Quick Answer: A typical slice of pizza contains 200–300 kcal, depending on size, crust, and toppings. A slice of cheese pizza from a 12-inch medium is around 220–250 kcal; a meat-loaded slice can reach 300–350 kcal; a thin-crust vegetable slice may be as low as 150–180 kcal. A whole 12-inch pizza usually totals 1,600–2,400 kcal.
Calories by Pizza Type (per slice, 1/8 of 12-inch)
| Pizza type | Approximate kcal per slice |
|—|—|
| Thin crust, vegetable | 150–200 |
| Thin crust, margherita | 180–220 |
| Regular crust, cheese | 220–280 |
| Regular crust, pepperoni | 250–320 |
| Deep pan / stuffed crust, cheese | 280–350 |
| Deep pan, meat feast | 320–400 |
These are estimates — restaurant pizzas vary enormously, and a “slice” from a 16-inch takeaway pizza is far bigger than one from a 12-inch.
What Drives the Calorie Count?
Crust
The crust is the biggest variable. A thin, crisp base might contribute 80–100 kcal per slice, while a deep-pan or stuffed-crust base can add 150–200+ kcal before toppings. The extra dough, oil, and cheese stuffed into the crust all count.
Cheese
Cheese is calorie-dense (around 400 kcal per 100g for mozzarella). A generous cheese layer adds 80–120 kcal per slice. “Extra cheese” can add 50+ kcal per slice on its own.
Toppings
- Vegetables (peppers, mushrooms, onions): negligible — 10–20 kcal
- Pepperoni/salami: 40–60 kcal per slice
- Bacon, sausage: 50–80 kcal per slice
- Chicken: 25–40 kcal per slice
Size
Takeaway pizzas have grown. A slice from an 18-inch pizza can be double the calories of one from a 12-inch. When counting, estimate by weight if you can: pizza averages roughly 250–280 kcal per 100g.
Is Pizza Unhealthy?
Not inherently. Pizza delivers a mix of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and — with vegetable toppings — some fibre and micronutrients like lycopene from tomato sauce. The [NHS Eatwell Guide](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/) places pizza among foods to eat less often and in smaller amounts, mainly because typical servings are large and rich in saturated fat and salt.
Context matters more than any single food: two slices of thin-crust vegetable pizza alongside a salad is a reasonable meal; half a stuffed-crust meat feast is a different proposition.
Making Pizza Lighter
- Choose thin crust over deep pan or stuffed
- Load vegetables — they add bulk and nutrients for few calories
- Go easy on processed meats — pepperoni and salami are the biggest topping offenders
- Blot the grease — dabbing with kitchen paper removes a surprising amount of oil
- Pair with salad — fills you up so two slices suffice
- Make it at home — you control the cheese, oil, and salt
Homemade pizza on a thin base with passata, light mozzarella, and vegetables can come in under 200 kcal a slice. The [BBC Good Food healthy pizza recipes](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/healthy-pizza-recipes) offer lighter ideas.
FAQs
How many calories in a whole 12-inch margherita pizza?
Roughly 1,600–1,900 kcal for a regular crust — about 200–240 per slice across 8 slices.
How many calories in a Domino’s slice UK?
It varies by range, but a slice of a medium Domino’s cheese pizza is typically 200–260 kcal; meat-topped varieties run 250–330. Check Domino’s UK nutrition information for specific pizzas.
Is pizza okay for weight loss?
In moderation, yes. Budget 2 slices of thin-crust pizza (~400–500 kcal) into your day and balance the rest. Rigid bans usually backfire.
Which pizza is lowest calorie?
Thin-crust vegetable or margherita, minimal cheese. Some supermarkets sell “light” ranges under 150 kcal a slice.
Does pizza count as ultra-processed food?
Takeaway and frozen pizzas often are, due to additives and refined ingredients. Homemade pizza with simple ingredients is not.
