McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese: Calories & Nutrition
Per serving (200g (7.1 oz)). Source: McDonald's USA Nutrition Facts, March 2026.
The McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese features a quarter-pound (113g) fresh beef patty cooked on the grill, topped with two slices of melted American cheese, slivered onions, dill pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun. Introduced in 1971, it was one of the first fast food burgers to use a larger patty size. In 2018, McDonald's switched to fresh, never-frozen beef for this burger in the US. At 520 calories with 30g of protein, the Quarter Pounder offers a better protein-to-calorie ratio than the Big Mac (580 cal, 27g protein). The larger single patty gives it a beefier, juicier flavor profile compared to the thinner double-patty burgers on the menu.
Full Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 520 | 26% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 15% |
| Fat | 26g | 33% |
| Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Sodium | 1140mg | 50% |
% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA reference).
What's in a McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
Calorie and macro contribution of each ingredient.
| Ingredient | Cal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sesame Seed Bun | 160 | 5g | 30g | 2g |
| Beef Patty (113g / 1/4 lb) | 220 | 19g | 0g | 16g |
| American Cheese (2 slices) | 100 | 5g | 4g | 7g |
| Ketchup | 20 | 0g | 5g | 0g |
| Mustard | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Slivered Onions | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Dill Pickles (2 slices) | 5 | 0g | 1g | 0g |
Daily Intake
26% of a 2,000-calorie diet. 1480 calories remaining.
Burn Off 520 Cal
Estimates for a 70 kg (154 lb) person. See all activities
Make It at Home: Quarter Pounder with Cheese Recipe
A homemade version of the McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese with similar nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients
- •113g (1/4 lb) ground beef (80/20 blend), formed into a single patty about 1cm (1/2 inch) thick
- •2 slices American cheese
- •1 sesame seed hamburger bun
- •1 tablespoon ketchup
- •1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- •2 tablespoons slivered white onion
- •3-4 dill pickle slices
- •Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1
Form the ground beef into a single patty slightly larger than the bun diameter, keeping it about 1cm (1/2 inch) thick and even throughout. Press a small indentation in the center to prevent puffing during cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat a cast iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, about 2-3 minutes. Place the patty on the dry cooking surface and cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without pressing or moving it. Let the sear develop naturally.
- 3
Flip the patty and immediately place both slices of American cheese on top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully done (internal temperature of 71C / 160F) and the cheese is fully melted. For faster melting, add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and cover briefly to create steam.
- 4
While the patty cooks, toast the sesame seed bun halves cut-side down in a separate dry skillet over medium heat for about 60 seconds until lightly golden and warm.
- 5
Spread ketchup on the bottom bun, then add a thin line of mustard. Layer the slivered onions and pickle slices on top of the condiments.
- 6
Place the cheese-topped patty on the dressed bottom bun. Close with the toasted sesame seed crown bun and serve immediately while the cheese is still melted.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
A McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains 520 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 30g of protein, 42g of carbohydrates, and 26g of fat. The quarter-pound beef patty accounts for most of the protein, while the sesame seed bun provides the majority of the carbs. The two slices of American cheese contribute additional protein and fat.
Is the Quarter Pounder healthier than a Big Mac?
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese has fewer calories (520 vs 580) and more protein (30g vs 27g) than a Big Mac, giving it a better protein-to-calorie ratio. It also has less fat (26g vs 33g) since it skips the calorie-dense Big Mac sauce and uses a standard two-part bun instead of three. However, the Quarter Pounder has slightly more sodium (1,140mg vs 1,050mg). If your priority is protein per calorie, the Quarter Pounder is the better choice.
Does the Quarter Pounder use fresh beef?
Yes, since 2018, McDonald's US locations cook Quarter Pounder patties using fresh, never-frozen beef. The patties are delivered to restaurants refrigerated and cooked to order on a flat grill. This is different from most other McDonald's burgers, which use frozen patties. The fresh beef results in a juicier, more flavorful patty with slightly irregular edges from being formed fresh rather than machine-pressed from frozen.
How long does it take to burn off a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
To burn off the 520 calories in a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, a 70kg (154 lb) person would need approximately 67 minutes of brisk walking, 43 minutes of jogging, 35 minutes of cycling, or 32 minutes of swimming. These estimates are based on average metabolic rates and MET values. Your actual calorie burn will vary depending on your weight, fitness level, and exercise intensity.
Track Your Own Quarter Pounder with Cheese
Restaurant portions vary. Snap a photo of your actual quarter pounder with cheese and CaloBurner will calculate the exact calories and macros for your serving.
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