How Many Draft Beers Are in a Keg?

There are several types of kegs and each can hold a different number of draft beers. The exact number depends on the size of the keg and the size of the serving units (pints, bottles, cans, etc.). Below, we break down the calculations and provide varying estimates based on common keg sizes.

Standard Keg Sizes

Most kegs come in standardized sizes, allowing for uniformity and ease in transporting and serving beer. The two most common sizes are the 1/4 barrel keg and the 1/2 barrel keg. These are also known as half barrels and quarter barrels, respectively.

Quarter Barrel Keg (1/4 Barrel)

A 1/4 barrel keg, also known as a half keg, contains 7.75 gallons of beer. This capacity is equivalent to approximately 82 bottles or cans of beer. Depending on the serving size, this translates to:

Approximately 82 12-ounce bottles/cans Approximately 41 24-ounce bottles/cans Approximately 16 47-ounce bottles/cans

Half Barrel Keg (1/2 Barrel)

A 1/2 barrel keg holds a much larger volume, containing 15.5 gallons of beer. This is equivalent to about 165 bottles or cans of beer. Like the quarter barrel keg, the exact number of 12-ounce servings can vary based on the size of the serving units:

Approximately 165 12-ounce bottles/cans Approximately 82 24-ounce bottles/cans Approximately 32 47-ounce bottles/cans

Small-Scale Kegs

For those interested in smaller keg solutions, a 5-gallon corny keg is commonly used for home brewing. A 5-gallon keg can hold between 48 to 55 pints of beer, or approximately 64 to 73 12-ounce servings. This makes it ideal for a smaller gathering or personal consumption.

Blended Beers and Large Kegs

When it comes to blending multiple types of beer in a single keg, the concept remains the same. You still have 1% of the keg's capacity, just in a mixture of different styles. The total volume and the number of pints or bottles/cans this mixed keg can serve will depend on the specific blend and serving sizes used.

Conclusion

While the exact number of draft beers in a keg can vary based on the keg size and serving units, the overall principle remains the same. A 1/4 barrel keg holds approximately 7.75 gallons, while a 1/2 barrel keg holds 15.5 gallons. Smaller keg sizes, such as a 5-gallon copper corny keg, are used for home brewing and contain a smaller but still significant volume of beer.

To get an accurate count of the number of servings in a keg, you need to know the specific size of the keg and the size of the serving units. This information can be crucial for planning events, managing inventory, or simply understanding how much beer you have on hand.