How Many Calories Are in an Egg?
By Tafity — 3/16/2026
A large egg, weighing about 50 to 60 grams, contains between **70 and 80 calories**. This calorie count refers to the whole egg, whether boiled, scrambled, or fried without added oils or butter. Most of these calories are concentrated in the yolk, which also concentrates most of the fats and micronutrients.
The nutritional value varies slightly depending on the egg's size. An extra-large egg (over 60g) can reach up to 90 calories, while a medium egg (44-53g) will have around 60-70 calories. For small eggs (under 44g), the count can be approximately 50 calories. It's important to note that when preparing the egg, adding other ingredients can significantly alter its caloric value. For example, frying an egg in a tablespoon of oil adds about 120 extra calories and 14 grams of fat.
**Nutritional Composition of a Large Egg (approx. 50g):**
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|-------------------|----------|----------------|
| Calories | ~78 kcal | 4% |
| Protein | ~6g | 12% |
| Total Fat | ~5g | 6% |
| - Saturated Fat | ~1.8g | 9% |
| Cholesterol | ~185mg | 62% |
| Sodium | ~70mg | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | ~0.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D | ~1mcg | 5% |
| Iron | ~0.9mg | 5% |
| Calcium | ~25mg | 2% |
\* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Eggs are an excellent source of **high-quality protein**, containing all essential amino acids. They are also rich in vitamins like A, D, E, K, and B vitamins (B12, riboflavin, folic acid), as well as minerals such as iron, selenium, and phosphorus. The yolk, in particular, is a concentrated source of choline, a vital nutrient for brain and liver health. Despite the presence of cholesterol in the yolk, recent studies indicate that moderate egg consumption does not negatively affect blood cholesterol levels in most people.
## Quick Summary
* A **large egg** (50-60g) has about **70-80 calories**.
* Most of the calories and fat are concentrated in the **yolk**.
* Preparation methods (frying, adding oils) can **significantly increase** calories.
* Eggs are rich in **essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals**.
## Frequently Asked Questions
**Which part of the egg has more calories?**
The egg yolk contains most of the calories, fats, and micronutrients.
**Does the way an egg is cooked change its calorie content?**
Yes, cooking an egg with added oils, butter, or other ingredients will increase its total caloric value.
**Are eggs good for building muscle?**
Yes, eggs are an excellent source of complete protein, essential for **muscle hypertrophy** and post-workout recovery.