Calories in Butter: Full Nutrition Breakdown
How many calories are in butter? Serving-by-serving breakdown with full nutrition facts and FAQ.
Butter is a dairy fat that has been a staple in cooking and baking for centuries. One tablespoon contains about 102 calories, with the majority coming from fat — including a significant amount of saturated fat. Butter also provides small amounts of vitamins A, D, and E. Here is a complete breakdown of butter nutrition by serving size.
Calories by serving size:
| Serving | Weight | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pat | ~5 g | 36 kcal | 4.1 g | 2.5 g | 11 mg | 0 g |
| 1 tablespoon | ~14.2 g | 102 kcal | 11.5 g | 7.3 g | 31 mg | 0.1 g |
| 2 tablespoons | ~28.4 g | 203 kcal | 23 g | 14.6 g | 61 mg | 0.2 g |
| 1/4 cup (half stick) | ~56.7 g | 407 kcal | 46 g | 29.2 g | 122 mg | 0.5 g |
Butter is a notable source of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin A (97 mcg RAE per tablespoon), and contains small amounts of vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories are in a tablespoon of butter?
One tablespoon of butter (about 14.2 grams) contains approximately 102 calories. It provides 11.5 grams of total fat, of which 7.3 grams are saturated fat, along with 31 milligrams of cholesterol.
Is there a calorie difference between salted and unsalted butter?
Salted and unsalted butter have virtually identical calorie counts — both contain about 102 calories per tablespoon. The only meaningful nutritional difference is sodium content: salted butter typically contains around 90-100 milligrams of sodium per tablespoon, while unsalted butter has about 2 milligrams.
How does butter compare to ghee in calories?
Ghee (clarified butter) is slightly higher in calories than regular butter, at about 112 calories per tablespoon compared to 102 for butter. This is because ghee has had its water and milk solids removed, leaving behind pure butterfat, which makes it more calorie-dense by weight.
Is butter bad for your health?
Butter is high in saturated fat, which was long thought to be harmful, but recent research presents a more nuanced picture. Moderate butter consumption does not appear to significantly increase cardiovascular risk for most people, though replacing it with unsaturated fats like olive oil may still offer greater heart-health benefits.
What vitamins does butter contain?
Butter is a good source of vitamin A, providing about 97 mcg RAE (11% of the daily value) per tablespoon from the fat-soluble retinol form, which is highly bioavailable. It also contains smaller amounts of vitamins D, E, and K2, a nutrient that plays a role in calcium metabolism and bone health.
How many calories are in a tablespoon of butter?
Is there a calorie difference between salted and unsalted butter?
How does butter compare to ghee in calories?
Is butter bad for your health?
What vitamins does butter contain?
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