How many carbs are in an apple?
A medium apple has about 22g of carbohydrate and 19g of net carbs. The size of the fruit and whether you eat the skin both affect the final number.
Carbs by portion
| Portion | Total carbs | Fiber | Net carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 medium apple (140g) | 21.9g | 2.9g | 19.0g |
| 100 grams | 15.7g | 2.1g | 13.6g |
Net carbs
A medium apple has about 19g of net carbs, which is total carbs (22g) minus fiber (3g). Apples carry more fiber than most fruit, so the gap between total and net is meaningful. See the net carbs guide for when to use net instead of total.
Glycemic index of an apple
The glycemic index of an apple is about 36. Apples consistently score in the low-GI range. The fiber and polyphenols in the skin slow glucose absorption, which keeps the post-meal rise gradual compared to most fruit juices.
For diabetes
A medium apple is about 22g of carbs, a moderate but real load. The skin adds fiber that slows digestion, making an apple a gentler choice than apple juice, which strips that fiber out. Most U.S. care teams count total carbs, so dose on the full 22g, not net. Pairing a small apple with cheese or peanut butter flattens the curve further. See the diabetes carb-counting guide.
Keto and low carb
One medium apple has about 19g of net carbs. That is close to a full day's keto budget of 20 to 30g. Apples do not fit a strict keto plan. A few thin slices counted into a meal can work if the rest of the day is very low carb.
Good to know
The USDA data here is for Fuji apples with skin, which run slightly higher in sugar than varieties like Granny Smith. A green Granny Smith has more malic acid, less sugar, and a lower glycemic index than a ripe Fuji or Honeycrisp. Peeling the apple removes roughly 30 percent of its fiber, which raises the effective glycemic impact even though the total carb count barely changes.
Full nutrition (per 100g)
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 15.65g
- Fiber: 2.08g
- Sugars: 13.33g
- Protein: 0.15g
- Fat: 0.16g
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Get the appFrequently asked questions
How many carbs are in an apple?
A medium apple (140g) has about 22g of carbohydrate. A small apple closer to 100g has about 16g, and a large apple around 180g has about 28g.
How many net carbs are in an apple?
A medium apple has about 19g of net carbs, which is total carbs (22g) minus fiber (3g). Eating the skin is important since most of that fiber is in and just under the skin.
Is an apple good for diabetics?
Apples are a reasonable choice. A medium one is 22g of carbs with fiber that slows the rise. Apple juice is a different story because the fiber is gone and the carbs hit faster. Count the full 22g and pair the apple with protein or fat.
Is an apple keto?
Not comfortably. A medium apple has about 19g of net carbs, which is close to a full day's keto allowance. A Granny Smith is the lowest-sugar option if you want to fit a few slices in.
Does the type of apple change the carb count?
Yes, a little. Granny Smith apples have less sugar than Fuji or Honeycrisp. The difference between varieties is usually 2 to 4g of carbs per medium fruit, but the same data source is a reasonable estimate for all common varieties.