Have you ever wondered how much a full keg weighs? Whether you’re organizing a backyard BBQ, running a bar, or managing a large event, understanding the weight of a keg is more important than it might seem. From beer festivals to home brewing, the weight of a keg affects transportation, handling, and even the cost of the event.
When it comes to kegs, knowing their weight isn’t just about muscle power—it plays a key role in logistics, estimating costs, and ensuring safe handling. Whether you’re purchasing a keg for personal use or managing kegs at a bar or brewery, understanding the differences in keg sizes, their weights, and yields is essential for effective planning.
In this guide, we’ll break down the weights of various keg sizes, explain the differences between them, and help you understand how to estimate costs and logistics for your next keg purchase or event. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how much a full keg weighs and why that’s crucial for both personal and professional use.
Keg Weights by Size
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to kegs. The size and weight of a keg depend on the type, capacity, and the beer it holds. Below, we’ll dive into the most common keg sizes, explaining their weight, beer yield, and ideal use.
1. Full Keg (Half Barrel)
- Capacity: 15.5 gallons (58.67 liters)
- Weight (Full): 160 lbs (72.6 kg)
- Weight (Empty): 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
- Beer Weight: 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Beer Yield: Approximately 165 12-ounce beers
- Common Use: Standard in the U.S.
The full keg, also known as a half-barrel keg, is the largest standard keg size in the United States. Its capacity of 15.5 gallons is roughly equal to 58.67 liters, making it ideal for larger events, bars, and restaurants.
When full, it weighs around 160 pounds (72.6 kg), but this weight includes both the beer and the keg itself. When empty, the keg weighs about 30 pounds (13.6 kg). The beer alone weighs about 130 pounds (59 kg), which is why a full keg requires at least a couple of strong individuals to lift and move it.
This keg type is perfect for parties or commercial use, as it yields approximately 165 12-ounce servings of beer. So, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or operating a busy bar, the full keg is a reliable choice for bulk beer needs.
2. 50 Liter Keg (European Standard)
- Capacity: 50 liters (13.2 gallons)
- Weight (Full): 130 lbs (59 kg)
- Weight (Empty): 27 lbs (12.2 kg)
- Beer Weight: 103 lbs (46.7 kg)
- Beer Yield: Approximately 140 12-ounce beers
- Common Use: Popular in Europe
The 50-liter keg is commonly used in Europe and is roughly equivalent to a 13.2-gallon keg in the United States. It weighs around 130 pounds (59 kg) when full, with about 103 pounds (46.7 kg) of that weight coming from the beer itself. When empty, the keg weighs about 27 pounds (12.2 kg).
This size is ideal for medium-sized gatherings and is slightly more manageable than the full U.S. keg. With a yield of about 140 beers, the 50-liter keg is a good option for smaller bars or large parties that don’t need quite as much beer as the full keg offers.
3. Quarter Barrel (Pony Keg)
- Capacity: 7.75 gallons (29.33 liters)
- Weight (Full): 87 lbs (39.5 kg)
- Weight (Empty): 22 lbs (10 kg)
- Beer Weight: 65 lbs (29.5 kg)
- Beer Yield: Approximately 82 12-ounce beers
- Common Use: Ideal for small gatherings
The quarter barrel, also known as a pony keg, is a smaller keg that holds just 7.75 gallons (29.33 liters) of beer. Weighing around 87 pounds (39.5 kg) when full, it is much lighter and easier to handle than the full keg. The empty keg weighs about 22 pounds (10 kg), and the beer itself weighs around 65 pounds (29.5 kg).
A quarter barrel yields approximately 82 12-ounce beers, making it perfect for smaller events, such as private parties or small gatherings. While it might not be ideal for large-scale operations, the quarter barrel is a popular choice for events that need a little less beer but still want the convenience of keg service.
