How many calories are in a pizza Margherita?

What goes into a pizza Margherita

Per the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, the classic pizza Margherita consists of pizza dough, peeled tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. The calorie count depends primarily on three factors: the weight of the dough, the amount of cheese, and how much oil goes on top. According to USDA FoodData Central, cheese pizza averages around 266 calories per 100 grams. A Margherita without meat toppings runs slightly lower, at 240 to 280 calories per 100 grams.

Calories by pizza size

An Italian pizza Margherita typically weighs between 280 and 400 grams (10–14 oz). Larger American-style versions from chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut reach 450 to 550 grams, mostly through thicker dough and a heavier cheese layer.

Differences between brands

The official nutrition data from Domino’s Germany lists a medium Margherita (30 cm) at around 1,070 calories, while Pizza Hut Germany’s medium pan Margherita comes to 930 calories. Frozen Margherita pizzas in German supermarkets (300–350 g) range between 650 and 800 calories, per BLS data. The gap comes down to the dough — pan dough contains more oil than classic dough — and the amount of cheese used.

Pizza in a calorie deficit

Depending on its size, a whole pizza Margherita can cover a third to half of an adult’s daily energy needs. For weight-loss diets, the German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends against banning individual foods outright — what counts is the overall energy balance. If you fit a pizza into a deficit, adjust the rest of your day accordingly and pay particular attention to getting enough protein, since pizza is relatively protein-poor.