Calories in Every Fast-Food Burger, By Chain (2026)

Classic beef burgers range from 250 to 1,100 calories, while chicken and plant-based options range from 400 to 700 calories.

Fast-food burgers are popular choices, but their calorie counts can vary widely. This article uses data from USDA FoodData Central, chain nutrition data, and manufacturer labels to provide accurate calorie information.

How Many Calories Are in Classic Beef Burgers?

Classic beef burgers are a staple in fast-food menus. They typically feature a beef patty and various toppings, which contribute to their calorie counts.

Burger	Chain	Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)
McDonald's Hamburger	McDonald's	250	12	9
McDonald's Big Mac	McDonald's	550	25	30
McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese	McDonald's	520	29	26
Burger King Whopper	Burger King	657	28	40
Wendy's Dave's Single	Wendy's	590	29	36
Five Guys Cheeseburger	Five Guys	840	37	56
In-N-Out Double-Double	In-N-Out	670	37	40
Shake Shack ShackBurger	Shake Shack	550	28	36

The Five Guys Cheeseburger is notably high in calories, reflecting its double patty and toppings.

How Many Calories Are in Chicken and Plant-Based Options?

Chicken and plant-based burgers are increasingly popular alternatives to traditional beef burgers. These options often contain varying calorie counts based on ingredients and preparation.

Burger	Chain	Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)
McDonald's McChicken	McDonald's	400	14	22
Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich	Chick-fil-A	440	28	19
Burger King Impossible Whopper	Burger King	630	25	34
Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich	Wendy's	500	24	27

The Burger King Impossible Whopper is the highest in calories among chicken and plant-based options.

Which Burger Has the Fewest Calories?

The burger with the fewest calories is:

1. McDonald's Hamburger (serving): 250 kcal
2. McDonald's McChicken (serving): 400 kcal
3. Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich (serving): 440 kcal
4. Wendy's Spicy Chicken Sandwich (serving): 500 kcal
5. Wendy's Dave's Single (serving): 590 kcal

Which Burger Has the Most Calories?

The burger with the most calories is:

1. Five Guys Cheeseburger (serving): 840 kcal
2. In-N-Out Double-Double (serving): 670 kcal
3. Burger King Whopper (serving): 657 kcal
4. Burger King Impossible Whopper (serving): 630 kcal
5. Wendy's Dave's Single (serving): 590 kcal

How to Track Fast-Food Burgers Calories Accurately

Estimating calories in fast food can be challenging due to portion sizes, ingredient density, and hidden components. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies burgers and fast food from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million verified foods. It also supports barcode scanning for packaged items and voice logging for quick entries. Nutrola is available from €2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

For related references, see calories in Chinese takeout dishes, calories in Mexican dishes, and calories in common breakfast foods.

How We Calculated These Numbers

Data was gathered from USDA FoodData Central, chain nutrition data, and manufacturer labels. Serving sizes were standardized, and calorie counts were rounded to the nearest five or ten for clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the average calorie count for fast-food burgers?

The average calorie count for fast-food burgers ranges from 250 to 840 calories, depending on the chain and specific burger.

Are chicken sandwiches lower in calories than beef burgers?

Yes, chicken sandwiches often have lower calorie counts, typically ranging from 400 to 500 calories.

Which fast-food chain has the highest calorie burger?

Five Guys offers the highest calorie burger, with their Cheeseburger containing around 840 calories.

Do plant-based burgers have fewer calories than beef burgers?

Plant-based burgers can have similar or slightly lower calorie counts compared to beef burgers, with the Impossible Whopper at 630 calories.

How does the calorie content vary between single and double patties?

Double patties significantly increase calorie counts, often adding 200 to 300 calories compared to single patties.

What factors contribute to the calorie count in fast-food burgers?

Calorie counts are influenced by patty size, toppings, sauces, and cooking methods.

Key Takeaways

• Classic beef burgers range from 250 to 840 calories.
• Chicken and plant-based options typically range from 400 to 630 calories.
• The Five Guys Cheeseburger is the highest in calories among classic burgers.
• The McDonald's Hamburger is the lowest calorie option.
• Double patties significantly increase calorie counts.
• Calorie content can vary widely based on ingredients and preparation.