Calories in a Beef Burger and Bun

Ground beef patty. Lettuce. Tomatoes. Bun. Maybe some cheese. Most hamburgers are comprised of only a handful of components, yet when it comes to their nutritional make-up, all burgers are not created equally. In fact, depending on which hamburger you order, you can be biting into a snack-sized slider or a mega-burger with over half a day's worth of calories.

And hey, we don't blame you for wanting to indulge every once in a while. Instead of denying those fast-food cravings completely, just aim to try and choose your burger wisely. So to help you out, we've ranked every burger option at your favorite fast-food restaurants from the burgers with the most calories to the burgers that are your best bet as they're the lowest in calories. The next time the drive-thru starts calling your name, take a glimpse at this list so that you can enjoy your burger without letting all dietary guidelines fall by the wayside. Just be sure you're keeping things balanced and are stocking up on The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now, too!

McDonald's

Courtesy of McDonald's

740 calories, 42 g fat (20 g saturated fat, 2.5 g trans fat), 1,360 mg sodium, 43 g carbs (3 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 48 g protein

The burger with the most calories at McDonald's is none other than the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese. It is interesting to note that the Golden Arches doesn't have a burger that clocks in at 1,000 calories, something that is sadly far too common at fast-food restaurants.

Courtesy of McDonald's

630 calories, 35 g fat (15 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,470 mg sodium, 43 g carbs (3 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 36 g protein

One thing to note about adding bacon to a burger—you can count on the amount of sodium you're getting to be higher compared to other options.

Shutterstock

550 calories, 30 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 1,010 mg sodium, 45 g carbs (3 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 25 g protein

You might be surprised to uncover that the Big Mac isn't the Mickey D sandwich packing the most calories! Still, it's not really anything to brag about, as it's loaded up with three slices of bread…

Courtesy of McDonald's

520 calories, 27 g fat (13 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,090 mg sodium, 41 g carbs (3 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 31 g protein

This burger has 220 calories less than that of its Double Quarter pounder counterpart.

Courtesy of McDonald's

450 calories, 24 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,120 mg sodium, 34 g carbs (2 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 25 g protein

Two patties and two slices of cheese result in this burger coming in at 450 calories.

Courtesy of McDonald's

400 calories, 20 g fat (9 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 920 mg sodium, 32 g carbs (2 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 22 g protein

We know, this looks quite like the Double Cheeseburger. But there is a key difference! The McDouble just has one slice of cheese instead of two, resulting in a lower calorie option.

Shutterstock

300 calories, 13 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 720 mg sodium, 32 g carbs (2 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 15 g protein

When that cheeseburger craving hits, be sure to just order the plain version.

Courtesy of McDonald's

250 calories, 9 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 510 mg sodium, 31 g carbs (1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 12 g protein

You really can never go wrong with a classic hamburger. If you want to see how other menu items at Mickey D's fare, we've got you covered with The Best & Worst Menu Items at McDonald's, According to RDs.

Wendy's

Courtesy of Wendy's

1,520 calories, 106 g fat (45 g saturated fat, 4 g trans fat), 1,910 mg sodium, 53 g carbs (3 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 89 g protein

This over-the-top burger is a newer addition to Wendy's menu, but three patties smothered in cheese, bacon, and crispy fried onion in between a pretzel bun is just trouble. This one burger by itself has nearly an entire day's worth of calories.

Courtesy of Wendy's

1,220 calories, 86 g fat (36 g saturated fat, 4.5 g trans fat), 1,770 mg sodium, 38 g carbs (2 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 75 g protein

Sensing a theme here with the triple burgers? Three times the amount of meat results in a burger that is not only high calories, but it's also high in fat, harmful trans fats, and sodium.

Courtesy of Wendy's

1,180 calories, 79 g fat (32 g saturated fat, 3.6 g trans fat), 1,630 mg sodium, 53 g carbs (3 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 64 g protein

Sorry, but going with the double version of the Pretzel Bacon Pub burger isn't really much better.

Courtesy of Wendy's

1,160 calories, 81 g fat (34 g saturated fat, 4.5 g trans fat), 1,570 mg sodium, 38 g carbs (2 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 70 g protein

Another triple burger! Wendy's really is trying to make these happen, aren't they? (And if you're looking for more helpful tips, your ultimate restaurant and supermarket survival guide is here.)

Courtesy of Wendy's

960 calories, 66 g fat (26 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 1,540 mg sodium, 36 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 57 g protein

This burger is loaded up with six pieces of bacon. Sorry, but sometimes there is such a thing as too much bacon…

Courtesy of Wendy's

910 calories, 66 g fat (26 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 1,540 mg sodium, 36 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 57 g protein

Here, a quarter-pound of beef, is topped with Applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, ketchup, mayo, and onion on a toasted bun. Seems like a typical burger, but it is large and at more than 900 calories, there are much better options you can get instead.

