How Many Beers Are Really in a Keg?
There’s just something about draft beer, isn’t there? Maybe it’s the taste, maybe it’s the presentation, but whatever it is, draft beer is a popular choice for bars, events, and even just enjoying at home. And if you’re planning an event, stocking a bar, or just like to have some beer on tap, you probably wonder: How many cups of beer in a keg can I get?
The most common keg sizes in the US are the half barrel, quarter barrel, and sixth barrel. Each holds a different amount of beer, which affects how many servings you get. That’s why knowing keg sizes is critical for event planning or bar management.
This guide breaks down keg capacities and helps you calculate how many beers you can pour from each. We’ll cover different serving sizes (like 12oz, 16oz, and 20oz) and even touch on keg weights and other practical info.
Decoding the Keg: Understanding Standard Keg Sizes
So, how many cups of beer are in a keg? The answer depends on the size of the keg. Here’s a breakdown of the standard keg sizes you’ll find:
Half Barrel Keg (Full Keg or 1/2 BBL)
- Capacity and Dimensions: The industry standard for commercial use, holding 15.5 gallons of beer, which is equal to about 124 pints. It measures approximately 23 ⅜” x 16 ⅛”.
- Common Uses: You’ll see these at larger gatherings, busy bars, and restaurants. They are suitable for high-volume situations and require a robust dispensing system.
Quarter Barrel Keg (Pony Keg or 1/4 BBL)
- Capacity and Dimensions: A more manageable size for smaller events, holding 7.75 gallons of beer, or about 62 pints. It measures approximately 16 ⅛” x 13 ⅞”.
- Common Uses: Perfect for smaller parties, home bars, or when a full keg is simply too much. It’s more portable than a half barrel and offers a good balance between capacity and convenience.
Sixth Barrel Keg (Sixtel Keg or 1/6 BBL)
- Capacity and Dimensions: Ideal for variety and experimentation, holding 5.16 gallons of beer, which equals about 41 pints. It measures approximately 23 ⅜” x 9 ¼”.
- Common Uses: These are great for kegerators with multiple taps, smaller bars with diverse selections, and even homebrewers. They allow you to serve multiple beer styles at once and are easy to handle and change out.
How many 12-oz beers are in a keg?
Here’s a breakdown by standard keg size:
- Half Barrel: This is the standard full-size keg. It holds about 165 12-oz beers. (That’s 15.5 gallons, or 1984 ounces, divided by 12.)
- Quarter Barrel: A quarter barrel keg will pour around 82 12-oz servings. (7.75 gallons, or 992 ounces.)
- Sixth Barrel: Expect about 55 12-oz beers from a sixth barrel keg. (5.16 gallons, or 661 ounces.)
Keep in mind that these numbers are theoretical. You may lose a little beer to foam (“head space”) or spillage. Pouring experience and technique also affect how much you get out of each keg.
How many 16-oz beers are in a keg?
It depends on the size of the keg!
- Half Barrel: A half barrel keg contains approximately 124 16-oz servings. That’s because 15.5 gallons equals 1984 ounces, and 1984 divided by 16 is 124.
- Quarter Barrel: A quarter barrel keg will give you about 62 16-oz servings. In other words, 7.75 gallons is 992 ounces, and 992/16 is 62.
- Sixth Barrel: If you’re working with a sixth barrel keg, you can expect around 41 16-oz servings. That’s because 5.16 gallons equals 661 ounces, and 661/16 is approximately 41.
It’s worth noting that many bars and pubs serve pints, not 16-oz servings. So, it’s a good idea to consider your typical serving size when buying a keg.
How many 20-oz beers are in a keg?
Here’s a breakdown of how many 20-oz servings you can expect from different keg sizes:
- Half Barrel Keg: Roughly 99 servings. A half-barrel keg holds 15.5 gallons, which is 1984 ounces. Dividing 1984 ounces by 20 ounces per serving gives you approximately 99 servings.
- Quarter Barrel Keg: About 50 servings. This size contains 7.75 gallons, or 992 ounces. 992 ounces divided by 20 ounces results in roughly 50 servings.
- Sixth Barrel Keg: Around 33 servings. A sixth barrel keg has 5.16 gallons, totaling 661 ounces. Dividing 661 ounces by 20 ounces leads to about 33 servings.
Serving size matters. Larger servings mean fewer pours per keg, which impacts how quickly you go through your inventory and, ultimately, how you price your beer.
Keg Weights: Empty vs. Full
The weight of a keg can vary significantly depending on its size and whether it’s full or empty. This difference impacts how you handle and store it. Always use proper lifting techniques and equipment to avoid injury.
- Half Barrel Keg: Weighs around 30 lbs empty and about 160 lbs full. Because of its size, you’ll need to take extra care when lifting or moving it.
- Quarter Barrel Keg: Weighs around 22 lbs empty and roughly 87 lbs full. These are more manageable than half barrels, but still require caution.
- Sixth Barrel Keg: Weighs about 15 lbs empty and around 58 lbs full. These are the easiest to handle.
Knowing these weights is important for transportation and setup. Use a dolly or hand truck whenever possible to prevent back injuries.
Beyond the basics: Other keg sizes and types
While half and quarter kegs are the most common, there are other keg types to consider, depending on your needs.
Cornelius Kegs (Corny Kegs)
- Capacity and dimensions: Typically holds 5 gallons.
- Common uses: Homebrewing and dispensing soda.
- Distinctive features: Easy to clean and sanitize, making them ideal for home use.
Mini Kegs
- Capacity and dimensions: Usually 5 liters (1.32 gallons).
- Common uses: Personal consumption and small gatherings.
- Distinctive features: Often come with a built-in tap for easy pouring.
50-Liter Kegs (Import Kegs)
- Capacity and dimensions: Holds about 13.2 gallons.
- Common uses: Common for imported beers, especially from Europe.
- Distinctive features: May need a special keg coupler to tap.
Slim Quarter Kegs
- Capacity and dimensions: Holds the same amount as a quarter keg (7.75 gallons) but is taller and slimmer.
- Common uses: Useful in situations where a standard quarter keg won’t fit.
- Distinctive features: Same capacity, different shape.
Choosing the Right Keg Size
So, what size keg is right for you? Here are a few things to think about:
- How fast will the beer be consumed? If you’re hosting a big party where the beer will be flowing, a larger keg is the way to go. For smaller get-togethers, a smaller keg will do just fine.
- How much space do you have? Make sure you measure your kegerator or the space where you plan to put the keg. Think about vertical and horizontal space.
- Do you want to offer a variety of beers? If so, smaller sixth-barrel kegs are your best bet. They let you offer more choices and experiment with different brews.
- What’s your budget? Keg prices can vary quite a bit depending on the size and where you buy them. Shop around and compare prices, and remember to think about the cost per serving.
Putting It All Together
Knowing how many beers you’ll get out of a keg — and understanding the different keg sizes — can make all the difference when it comes to stocking your bar, planning an event, or simply keeping your customers happy.
Use the information here to decide which keg size best meets your needs. By choosing the right keg, you’ll be able to serve the right amount of beer — without running out or having too much left over.
With a little planning, you can enjoy a perfect pint of draft beer, every time.