How Many Calories in a Boiled Egg
A large boiled egg has about 78 calories. See how many calories are in a small, medium or jumbo boiled egg, plus a full protein, fat and macros table.
Published · 2 min read · Free · No sign-up
Quick answer
One large hard-boiled egg has about 78 calories, with 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat. Two boiled eggs total about 156 calories, and three total about 234 calories.
How Many Calories Are in a Boiled Egg?
A large hard-boiled egg has about 78 calories. Because boiling uses only water and no added fat, the calorie count is the same as the raw egg — there is no oil or butter to add. That low, fixed calorie count combined with high-quality protein is exactly why boiled eggs are a staple of so many diets.
Egg size does change the number, since calories scale with the amount of egg. A small egg is closer to 54 calories, while a jumbo egg can reach about 90. The standard “large” egg is the one most nutrition labels and recipes assume.
Boiled Egg Calories by Size and Quantity
| Egg | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (38 g) | ~54 | 4.8 | 3.6 | 0.3 |
| Medium (44 g) | ~63 | 5.5 | 4.2 | 0.4 |
| Large (50 g) | ~78 | 6.3 | 5.3 | 0.6 |
| Extra-large (56 g) | ~80 | 7.0 | 5.8 | 0.6 |
| Jumbo (63 g) | ~90 | 7.9 | 6.6 | 0.7 |
| 2 large eggs | ~156 | 12.6 | 10.6 | 1.2 |
| 3 large eggs | ~234 | 18.9 | 15.9 | 1.8 |
For most people, two boiled eggs (about 156 calories) make a satisfying, protein-forward breakfast or post-workout snack.
Where the Calories Are: Yolk vs White
Almost all of a boiled egg’s calories and fat live in the yolk. A boiled egg white has just 17 calories and about 3.6 grams of pure protein with virtually no fat. The yolk holds the remaining ~55 calories, all 5 grams of fat, and most of the egg’s vitamins, including vitamin D, B12, choline and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
That split is why egg-white-only options exist for low-calorie or high-protein-with-low-fat goals — but discarding the yolk also means throwing away most of the egg’s micronutrients.
Boiled vs Fried vs Scrambled
Cooking method makes a real difference. A boiled or poached egg stays at about 78 calories because nothing is added. A fried egg cooked in a teaspoon of oil or butter typically rises to 90 to 120 calories, and scrambled eggs made with butter and milk can climb higher still. If your goal is the lowest-calorie egg, boiling and poaching are the clear winners.
Why Boiled Eggs Are a Diet Favorite
At roughly 78 calories with 6 grams of complete protein, the boiled egg has one of the best protein-to-calorie ratios of any whole food. Protein is highly satiating, so eggs help curb hunger and reduce snacking later in the day. They are also portable, cheap and require no cooking equipment once prepared, which makes a batch of hard-boiled eggs an easy grab-and-go option for anyone watching their calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in one boiled egg?
One large hard-boiled egg has about 78 calories, with roughly 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat and less than 1 gram of carbohydrate. Boiling adds no calories because no oil or fat is used.
How many calories are in two boiled eggs?
Two large boiled eggs total about 156 calories, with around 12 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat. This makes two eggs a filling, protein-rich breakfast or snack for relatively few calories.
How many calories are in a boiled egg white?
A boiled egg white has only about 17 calories and contains 3.6 grams of protein with virtually no fat. Almost all of an egg's fat and calories are in the yolk, which has about 55 calories.
Is boiling an egg lower in calories than frying?
Yes. A boiled egg has about 78 calories because no fat is added, while a fried egg cooked in oil or butter can reach 90 to 120 calories depending on how much fat is used during cooking.
Are boiled eggs good for weight loss?
Yes. Boiled eggs are low in calories, high in protein and very filling, which helps control appetite. At about 78 calories each with 6 grams of protein, they offer one of the best protein-to-calorie ratios of any whole food.
Sources
- FoodData Central — food composition database — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)