Courtesy of Wendy's

860 calories, 57 g fat (23 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 1,200 mg sodium, 37 g carbs (2 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 49 g protein

This burger is described as "more meat means more to love." That also means more bad news for your waistline!

Courtesy of Wendy's

840 calories, 52 g fat (20 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,310 mg sodium, 53 g carbs (3 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 40 g protein

When it comes to the pretzel bacon pub burgers, you should just simply stay away from them.

Courtesy of Wendy's

630 calories, 40 g fat (16 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,210 mg sodium, 36 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 32 g protein

The smaller version of the Baconator is still loaded up with too much bacon!

Courtesy of Wendy's

590 calories, 37 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,030 mg sodium, 37 g carbs (2 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 29 g protein

This is the burger founder Dave Thomas always wanted to serve up, and it falls in the middle of the pack as not the worst or best option, calorie-wise.

Courtesy of Wendy's

450 calories, 26 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 820 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 26 g protein

Courtesy of Wendy's

410 calories, 24 g fat (10 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 690 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 23 g protein

Courtesy of Wendy's

370 calories, 23 g fat (8 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 650 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 18 g protein

This burger is said to be "a favorite of bacon lovers everywhere" and is the lowest in calories compared to all the other bacon-based burgers.

Courtesy of Wendy's

290 calories, 14 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 610 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 15 g protein

The basic cheeseburger is one of the least harmful Wendy's menu items.

Courtesy of Wendy's

250 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 420 mg sodium, 25 g carbs (1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 13 g protein

Yes, this hamburger is a lot smaller than others on the menu, but it's the no-frills option you can enjoy, guilt-free.

Burger King

Courtesy of Burger King

1,876 calories, 136 g fat (51 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 3,080 mg sodium, 58 g carbs (4 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 110 g protein

The fact that this sandwich from Burger King has nearly an entire day's worth of calories is scary, but it's packing more than 3,000 milligrams of sodium, too. The American Heart Association recommends the average person consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. You're blowing way beyond that here!

Courtesy of Burger King

1,220 calories, 82 g fat (32 g saturated fat, 4.5 g trans fat), 1,470 mg sodium, 50 g carbs (2 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 71 g protein

There is no reason for one person to be eating a Triple Whopper. If you order this, we hope you're sharing it with some friends!

Courtesy of Burger King

1,150 calories, 79 g fat (31 g saturated fat, 3.5 g trans fat), 2,150 mg sodium, 49 g carbs (2 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 61 g protein

It shouldn't be that surprising that a burger called the "Bacon King" is coming in at more than 1,100 calories.

Courtesy of Burger King

1,050 calories, 68 g fat (28 g saturated fat, 3.5 g trans fat), 1,870 mg sodium, 49 g carbs (1 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 61 g protein

There really isn't anything redeeming about the Double Stacker King burger.

Courtesy of Burger King

1,006 calories, 63 g fat (27 g saturated fat), 1,836 mg sodium, 56 g carbs (2 g fiber, 14 g sugar), 57 g protein

The name of this burger alone signals that it's going to be a high-calorie option!

Courtesy of Burger King

900 calories, 58 g fat (20 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 1,050 mg sodium, 49 g carbs (2 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 48 g protein

We've finally gotten below 1,000 calories, but the Double Whopper packing 900 calories isn't really much better.

Courtesy of Burger King

900 calories, 54 g fat (25 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 1,740 mg sodium, 50 g carbs (2 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 56 g protein

And the fact that the Double Quarter Pounder King has the same amount of calories? Another skip!

Burger King / Facebook

660 calories, 40 g fat (12 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 980 mg sodium, 49 g carbs (2 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 28 g protein

The Whopper is Burger King's most iconic menu item, but it does have 600 calories, so it's not something you want to eat often.

Courtesy of Burger King

630 calories, 34 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1,080 mg sodium, 58 g carbs (4 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 25 g protein

The Impossible Whopper is just slightly less in calories than the OG version and actually has more sodium.

Courtesy of Burger King

420 calories, 24 g fat (10 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 740 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 25 g protein

Bacon and double? You already can tell this burger isn't necessarily going to be the healthiest…

Courtesy of Burger King

390 calories, 21 g fat (9 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 590 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 23 g protein

While slightly lower in calories than the Bacon Double Cheeseburger, there are still a few menu items that are better options than the Double Cheeseburger.

Courtesy of Burger King

328 calories, 14 g fat (4 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 525 mg sodium, 38 g carbs (1.5 g fiber, 9 g sugar), 13 g protein

The Rodeo Burger features a patty that is topped with a BBQ sauce and two onion rings.

Courtesy of Burger King

320 calories, 16 g fat (7 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 710 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (less than 1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 17 g protein

Finding a burger topped with bacon for under 400 calories is a solid win!