4. Sixth Barrel (Sixtel)
- Capacity: 5.16 gallons (19.55 liters)
- Weight (Full): 58 lbs (26.3 kg)
- Weight (Empty): 15 lbs (6.8 kg)
- Beer Weight: 43 lbs (19.5 kg)
- Beer Yield: Approximately 55 12-ounce beers
- Common Use: Suitable for limited space or variety
The sixth barrel, or sixtel, is one of the smallest kegs in terms of capacity, holding just 5.16 gallons (19.55 liters) of beer. It weighs around 58 pounds (26.3 kg) when full, and its empty weight is 15 pounds (6.8 kg). The beer inside weighs 43 pounds (19.5 kg), making it a great option for limited space or when you want to offer a variety of beers without committing to a large keg.
A sixth barrel yields about 55 12-ounce servings of beer, so it’s perfect for smaller spaces or events where only a small amount of beer is needed. Its compact size and lighter weight make it easy to store and transport.
5. Cornelius Keg (Homebrew Keg)
- Capacity: 5 gallons (18.93 liters)
- Weight (Full): 55 lbs (24.9 kg)
- Weight (Empty): 10.5 lbs (4.8 kg)
- Beer Weight: 44.5 lbs (20.2 kg)
- Beer Yield: Approximately 53 12-ounce beers
- Common Use: Favored by homebrewers
Cornelius kegs, also known as homebrew kegs, are primarily used by homebrewers and craft beer enthusiasts. With a capacity of 5 gallons (18.93 liters), they are smaller than the other keg types. When full, a Cornelius keg weighs 55 pounds (24.9 kg), while the empty weight is just 10.5 pounds (4.8 kg). The beer inside weighs 44.5 pounds (20.2 kg).
This keg yields approximately 53 12-ounce servings of beer and is ideal for homebrewers who need a manageable size for fermenting or serving their beer. Because of their smaller size and lighter weight, Cornelius kegs are easy to store and handle, making them perfect for hobbyists or small-scale brewers.
Cost Comparison of Kegs
While understanding the weight of kegs is important, it’s also essential to factor in the cost when deciding which keg to purchase. The price of kegs can vary widely depending on the brand, location, and whether you’re buying new or renting. Below is a breakdown of the approximate costs for each keg type:
- Full Keg: $130–$200
- 50 Liter Keg: $180–$250
- Quarter Barrel: $90–$160
- Sixth Barrel: $90–$140
- Cornelius Keg: $90–$150
While the larger kegs like the Full Keg and 50 Liter Keg tend to cost more, smaller kegs such as the Quarter Barrel, Sixth Barrel, and Cornelius Keg are generally more affordable. These costs also depend on the brand and location, as well as whether you’re purchasing a keg for one-time use or opting for a rental.
It’s worth noting that keg prices can fluctuate based on local suppliers and seasonal demand, so it’s a good idea to shop around before making a purchase.
Conclusion
Understanding how much a full keg weighs is vital for anyone in the beverage industry, home brewing, or event planning. Whether you’re hauling heavy kegs for a large event or carefully calculating beer yields for a party, knowing the weight of each keg size ensures you’re prepared for the logistics and handling involved.
Choosing the right keg size, understanding its weight, and considering the yield and cost will help you better manage your beer-related events, making your planning process smoother and more efficient. So, the next time you’re ordering a keg, you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with—right down to the pound (or kilogram).
Fun Facts About Kegs
>>A gallon of beer weighs approximately 8.34 lbs (3.78 kg): This is useful when estimating the total weight of a keg. Since a gallon of beer is nearly 8.5 pounds, you can estimate the beer weight by multiplying the number of gallons in a keg by 8.34 lbs (or 3.78 kg).
>>The term “half keg” originates from the U.S. beer barrel: The U.S. beer barrel is legally defined as 31 gallons, and the “half keg” refers to half that amount—15.5 gallons.
>>Kegs are typically made of stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is the preferred material for kegs because it’s resistant to rust and corrosion, ensuring that the beer inside stays fresh and safe to drink.
>>Cornelius Keg’s history: Originally, the Cornelius Keg was used by the soft drink industry before being adopted by homebrewers. Its compact size and easy handling made it a perfect choice for home brewing.