McDonald's Cheeseburger: Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (119g (4.2 oz)). Source: McDonald's USA Nutrition Facts, March 2026.
The McDonald's Cheeseburger is a classic that has been on the menu since 1948, making it one of the longest-running items in fast food history. It features a 100% beef patty topped with a slice of melted American cheese, tangy pickles, diced onions, ketchup, and mustard, all on a soft regular bun. At just 300 calories, it is one of the most calorie-friendly burger options available at McDonald's. The macronutrient profile includes 15g of protein, 31g of carbohydrates, and 13g of fat. For diners looking for a satisfying burger that fits within a moderate calorie budget, the Cheeseburger remains a solid and reliable pick.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 300 | 15% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 11% |
| Fat | 13g | 17% |
| Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Sodium | 720mg | 31% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a McDonald's Cheeseburger?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Bun | 150 | 5g | 28g | 2g |
| Beef Patty (45g / 1/10 lb) | 90 | 7g | 1g | 7g |
| American Cheese (1 slice) | 45 | 3g | 1g | 3g |
| Ketchup | 10 | 0g | 2g | 0g |
| Dill Pickles, Mustard, and Onions | 5 | 0g | 1g | 1g |
Daily Intake
15% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1700 calories remaining.
Burn Off 300 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Cheeseburger Recipe
A homemade version of the McDonald's Cheeseburger with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •1 beef patty (about 45g / 1.6 oz), shaped thin and flat
- •1 slice American cheese
- •1 soft hamburger bun
- •1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- •1 tablespoon ketchup
- •3-4 dill pickle slices
- •1 tablespoon finely diced white onion
- •Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Form the ground beef into a thin, flat patty slightly wider than the bun, as it will shrink during cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat a skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat. Place the patty on the hot surface and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side without pressing down. Flip the patty and immediately place the American cheese slice on top so it begins to melt.
- 3
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the patty is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 71C / 160F) and the cheese is melted.
- 4
While the patty cooks, toast the bun halves cut-side down in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 60 seconds until lightly golden.
- 5
Spread ketchup on the bottom bun, followed by mustard. Add the diced onions and pickle slices on top of the condiments.
- 6
Place the cheese-topped beef patty on the dressed bottom bun. Close with the top bun and serve immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories in a McDonald's Cheeseburger?
A McDonald's Cheeseburger contains 300 calories. This includes 15g of protein, 31g of carbohydrates, and 13g of fat. The beef patty and American cheese provide most of the protein and fat, while the bun accounts for the majority of the carbohydrates. At 300 calories, it is one of the lightest burger options on the McDonald's menu.
How does the Cheeseburger compare to a Big Mac?
The Cheeseburger has roughly half the calories of a Big Mac, coming in at 300 versus 580 calories. The Big Mac features two beef patties, a three-part sesame seed bun, and Big Mac sauce, which all add significant calories. The Cheeseburger uses a single patty with simpler condiments (ketchup and mustard), keeping the fat content at 13g compared to the Big Mac's 34g. If you want a classic McDonald's burger experience with fewer calories, the Cheeseburger is the more conservative option.
Is the McDonald's Cheeseburger good for a diet?
At 300 calories and 15g of protein, the McDonald's Cheeseburger can fit comfortably into a calorie-controlled diet. It is one of the lower-calorie options at McDonald's, making it a reasonable choice when eating out. The sodium content (720mg) is worth noting if you are watching your salt intake. Pairing it with a side salad or apple slices instead of fries helps keep the overall meal balanced and within a moderate calorie range.
What is the protein content of a McDonald's Cheeseburger?
A McDonald's Cheeseburger provides 15g of protein, which comes primarily from the beef patty (7g) and the American cheese slice (3g), with the bun contributing an additional 5g. While 15g is a moderate amount, the protein-to-calorie ratio is actually decent at 0.05g per calorie. For a higher-protein McDonald's option, consider the Double Cheeseburger at 25g of protein, though it does come with more calories at 440.
Track Your Own Cheeseburger
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual cheeseburger and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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