Calories in a Quarter Pounder: Full Nutrition Breakdown

The McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese is built around a quarter-pound fresh beef patty topped with two slices of American cheese, slivered onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun. A standard Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains approximately 520 calories, with 30 grams of protein making it one of the more protein-dense single-patty burgers on the McDonald's menu. Its combination of a thicker beef patty and double cheese gives it a rich flavor but also contributes to its notable fat and sodium content.

Calories by serving size:

The Quarter Pounder's calorie load comes primarily from its fresh beef patty and two slices of melted American cheese. At 1120 mg of sodium, it exceeds nearly half the daily recommended limit, so pairing it with lower-sodium sides like apple slices instead of fries can help keep the overall meal in check.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does a Quarter Pounder compare to a Big Mac in calories?

A Quarter Pounder with Cheese has about 520 calories, while a Big Mac has approximately 563 calories, making the Quarter Pounder slightly lower in total calories. However, the Quarter Pounder delivers more protein at 30 grams compared to the Big Mac's 26 grams because of its thicker single patty. The Big Mac's higher calorie count is largely due to its extra bun layer and special sauce.

What is the calorie difference between a single and Double Quarter Pounder?

The standard Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 520 calories, while the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese jumps to about 740 calories — an increase of roughly 220 calories. The double version also packs 48 grams of protein and 42 grams of fat compared to 30 grams of protein and 26 grams of fat in the single. The extra patty and additional cheese slice account for most of that difference.

Is a Quarter Pounder healthier than a Big Mac?

The Quarter Pounder with Cheese is slightly lower in calories (520 vs 563) and provides more protein per calorie than a Big Mac. It also has less total fat at 26 grams versus the Big Mac's 33 grams, mainly because it lacks the calorie-dense Big Mac special sauce. However, the Quarter Pounder has more sodium at 1120 mg compared to the Big Mac's 1010 mg, so neither is clearly the healthier option overall.

How much protein is in a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?

A Quarter Pounder with Cheese provides 30 grams of protein, primarily from its quarter-pound fresh beef patty and two slices of American cheese. This makes it one of the highest-protein single-patty options at McDonald's. The Double Quarter Pounder raises the protein to an impressive 48 grams, making it a strong choice for those prioritizing protein intake.

How many calories does a Quarter Pounder have without cheese?

Removing both slices of American cheese from a Quarter Pounder saves roughly 100 calories and 8 grams of fat, bringing the total down to approximately 420 calories. The cheese contributes about 50 calories per slice along with a significant amount of the sandwich's sodium and saturated fat. Ordering without cheese is one of the easiest ways to lighten this burger while keeping the beef and toppings intact.