Quarter Pounder with Cheese Calories
520 calories per serving
Fast Food
A Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald's contains approximately 520 calories, making it one of the more calorie-dense options on the classic fast food menu. The bulk of those calories come from the beef patty and cheese, which together deliver a notable hit of saturated fat and sodium — two nutrients worth watching if you eat fast food regularly. Pairing it with fries and a large soda can push your total meal well past 1,100 calories, so being mindful of sides and drinks is key.
Protein
30g
23% of calories
Carbs
42g
32% of calories
Fat
26g
45% of calories
Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Calories | Protein | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter-pound beef patty (4 oz, cooked) | 230 | 20g | 0g |
| Sesame seed bun | 170 | 6g | 31g |
| Two slices American cheese | 60 | 3g | 1g |
| Ketchup & mustard | 20 | 0g | 5g |
| Pickles & onions | 5 | 0g | 1g |
| Butter (bun toasting) | 35 | 0g | 0g |
| Total | 520 | 30g | 42g |
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Start your free trialHealthier Alternatives
McChicken (grilled, no mayo)
Save ~220 calories by swapping to a grilled chicken option and skipping the mayo
Quarter Pounder with Cheese — no cheese, no butter
Save ~100 calories with simple customizations at no extra cost
Hamburger (regular McDonald's)
Save ~270 calories by downsizing to the standard hamburger with a smaller patty and no cheese
Homemade lean beef burger (93% lean, whole wheat bun, no cheese)
Save ~140 calories and cut sodium by over 60% by making it at home with leaner beef
Portion Tips
- 1.
Skip the combo — ordering the burger alone instead of a large combo meal can save 500–700 calories from fries and a sugary drink.
- 2.
Ask for one slice of cheese instead of two to trim about 30 calories and reduce saturated fat without sacrificing too much flavor.
- 3.
Choose water, unsweetened iced tea, or a diet drink instead of a regular soda to avoid an extra 150–300 empty calories.
- 4.
If you're still hungry, add a side salad with low-calorie dressing rather than upgrading to a larger burger or adding fries.
- 5.
Eat slowly and without distractions — fast food is easy to consume quickly, which can lead to overeating before your body signals fullness.
Common Questions About Quarter Pounder with Cheese
How many calories are in a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
A standard Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald's contains approximately 520 calories, based on publicly available nutrition data. This includes the beef patty, two slices of American cheese, sesame seed bun, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions.
Is a Quarter Pounder with Cheese high in protein?
Yes — a Quarter Pounder with Cheese provides around 30 grams of protein, primarily from the beef patty and cheese. That makes it a relatively high-protein fast food option, though it also comes with 26g of fat and over 1,000mg of sodium.
How much sodium is in a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
A Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains roughly 1,090mg of sodium — nearly half the daily recommended limit of 2,300mg for most adults. If you're watching your sodium intake, consider skipping or reducing the cheese and condiments.
How does a Quarter Pounder with Cheese fit into a weight loss diet?
At 520 calories, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese can fit into a calorie-controlled diet if the rest of your meals are balanced. The key is to skip high-calorie sides like large fries and sugary drinks, and to account for the burger's calories within your daily total. It's not an everyday food for most weight-loss plans, but an occasional treat is perfectly manageable.