Calories in an Egg
How many calories are in an egg? One large whole egg has about 72 calories, while an egg white has roughly 17. See a full egg calorie and macros table.
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Quick answer
One large whole egg contains about 72 calories. The yolk holds most of those calories at roughly 55, while the egg white adds only about 17 calories and is virtually fat-free.
How Many Calories Are in an Egg?
A single large whole egg contains about 72 calories. That number is remarkably consistent because eggs are graded by weight, and a “large” egg in the US weighs around 50 grams. The yolk accounts for the bulk of the energy at roughly 55 calories, while the white contributes only about 17 calories.
Eggs are a rare whole food that delivers high-quality, complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. Despite their reputation, the calorie cost per egg is low — comparable to a single tablespoon of olive oil but with 6 grams of protein attached.
Egg Calories by Size and Part
| Egg or part | Weight | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egg white (large) | ~33 g | ~17 | 3.6 | 0 |
| Egg yolk (large) | ~17 g | ~55 | 2.7 | 4.5 |
| Medium whole egg | ~44 g | ~63 | 5.5 | 4.4 |
| Large whole egg | ~50 g | ~72 | 6.3 | 5.0 |
| Extra-large egg | ~56 g | ~80 | 7.0 | 5.6 |
| Two large eggs | ~100 g | ~143 | 12.6 | 9.9 |
These figures are for plain eggs with no added fat. The cooking method is what changes the final calorie total most.
How Cooking Method Affects Egg Calories
Boiling and poaching add zero calories, so a hard-boiled or poached egg stays at about 72 calories. The moment you introduce fat, the count climbs. A fried egg cooked in a teaspoon of butter or oil gains roughly 40 calories, and scrambled eggs made with butter and milk can reach 90 to 110 calories per egg. To keep the count low, use a non-stick pan with a light cooking spray or stick to boiled and poached eggs.
Macros and Nutrition in Eggs
Eggs are a balanced protein-and-fat food with essentially no carbohydrates. One large egg provides about 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat (about 1.6 grams saturated) and trace carbs. The yolk is nutrient-dense, supplying vitamin D, vitamin B12, choline, selenium and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Whole eggs contain roughly 186 mg of cholesterol, almost all in the yolk, though current dietary guidance recognizes that for most people dietary cholesterol has a modest effect on blood cholesterol.
Do Eggs Fit a Healthy Diet?
Eggs are an excellent fit for most eating plans. Their high protein and fat content makes them very satiating, which can help with appetite control, and their low calorie count gives a strong protein-to-calorie ratio. People watching saturated fat or cholesterol closely may favor egg whites, which strip out the fat while keeping the protein. For everyone else, one to three whole eggs a day is widely considered reasonable within a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in one large egg?
One large whole egg (about 50 grams) contains roughly 72 calories, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat. A medium egg has about 63 calories and an extra-large egg about 80 calories.
How many calories are in an egg white?
A single large egg white contains about 17 calories, almost entirely from protein (about 3.6 grams) with virtually no fat. This is why egg-white omelets are popular for high-protein, lower-calorie meals.
Does cooking change the calories in an egg?
Boiling or poaching adds no calories, so a hard-boiled egg stays around 72 calories. Frying or scrambling in butter or oil can add 40 to 100 calories per egg depending on how much fat you use.
How many calories are in the egg yolk?
A large egg yolk contains about 55 calories, holding nearly all of the egg's fat and most of its vitamins. The yolk is where the cholesterol, vitamin D and choline are concentrated.
How many calories are in two eggs?
Two large whole eggs contain about 143 calories, with roughly 12 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat. This makes a pair of eggs a satisfying, protein-dense breakfast at a modest calorie cost.
Sources
- FoodData Central — food composition database — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)