Calories in a Burger and Fries: Fast Food vs. Homemade
A fast-food cheeseburger has about 300–550 kcal and medium fries 320–380. See burger calories by size and topping, plus lighter ways to order.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Quick answer: a basic fast-food hamburger has about 250 calories, a quarter-pound cheeseburger around 520, and a double or restaurant burger 700–1,000+. Medium fries add roughly 320–380 calories.
Burger calories by type
| Burger | Approx. calories |
|---|---|
| Small fast-food hamburger | ~250 |
| Small cheeseburger | ~300 |
| Quarter-pound cheeseburger | ~520 |
| Big signature fast-food burger | ~550–700 |
| Double cheeseburger with sauce and bacon | ~800–1,100 |
| Restaurant/gastropub burger | ~700–1,200 |
| Homemade burger (lean beef, bun, veggies) | ~400–500 |
| Veggie/plant-based patty burger | ~400–600 |
Chain restaurants publish exact numbers; use them when available.
Where the calories come from
| Part | Approx. calories |
|---|---|
| Bun | ~150–250 |
| 4 oz cooked patty (80/20 beef) | ~280–300 |
| 4 oz cooked patty (93/7 beef) | ~200 |
| Slice of cheese | ~70–100 |
| 2 slices bacon | ~80–90 |
| 1 tbsp mayo or special sauce | ~90–100 |
| Ketchup, 1 tbsp | ~20 |
Fries and sides
| Side | Approx. calories |
|---|---|
| Small fries | ~220–250 |
| Medium fries | ~320–380 |
| Large fries | ~480–520 |
| Onion rings, medium | ~400–450 |
| Side salad with light dressing | ~70–120 |
| Regular soda, 20 oz | ~240 |
A burger, large fries and a soda can easily reach 1,300–1,500 kcal.
Lighter ways to order
- Single patty, skip bacon, sauce on the side.
- Small fries or swap for a side salad.
- Water, diet soda or unsweetened iced tea.
- Lettuce wrap instead of the bun (saves ~150–250 kcal).
More picks in healthy fast food orders.
Homemade burger, about 450 kcal
A lean 4 oz patty (93/7 beef or turkey), a whole-wheat bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mustard and a slice of light cheese, with a side of baked potato wedges or a salad. You get a full burger meal for about half the calories of a typical restaurant version.
Track it
Burgers and fries are among the easiest meals for AI to identify. In Nutora, adjust servings if you had large fries, and log the drink separately. See calories in potato and track calories eating out.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories are in a burger and fries?
Usually 700–1,000 calories for a regular cheeseburger with medium fries, before the drink.
Is a homemade burger healthier?
It can be: leaner beef, a smaller bun and fewer sauces cut a lot of calories.
How many calories does cheese add?
About 70–100 calories per slice.
Can I eat burgers while losing weight?
Yes, if you plan for it within your daily calories.
Track it with a photo
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