McDonald's Big Mac: Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (215g (7.6 oz)). Source: McDonald's USA Nutrition Facts, March 2026.
The McDonald's Big Mac is one of the most iconic fast food burgers in the world. It features two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a three-part sesame seed bun. Originally introduced in 1968, the Big Mac has become synonymous with American fast food culture. A standard Big Mac contains 580 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option compared to other fast food burgers. The protein content (25g) comes primarily from the two beef patties, while the three-part bun and special sauce contribute most of the carbohydrates and fat.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 580 | 29% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 16% |
| Fat | 34g | 44% |
| Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Sodium | 1060mg | 46% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a McDonald's Big Mac?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame Seed Bun (3-part) | 200 | 6g | 36g | 3g |
| Beef Patties (2x 45g / 1/10 lb) | 200 | 18g | 0g | 14g |
| Big Mac Sauce | 90 | 0g | 3g | 9g |
| American Cheese (1 slice) | 50 | 3g | 1g | 4g |
| Shredded Lettuce | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Dill Pickles (2 slices) | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Dehydrated Onions | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
Daily Intake
29% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1420 calories remaining.
Burn Off 580 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Big Mac Recipe
A homemade version of the McDonald's Big Mac with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •2 beef patties (about 45g / 1.6 oz each)
- •1 sesame seed hamburger bun, plus 1 extra bun heel (middle layer)
- •2 tablespoons Big Mac sauce (see step 1 for homemade version)
- •1 slice American cheese
- •1/4 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- •4 dill pickle slices
- •1 tablespoon finely diced white onion
- •Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Mix the Big Mac sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside. If using store-bought Thousand Island dressing, add a teaspoon of sweet relish for closer flavor.
- 2
Toast the sesame seed bun halves and the extra middle bun piece in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 60 seconds until lightly golden.
- 3
Season the beef patties with salt and pepper. Cook them in a hot skillet or on a griddle for 2-3 minutes per side until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 71C / 160F).
- 4
Place the bottom bun on a plate. Spread about 1 tablespoon of Big Mac sauce on it. Add half the shredded lettuce, half the diced onion, and the American cheese slice.
- 5
Place the first beef patty on top. Add the middle bun layer.
- 6
Spread the remaining Big Mac sauce on the middle bun. Add the rest of the lettuce, remaining onion, and the pickle slices.
- 7
Place the second beef patty on top and finish with the sesame seed crown bun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a McDonald's Big Mac?
A standard McDonald's Big Mac contains 580 calories. This breaks down to 25g of protein, 45g of carbohydrates, and 34g of fat. The calorie count can vary slightly by location, and adding extra sauce or cheese will increase the total.
Is a Big Mac a good source of protein?
A Big Mac provides 25g of protein, which is about 35-45% of the daily recommended intake for most adults. While it is a moderate protein source, the protein-to-calorie ratio is relatively low at 0.043g per calorie. For comparison, a grilled chicken sandwich typically offers a better protein-to-calorie ratio. If you are tracking protein for weight loss or muscle building, pairing a Big Mac with a side salad instead of fries improves the overall macro balance.
How does a Big Mac compare to other McDonald's burgers?
The Big Mac (580 cal) falls in the middle of McDonald's burger range. A regular Hamburger has just 250 calories, a Cheeseburger has 300 calories, and a Double Cheeseburger has 440 calories. On the higher end, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 520 calories. The Big Mac's higher calorie count compared to a Double Cheeseburger comes mainly from the extra bun layer and the Big Mac sauce.
How long would it take to burn off a Big Mac?
To burn off the 580 calories in a Big Mac, a 70kg (154 lb) person would need approximately 75 minutes of brisk walking, 50 minutes of jogging, 40 minutes of cycling, or 35 minutes of swimming. These are estimates based on average metabolic rates. Your actual calorie burn depends on your weight, age, fitness level, and exercise intensity.
Track Your Own Big Mac
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual big mac and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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