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Calories by Beer Type (per 12oz)

Beer Type Calories Carbs ABV
Ultra Light (Michelob Ultra) 95 2.6g 4.2%
Light Beer (Bud Light) 110 6.6g 4.2%
Regular Lager 153 13g 5.0%
Pilsner 160 12g 5.0%
Wheat Beer 165 13g 5.4%
IPA (India Pale Ale) 200 15g 6.5%
Stout (Guinness) 125 10g 4.2%
Belgian Ale 220 18g 7.5%
Imperial IPA 280 20g 9.0%
Non-Alcoholic 60 12g <0.5%

Beer Calories by Serving Size

Small Glass (8oz)
102 cal
237ml
Standard Bottle (12oz)
153 cal
355ml
Pint (16oz)
204 cal
473ml
Tall Can (24oz)
306 cal
710ml
40oz Bottle
510 cal
1.18L
Pitcher (60oz)
765 cal
1.77L

Tips for Mindful Beer Drinking

Choose Light Beers

Light beers have 30-50% fewer calories than regular beers while still providing the taste you enjoy.

Alternate with Water

Drink a glass of water between beers to stay hydrated and naturally reduce overall consumption.

Set a Limit

Plan ahead and decide on a maximum number of drinks. This helps control both calories and alcohol intake.

Avoid High-ABV Beers

Higher alcohol content means more calories. Stick to beers under 5% ABV for fewer calories per serving.

Track Beer & Alcohol Easily with Cal AI

Cal AI makes it simple to log your drinks and see how they fit into your daily calorie budget.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a beer?

A regular 12oz beer contains about 153 calories. Light beers have around 95-110 calories, while craft beers and IPAs can range from 170-300+ calories depending on the alcohol content and brewing style. The general rule is higher ABV means more calories.

What beer has the lowest calories?

Ultra-light beers have the fewest calories, with options like Michelob Ultra (95 calories), Miller Lite (96 calories), and Bud Light (110 calories). Non-alcoholic beers typically have 50-80 calories per 12oz and are the lowest-calorie option.

Is beer bad for weight loss?

Beer can hinder weight loss due to its calories and alcohol's effect on metabolism and appetite. Alcohol is processed before other nutrients, potentially storing more fat. However, moderate consumption (1-2 drinks) can fit into a calorie-controlled diet. Choose light beers and track your intake carefully.

How many carbs are in beer?

A regular 12oz beer contains about 13g of carbohydrates. Light beers have 3-6g carbs, while craft beers and stouts can have 15-30g or more. Ultra-low-carb beers like Michelob Ultra have only 2.6g carbs, making them popular for low-carb diets.

Why does beer have so many calories?

Beer calories come primarily from alcohol (7 calories per gram) and carbohydrates (4 calories per gram). A typical beer gets about 60% of its calories from alcohol and 40% from carbs. Higher-ABV beers have more calories because they contain more alcohol.