How many carbs are in beer?
A 12-oz can of regular beer (356g) has about 13g of carbohydrate. Light beers have 2 to 6g, and craft IPAs can run 15 to 20g per can.
Carbs by portion
| Portion | Total carbs | Fiber | Net carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 can (12 fl oz / 356g) | 12.6g | 0.0g | 12.6g |
| 1 fl oz (29g) | 1.1g | 0.0g | 1.1g |
| 100 grams | 3.5g | 0.0g | 3.5g |
Net carbs
A 12-oz regular beer has about 13g of net carbs. There is no fiber in beer. See the net carbs guide.
Glycemic index of beer
The glycemic index of beer is about 66. Beer has a moderate glycemic index. The alcohol itself is not a carbohydrate but affects liver glucose metabolism. Fermentation converts most of the grain starch to alcohol, leaving behind some residual carbs from unfermented sugars.
For diabetes
A regular beer has about 13g of carbs. Alcohol also suppresses gluconeogenesis in the liver, which can cause delayed hypoglycemia, especially if you drink without eating. Light beer at 2 to 6g of carbs is a more manageable choice for counting purposes. Many diabetes care teams recommend eating when drinking and monitoring glucose more frequently. See the diabetes carb-counting guide.
Keto and low carb
A regular beer has 13g of net carbs, which uses a significant portion of a keto day's budget. Light beers (Michelob Ultra has 2.6g, Miller Lite has 3.2g) are much more keto-compatible. Craft IPAs and stouts typically have 15 to 25g of carbs per pint.
Good to know
Beer carbs come from residual sugars and starches that did not fully ferment. Lagers and pale ales average 10 to 15g of carbs per 12 oz. Light beers use additional enzymes to break down more starch before fermentation, leaving fewer residual carbs. Dry stouts like Guinness are lower in carbs than many people assume at about 10g per pint. Non-alcoholic beers can have more carbs than regular beer because no fermentation converts the sugars to alcohol.
Full nutrition (per 100g)
- Calories: 43.0 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 3.55g
- Fiber: 0.0g
- Sugars: 0.0g
- Protein: 0.46g
- Fat: 0.0g
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Get the appFrequently asked questions
How many carbs are in beer?
A 12-oz can of regular beer has about 13g of carbohydrate. Light beer typically has 2 to 6g.
What beer is lowest in carbs?
Michelob Ultra has 2.6g per 12 oz, Bud Select 55 has 1.9g, and Miller Lite has 3.2g. These are among the lowest-carb beers widely available.
Is beer keto?
Regular beer is borderline. One can has 13g of net carbs. Light beer with 2 to 4g of carbs is more compatible with keto.
Does beer raise blood sugar?
Yes, from the residual carbs, but alcohol also suppresses liver glucose output, which can cause delayed low blood sugar, not just a high. This is the bigger risk for people with diabetes.
Do IPAs have more carbs than regular beer?
Yes. Many IPAs have 15 to 20g of carbs per 12 oz, compared to 10 to 13g for standard lagers.