McDonald's Hamburger: Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (100g (3.5 oz)). Source: McDonald's USA Nutrition Facts, March 2026.
The McDonald's Hamburger is the simplest and most affordable burger on the menu. It features a single beef patty, ketchup, mustard, dill pickles, and dehydrated onions on a regular bun. At just 250 calories, it is the lowest-calorie burger McDonald's offers and one of the lightest options in all of fast food. Originally priced at 15 cents when McDonald's launched in 1955, the Hamburger remains a staple of the value menu. With 12g of protein and only 9g of fat, it provides a surprisingly reasonable macro profile for a quick meal.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 13% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 11% |
| Fat | 9g | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Sodium | 510mg | 22% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a McDonald's Hamburger?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Bun | 140 | 5g | 25g | 2g |
| Beef Patty (45g / 1.6 oz) | 80 | 8g | 0g | 5g |
| Ketchup | 15 | 0g | 4g | 0g |
| Dill Pickles (2 slices) | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Dehydrated Onions | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Mustard | 5 | 0g | 0g | 1g |
Daily Intake
13% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1750 calories remaining.
Burn Off 250 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Hamburger Recipe
A homemade version of the McDonald's Hamburger with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •1 beef patty (about 45g / 1.6 oz)
- •1 plain hamburger bun
- •1 tablespoon ketchup
- •1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- •4 dill pickle slices
- •1 tablespoon finely diced white onion
- •Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Season the beef patty with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 2
Heat a skillet or griddle over high heat. Cook the patty for 2 to 3 minutes per side until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 71C / 160F).
- 3
While the patty cooks, toast the bun halves cut-side down in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for about 45 seconds until lightly golden.
- 4
Spread ketchup and mustard on the bottom bun. Place the cooked beef patty on top.
- 5
Add the dill pickle slices and diced onion on top of the patty. Close with the crown bun.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a McDonald's Hamburger?
A McDonald's Hamburger contains 250 calories, with 12g of protein, 30g of carbohydrates, and 9g of fat. The sodium content is 510mg. It is the lowest-calorie burger at McDonald's, making it a reasonable choice for calorie-conscious diners.
How does the McDonald's Hamburger compare to the Cheeseburger?
The Hamburger (250 cal) has 50 fewer calories than the Cheeseburger (300 cal). The only difference is the slice of American cheese, which adds 50 calories and extra fat and protein. If you are strictly counting calories, the Hamburger saves those 50 calories, but the Cheeseburger offers a better protein boost per extra calorie.
Is the McDonald's Hamburger the healthiest menu option?
The Hamburger is among the lowest-calorie items on the McDonald's menu. Only the side salad and apple slices are lower. Among entrees specifically, the Hamburger at 250 calories is the lightest option. The 4-piece Chicken McNuggets (170 cal) is lower in calories but is considered a snack portion. For a full meal under 500 calories, pairing a Hamburger with apple slices and a water is an effective strategy.
What is the difference between a McDonald's Hamburger patty and a Quarter Pounder patty?
The Hamburger uses a smaller 45g (1.6 oz) patty that is cooked from frozen, while the Quarter Pounder uses a larger 113g (4 oz) patty made from fresh, never-frozen beef. The Quarter Pounder patty weighs roughly 2.5 times more before cooking. This size difference accounts for most of the calorie gap between the Hamburger (250 cal) and the Quarter Pounder with Cheese (520 cal).
Track Your Own Hamburger
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual hamburger and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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