How many calories are in a cucumber?
A whole cucumber (8-1/4") (301 g) has 45 calories. Per 100 grams, cucumber has 15 calories. A whole cucumber is about 96% water by weight, so its calorie density is among the lowest of any food. That entire cucumber has about 11 g of carbohydrate, 2 g of protein, and almost no fat.
Cucumber nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per whole cucumber (8-1/4") (301 g) | Per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 45 | 15 |
| Protein | 2 g | 0.7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 10.9 g | 3.6 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g | 1.7 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g | 0.1 g |
| Potassium | 442 mg | 147 mg |
| Calcium | 48 mg | 16 mg |
Values from Cucumber, with peel, raw (USDA FoodData Central, FDC ID 168409). Figures vary with variety, ripeness, and preparation.
The calories you might not be counting
A whole cucumber is 45 calories. Nobody gains weight from cucumbers. What hides behind a cucumber is the dip, the dressing, or the oil it sits in. A two-tablespoon serving of ranch dip adds about 130 calories, and most people reload the scoop three or four times. Tzatziki dresses cucumber with yogurt and oil for 50 to 80 calories per quarter-cup. In a Greek salad, the feta, olives, and olive oil dressing deliver 200 to 300 calories while the cucumber contributes almost nothing. Pickles are low-calorie but the fried-pickle appetizer at a restaurant buries the cucumber in batter and oil for 300 to 500 calories a plate. Forkd separates the cucumber from the dip so the real count stays clear.
Calories by size
A cup of cucumber slices is only 52 g (about 8 calories), making it one of the easiest vegetables to add volume to a plate for next to nothing. A whole 8-1/4-inch cucumber is 301 g and about 45 calories. English cucumbers tend to be longer and heavier, potentially 400 g or more, still under 60 calories.
| Size | Weight | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Whole cucumber (8-1/4") | 301 g | 45 |
| Cup, slices | 52 g | 8 |
| Half cucumber | 150 g | 23 |
Scanning a cucumber with Forkd catches the exact portion and the hidden extras this page just described, the oil, the dressing, the topping a photo alone would miss.
Cucumber calories: common questions
Is cucumber good for weight loss?
Cucumber is one of the best weight-loss foods by volume. A whole cucumber is 45 calories with high water content, so it adds bulk and crunch to meals for almost no caloric cost. The calories that stack up are in the dips and dressings that come with it.
How many calories are in a cup of cucumber?
A cup of cucumber slices (52 g) has about 8 calories. A whole cucumber (301 g) is about 45. Per 100 g, cucumber with peel is 15 calories.
Are cucumbers mostly water?
Yes. Cucumber is about 96% water by weight, which is why it is so low in calories and so refreshing to eat raw.
Do cucumbers have any nutritional value?
Cucumbers are modest in vitamins and minerals but provide potassium (147 mg per 100 g), some vitamin K, and hydration. They are not nutrient-dense compared to darker vegetables, but their near-zero calorie cost makes them a useful filler.
Keep going
Sources: Cucumber, with peel, raw (USDA FoodData Central, FDC ID 168409). Reviewed against USDA FoodData Central reference portions.
This page is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nutrition values are estimates sourced from USDA FoodData Central and may vary by variety, preparation, and portion. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.