Unpacking the Nutritional Facts: How many calories are in a big cheese steak Subway?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

A 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak sub at Subway contains approximately 500 calories, but this number can vary significantly depending on the bread, cheese, and toppings. Understanding how many calories are in a big cheese steak Subway and the factors that influence the final count is crucial for informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a big cheese steak Subway depends on its size and customization. A standard 6-inch version has about 500 calories, while a footlong can reach 1000 calories, with add-ons significantly increasing the total.

Key Points

Calorie Count Varies: The final calorie count of a Subway Big Cheese Steak is dependent on size, bread, toppings, and sauces, rather than a single number.
Size Doubles Calories: A footlong version can have approximately 1000 calories, which is double the ~500 calories found in a 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak base.
Customization is Key: Adding extra cheese, bacon, and creamy, high-fat sauces like mayo or ranch significantly increases total calories and fat.
Good Source of Protein: The Big Cheese Steak is a high-protein option, with a 6-inch containing around 38g and a footlong offering about 76g, contributing to satiety.
High Sodium Content: The sodium level in a Big Cheese Steak is high, with a 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak containing 1280mg, over 50% of the daily recommended intake.
Mindful Ordering is Important: Choosing lighter bread, loading up on vegetables, and opting for low-calorie sauces are effective ways to reduce the meal's overall calorie footprint.

The Caloric Breakdown of Subway's Big Cheese Steak

When ordering a Big Cheese Steak at Subway, the total calorie count is not a single, fixed number but a customizable total that depends heavily on your choices. The official nutritional information provided by Subway offers a baseline, but personal preferences in bread, cheese, sauces, and vegetables can dramatically alter the final caloric intake. For example, a 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak (a version of the big cheese steak) on 9-grain wheat bread is listed at around 500 calories.

Size Matters: 6-inch vs. Footlong

Your first big decision is the size of the sub. As you might expect, a footlong sub will have roughly double the calories of a 6-inch. Specifically, a footlong Big Philly Cheesesteak contains approximately 1000 calories. This means a simple size upgrade can change your meal from a moderate intake to a significant portion of your daily energy needs. For those counting calories, opting for the 6-inch is a straightforward way to manage intake.

The Impact of Customization: Bread, Cheese, and Sauces

Subway's appeal lies in its customization, but this also means calorie tracking requires attention to detail. The type of bread, cheese, and sauce you choose are major contributing factors to the final nutritional value.

Bread Choices

The foundation of your sub plays a key role. Lighter bread options, such as the 9-grain wheat, provide a solid base while keeping calories in check. Choosing a sub melt or a toasted bread may add extra calories depending on the preparation.

Cheese and Sauces

Adding extra cheese is a common preference for many, but it also increases the calorie and fat content. For example, opting for double cheese will significantly increase the overall calories. Similarly, creamy and high-fat sauces like ranch, mayonnaise, and chipotle can add hundreds of extra calories. The simple act of swapping a creamy sauce for a lighter one, or skipping it altogether, can have a noticeable impact.

Making Healthier Choices for Your Big Cheese Steak

It's possible to enjoy a Big Cheese Steak while making more mindful choices. The following list provides actionable steps to lower the calorie count of your meal:

Load up on fresh vegetables: Increasing your vegetable toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and cucumbers adds volume and nutrients without piling on calories.
Opt for lighter sauces: Choose a zero or low-calorie condiment like vinegar, yellow mustard, or a simple oil blend instead of creamy options.
Choose the right bread: Select a bread option known for being lower in calories, such as 9-grain wheat, over a more calorie-dense choice.
Request less cheese: While the cheese is a defining component, you can ask for a half portion or skip extra cheese to save calories and saturated fat.
Go for a 6-inch sub: For a standard meal, the 6-inch is a more portion-controlled option than the footlong, significantly reducing total calories and macros.

Comparison Table: Big Cheese Steak vs. Other Subs (6-inch base)


Item	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)	Sodium (mg)
Big Philly Cheesesteak	500	17	51	38	1280
Classic Steak & Cheese	380	10	48	26	1030
Veggie Delite	200	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Note: Nutritional information can vary by location and regional ingredients.

Conclusion

In short, the calorie count for a Big Cheese Steak Subway is not a static figure but a function of size and customization. While a 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak starts at around 500 calories, and a footlong doubles that to 1000 calories, the final nutritional impact is entirely in your hands. By making strategic choices with bread, sauces, and extra toppings, you can enjoy this popular sub while staying on track with your dietary goals. Paying attention to these details empowers you to make informed decisions and transform a potentially high-calorie meal into a more balanced option.

By prioritizing extra vegetables, lighter sauces, and potentially a smaller portion size, you can significantly reduce the overall calories, saturated fat, and sodium content. For those tracking macros closely, remember to account for every addition, as each ingredient adds to the total. Ultimately, personalizing your order is the key to managing the nutritional impact of a big cheese steak Subway meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Adding extra cheese, such as a second serving, will significantly increase the total calories, fat, and saturated fat. The specific amount depends on the type and quantity of cheese selected.

For a lower-calorie option, choose a lighter sauce like yellow mustard, vinegar, or a simple oil blend. Skipping creamy, high-fat sauces like ranch or mayonnaise is the key to reducing calories.

Yes, for the most part. Based on nutritional data, a footlong Big Philly Cheesesteak is listed as ~1000 calories, which is roughly double the 6-inch's ~500 calories for a comparable base composition.

The sodium content is quite high. A 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak contains 1280mg, which is over half of the recommended daily value. A footlong version can have over 2600mg, surpassing the daily recommendation.

Yes, you can. By choosing a lower-calorie bread (like 9-grain wheat), skipping extra cheese, loading up on low-calorie vegetables, and opting for a light sauce, you can significantly reduce the overall calorie and fat content.

The Big Cheese Steak is a good source of protein. A 6-inch Big Philly Cheesesteak contains about 38g of protein, while the footlong contains around 76g, which helps contribute to a feeling of fullness.

The "Big Cheese Steak" (sometimes called "Big Philly Cheesesteak") is a specific premium sub on the menu. The classic "Steak & Cheese" is a different recipe, and can have a slightly lower calorie count, depending on regional menu offerings. For example, a classic 6-inch Steak & Cheese has about 380 calories compared to the Big Philly's 500.