vs. Protein Style 3x3 Comparison


Nutritional Aspect	Standard 3x3	Protein Style 3x3	Difference	Source
Protein	~52g	~44–48g	-4 to -8g
Calories	~860 kcal	~630–710 kcal	-150 to -230 kcal
Carbohydrates	~39g	~11–14g	-25 to -28g
Fat	~55g	~43–53g	-2 to -12g
Bun	Yes	No (Lettuce Wrap)	Removes 160+ calories

As the table shows, swapping the bun for lettuce reduces the overall calories and carbs, but only minimally impacts the total protein. This makes the Protein Style a great alternative for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet who still want a protein-rich meal.

How Animal Style Affects Your 3x3

For an extra flavor kick, many people order their 3x3 "Animal Style." This adds grilled onions, extra Thousand Island-style spread, and mustard grilled onto the patties. The added ingredients slightly change the final nutrition.

According to some sources, an Animal Style 3x3 has around 53 grams of protein and 860 calories. While the protein difference is minimal compared to the standard version, the extra spread and grilled onions add to the fat and calorie count. It's important to remember that these figures are approximate and can vary slightly based on preparation.

Conclusion: Your 3x3, Your Choice

In summary, a standard In-N-Out 3x3 burger is a significant source of protein, clocking in at approximately 52 grams. Its protein content is derived primarily from the three beef patties and three slices of cheese. While it's a high-calorie and high-fat meal, there are customization options to align with different dietary goals. The "Protein Style" alternative, for instance, offers a substantial protein punch with fewer calories and carbs. The choice between a classic 3x3, a Protein Style version, or an Animal Style variation depends on your personal dietary preferences and health objectives. What is certain is that the 3x3 remains a top choice for a protein-packed meal at In-N-Out. For more detailed nutritional information and comparison across fast food chains, websites like MyNetDiary provide excellent resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

An In-N-Out 3x3 Animal Style burger contains approximately 53 grams of protein. The Animal Style adds mustard-grilled patties, grilled onions, and extra spread, slightly affecting the overall macros.

Yes, a Protein Style 3x3 has slightly less protein. While a standard 3x3 has 52 grams of protein, a Protein Style version (lettuce-wrapped) typically has 44-48 grams, a minor reduction compared to the drop in carbs and calories.

A standard In-N-Out 3x3 burger has approximately 860 calories, a significant portion of which comes from the fat and protein content of the three beef patties and cheese slices.

A single In-N-Out hamburger patty is estimated to contain about 10 grams of protein. In a 3x3, this amounts to 30 grams from the beef alone.

Yes, with 52 grams of protein, a 3x3 provides a large dose of protein for muscle repair and growth. However, it's also very high in calories and fat, so it might not be the best choice for all fitness goals without considering its full nutritional profile.

As the name suggests, a 3x3 burger at In-N-Out consists of three beef patties and three slices of American cheese, along with other toppings.

Official nutrition information for In-N-Out is available on their website, though details for off-menu items like the 3x3 often rely on third-party nutrition databases like MyNetDiary and Eat This Much.

A standard Double-Double has about 37 grams of protein, whereas a standard 3x3 has about 52 grams. The extra patty and cheese slice in the 3x3 account for this increase.