Courtesy of Burger King

310 calories, 18 g fat (5 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 390 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 13 g protein

If you really want to munch on a Whopper, you're best bet is going for the Whopper Jr.

280 calories, 13 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 560 mg sodium, 27 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 175 g protein

Courtesy of Burger King

240 calories, 10 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 380 mg sodium, 26 g carbs (1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 13 g protein

For 40 fewer calories than the cheeseburger, you have the classic hamburger. Even at BK, this is the burger you can never go wrong choosing.

Hardee's

Courtesy of Hardees

1,060 calories, 57 g fat (24 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 2,080 mg sodium, 81 g carbs (0 g fiber, 17 g sugar), 58 g protein

Two patties are loaded up with two slices of cheese, two onion rings, all smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce. It's no wonder this burger is more than 1,000 calories!

Courtesy of Hardees

920 calories, 56 g fat (23 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,530 mg sodium, 59 g carbs (3 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 48 g protein

The Super Star burger at Hardee's features two patties that are covered in slices of cheese and are slathered in a special sauce.

Courtesy of Hardees

920 calories, 58 g fat (23 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,380 mg sodium, 55 g carbs (0 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 47 g protein

The Big Hardee is also clocking in at 920 calories. Big yikes.

Courtesy of Hardees

820 calories, 51 g fat (16 g saturated fat, 2.5 g trans fat), 1,440 mg sodium, 56 g carbs (4 g fiber, 14 g sugar), 39 g protein

When ordering the Original Thickburger, you're eating a 1/3 pound beef patty. That's a pretty big piece of meat!

Courtesy of Hardees

810 calories, 38 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 1,750 mg sodium, 80 g carbs (0 g fiber, 16 g sugar), 38 g protein

The Western Bacon Cheeseburger isn't much better than its double version counterpart.

Courtesy of Hardees

790 calories, 49 g fat (15 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,400 mg sodium, 54 g carbs (3 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 38 g protein

Hardee's "Thickburgers" are signature staples, but keep in mind, all of these burgers are high-calorie. And the Bacon Cheese version is further proof.

Courtesy of Hardee's

760 calories, 50 g fat (17 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,550 mg sodium, 43 g carbs (3 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 38 g protein

This burger is served up between a sourdough bun, but it's loaded with cheese and bacon. So this combination all makes for a burger that is 760 calories and more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium.

Courtesy of Hardees

660 calories, 37 g fat (13 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 1,270 mg sodium, 55 g carbs (0 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 28 g protein

The Famous Star burger lives up to its name, as it's one of the most commonly known Hardee's burgers.

Courtesy of Hardees

620 calories, 33 g fat (13 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,310 mg sodium, 52 g carbs (3 g fiber, 10 g sugar), 31 g protein

This cheese and mushroom sauce-covered burger clocks in at 620 calories.

Courtesy of Hardees

540 calories, 23 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 1,240 mg sodium, 56 g carbs (0 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 28 g protein

Hardee's Big Cheeseburger has just 10 calories more than the double cheeseburger option. Even though there is just one patty here, it is a big burger…

Courtesy of Hardees

530 calories, 26 g fat (11 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 1,470 mg sodium, 56 g carbs (2 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 25 g protein

Adding another patty to the classic cheeseburger option tacks on 230 calories.

Courtesy of Hardees

300 calories, 14 g fat (4 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 790 mg sodium, 33 g carbs (1 g fiber, 8 g sugar), 13 g protein

The calorie difference between a small cheeseburger and small hamburger is small so if you really are in the mood for cheese, go for this option.

Courtesy of Hardee's

250 calories, 9 g fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 570 mg sodium, 32 g carbs (1 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 11 g protein

Like most other fast-food restaurants on this list, keeping things simple is best when you're at Hardee's.

White Castle

Courtesy of White Castle

250 calories, 13 g fat (4.5 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 690 mg sodium, 24 g carbs (2 g fiber, 3 g sugar), 11 g protein

White Castle sliders are very small compared to other fast-food burgers, so the double version seems harmless. Still, it's the highest calorie option and it has as much sodium as you get from 60 Lay's Classic Potato Chips.

Courtesy of White Castle

230 calories, 13 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 700 mg sodium, 73 g carbs (1 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 10 g protein

White Castle entered the plant-based game with the introduction of the Impossible Slider, which doesn't really mimic the taste of the actual beef patty.

Courtesy of White Castle

220 calories, 14 g fat (6 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 650 mg sodium, 15 g carbs (1 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 11 g protein

You can put bacon on just about anything, and that includes White Castle's signature mini burgers.

Courtesy of White Castle

170 calories, 9 g fat (4 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 510 mg sodium, 16 g carbs (1 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 8 g protein

Adding a slice of cheese to the basic Slider adds 20 more calories and 130 milligrams of sodium.

