How Many Calories Are in Carrots?
One medium carrot has about 25 calories. See calories per carrot, per cup and per 100g, plus a macros table and why carrots are great for healthy snacking.
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Quick answer
One medium carrot (about 61 g) has roughly 25 calories. Per 100 g, raw carrots have about 41 calories. Carrots are low in calories, fat-free, and rich in fiber and beta-carotene (vitamin A).
How Many Calories Are in Carrots?
A medium raw carrot (about 61 g) has roughly 25 calories, and a 100 g serving comes in around 41 calories. Carrots are a classic low-calorie, high-nutrition vegetable — mostly water and fiber, with a touch of natural sweetness and essentially no fat. They are best known for beta-carotene, the orange pigment your body converts into vitamin A, which supports vision, immune health and skin.
Calories by serving size
| Serving | Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Baby carrot (1) | ~10 g | ~4 cal |
| Small carrot | ~50 g | ~20 cal |
| Medium carrot | ~61 g | ~25 cal |
| Large carrot | ~72 g | ~30 cal |
| 1 cup, chopped | ~128 g | ~52 cal |
| Per 100 g | 100 g | ~41 cal |
Macronutrients in carrots
The table shows the approximate nutrition in 100 g of raw carrot. The carbohydrate is the main calorie source, balanced by a healthy dose of fiber, and the vitamin A content is exceptional.
| Nutrient | Amount (per 100 g) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~41 cal | — |
| Carbohydrates | ~9.6 g | Main energy source |
| — Fiber | ~2.8 g | ~10% DV |
| — Sugars | ~4.7 g | Natural sweetness |
| Protein | ~0.9 g | Small |
| Fat | ~0.2 g | Minimal |
| Vitamin A (beta-carotene) | ~835 mcg RAE | ~90%+ DV |
| Potassium | ~320 mg | ~7% DV |
| Vitamin K | ~13 mcg | ~11% DV |
Why carrots are a smart snack
Carrots have a low energy density thanks to their water and fiber, so you can eat a satisfying crunchy portion for very few calories. The fiber promotes fullness and steady digestion, while the natural sweetness helps curb cravings for sugary snacks. A handful of baby carrots, a few carrot sticks with hummus, or shredded carrot in a salad all add nutrients, color and crunch without much energy.
Baby carrots vs. whole carrots
| Type | Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 baby carrot | ~4 cal | Pre-cut, snack-sized |
| 10 baby carrots (~85 g) | ~35 cal | Common snack portion |
| 1 medium whole carrot | ~25 cal | ~61 g |
Baby carrots are simply trimmed and shaped from larger carrots (often the same nutrition), making them a convenient, portion-controlled snack.
Raw vs. cooked
Plain cooked carrots have about the same calories as raw — roughly 35–40 per 100 g. Interestingly, cooking can make beta-carotene easier to absorb. Calories climb only when you add fats or sweeteners:
| Preparation | Approx. calories per 100 g |
|---|---|
| Raw carrots | ~41 cal |
| Steamed/boiled (plain) | ~35 cal |
| Roasted with 1 tsp oil | ~80 cal |
| Glazed with butter & honey | ~110+ cal |
Easy low-calorie ways to enjoy carrots
- Snack on raw sticks or baby carrots
- Pair with hummus or salsa (mind the dip)
- Grate into salads, slaws and wraps
- Roast or steam plain as a side
- Add to soups, stir-fries and stews
In short, a medium carrot has about 25 calories and 100 g has about 41, making carrots a nutritious, low-calorie staple that fits easily into any healthy eating plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in one carrot?
One medium raw carrot (about 61 grams, roughly 5.5 inches long) has about 25 calories. A small carrot has around 20 calories and a large one about 30 calories. Carrots are low in calories because they are mostly water and fiber, with a small amount of natural sugar and no fat.
How many calories are in 100g of carrots?
Per 100 grams, raw carrots have about 41 calories. That serving provides roughly 10 g of carbohydrates (including about 2.8 g of fiber and 4.7 g of natural sugar), about 0.9 g of protein, and almost no fat. It also delivers a large amount of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.
How many calories are in baby carrots?
Baby carrots are very low in calories. One baby carrot has about 4 calories, so a typical snack handful of around ten baby carrots (about 85 g) has roughly 35 calories. They are a popular grab-and-go snack because they are sweet, crunchy and easy to portion while staying low in calories.
Are carrots good for weight loss?
Yes. Carrots are low in calories, high in fiber and water, and naturally sweet, which helps satisfy cravings while keeping you full. Their fiber slows digestion and supports steady energy. As a crunchy, portable, low-calorie snack, raw carrots or carrot sticks are a smart choice for a calorie-controlled diet.
Do cooked carrots have more calories than raw?
Plain cooked carrots have roughly the same calories as raw — about 35–40 calories per 100 g. Boiling can slightly reduce volume and water content, but the difference is small. Calories rise mainly when you add butter, oil, honey or glaze, so plain steamed or roasted carrots stay low in calories.
Sources
- FoodData Central — food composition database — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)