Courtesy of White Castle

140 calories, 7 g fat (2.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 380 mg sodium, 16 g carbs (1 g fiber, 2 g sugar), 6 g protein

The classics are beloved for a reason! When in doubt, stick with the OG White Castle Slider.

Carl's Jr

Courtesy of Carl's Jr.

1,150 calories

This burger made its way to menus in January 2021 and so far, Carl's Jr. has only shared how many calories it's packing. That's enough to know, as it's coming in at more than 1,000. Skip!

Courtesy of Carl's Jr.

960 calories, 64 g fat (18 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,820 mg sodium, 50 g carbs (3 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 38 g protein

Guacamole is a great addition to a burger instead of going for a sauce that is (most likely) loaded up with hidden sugars or sodium. But at Carl's Jr., the Guacamole Bacon Angus Thickburger is another example of taking a good thing too far that it can't even save this burger.

Courtesy of Carl's Jr.

920 calories, 58 g fat (23 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,380 mg sodium, 56 g carbs (3 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 47 g protein

If "Big" is in the title of a burger name, just know it's nothing but trouble.

Courtesy of Carl's Jr.

830 calories, 54 g fat (16 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,450 mg sodium, 53 g carbs (4 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 35 g protein

This burger comes with a kick—and a whopping 830 calories.

Courtesy of Carl's Jr.

770 calories, 44 g fat (13 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1,600 mg sodium, 61 g carbs (2 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 33 g protein

For those who are plant-based or just want to try something different, the Beyond Famous Star with Cheese is on the lower end of the calorie-count at Carl's Jr. But it's still actually quite high and is packing in sodium so just make this a once-in-a-while treat.

Courtesy of Carl's Jr.

480 calories, 18 g fat (8 g saturated fat, 0.5 g trans fat), 870 mg sodium, 56 g carbs (3 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 25 g protein

It's safe to say most of the Carl's Jr. burgers are high-calorie compared to other options you could order from different fast-food chains. The Big Hamburger is one of the least offensive options coming in at 480 calories.

Jack in the Box

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

930 calories, 65 g fat (25 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 1,590 mg sodium, 32 g carbs (1 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 55 g protein

This burger is close to the 1,000 calorie mark and has the most sodium out of all the Jack in the Box options.

890 calories, 59 g fat (25 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,346 mg sodium, 48 g carbs (3 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 48 g protein

Anything with "buttery" in the name sounds mouth-watering, but this bacon and swiss cheese topped burger is one to skip.

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

860 calories, 58 g fat (24 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,050 mg sodium, 51 g carbs (4 g fiber, 13 g sugar), 37 g protein

And the classic version is only 30 calories less.

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

850 calories, 59 g fat (25 g saturated fat, 2.5 g trans fat), 1,480 mg sodium, 24 g carbs (2 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 47 g protein

This four-patty burger is just excessive. There's no need for this much meat in one sitting!

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

840 calories, 59 g fat (23 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 1,180 mg sodium, 31 g carbs (1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 47 g protein

This burger features two patties, and two types of cheese, American and Swiss.

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

830 calories, 58 g fat (22 g saturated fat, 3 g trans fat), 1,130 mg sodium, 34 g carbs (2 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 46 g protein

Again, any burger labeled "double" is one you're going to want to avoid!

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

700 calories, 47 g fat (19 g saturated fat, 2 g trans fat), 1,250 mg sodium, 34 g carbs (2 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 37 g protein

While we thought this burger made up of three patties would actually have more calories, coming in at 700 is still far too much.

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

700 calories, 45 g fat (15 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,180 mg sodium, 39 g carbs (3 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 35 g protein

A burger between two pieces of toasted sourdough sounds rather fancy for a fast-food sandwich, but this option is also coming in at 700 calories.

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

620 calories, 45 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,330 mg sodium, 38 g carbs (3 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 33 g protein

This burger is topped with bacon, jalapeños, cheese, and a spicy, creamy sriracha sauce, packing more than 600 calories.

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

600 calories, 40 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 990 mg sodium, 33 g carbs (2 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 28 g protein

This burger not only costs you 600 calories, but it has nearly 1,000 milligrams of sodium. Scary stuff!

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

520 calories, 33 g fat (10 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 580 mg sodium, 32 g carbs (2 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 23 g protein

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

480 calories, 31 g fat (10 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 860 mg sodium, 32 g carbs (1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 19 g protein

Even though this burger is a "junior," the bacon and cheese ramp up the sodium content here.

Courtesy of Jack in the Box

420 calories, 26 g fat (7 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat), 560 mg sodium, 33 g carbs (2 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 14 g protein

Even the most innocent of the Jack in the Box burgers isn't necessarily the healthiest of fast-food options. If you just can't resist, be sure to go for the Junior Jumbo Jack.

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Source: https://www.eatthis.com/fast-food-burgers-ranked-calories/

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