Figuring out how many 16 oz beers can be poured from a standard 5 gallon keg is a useful calculation for anyone looking to tap a keg for a party, event, or their own consumption. With some simple math we can determine the exact number of 16 oz beer servings that can be expected from a typical keg.
Quick Answer
There are approximately 82 sixteen ounce beers in a standard 5 gallon keg when accounting for loss due to foam and spillage.
Calculating Exact Number of 16 oz Beers in a 5 Gallon Keg
To calculate the exact number of 16 oz beers in a 5 gallon keg, we first need to know a few key details:
- 1 gallon = 128 fluid ounces
- 1 keg = 5 gallons
- 1 16 oz beer = 16 fluid ounces
So to start, let’s calculate the total fluid ounces contained in a 5 gallon keg:
5 gallons x 128 oz/gallon = 640 total oz
Next we can calculate how many 16 oz beers this yields:
640 oz / 16 oz per beer = 80 beers
However, this calculation does not account for loss due to foam and spillage. Depending on the tapping method and pour, a reasonable estimate for loss is around 5%. To account for 5% loss, we calculate:
80 beers x 0.95 (to account for 5% loss) = 76 beers
Therefore, the estimated number of 16 oz beers that can be poured from a 5 gallon keg is 76.
Factors That Impact Number of Beers
There are a few factors that can impact the actual yield of beer from a 5 gallon keg:
Foam and Spillage Loss
As mentioned above, foam and spillage during the pour will result in some beer loss. This can vary from around 5-10% typically. More aggressive pouring styles and inexperienced tappers will increase the amount of beer lost.
Keg and Coupler Equipment
Specialized “low loss” couplers and kegs can reduce foam and spillage loss. More efficient equipment improves the yield. Homebrew kegs lacking commercial style couplings tend to increase loss.
Beverage Type
The characteristics of the beverage itself also impact yield. Beers with more carbonation tend to foam more and result in more loss. High alcohol beers also have more foam.
Serving Temperature
Warmer temperatures increase foaming and CO2 break out of solution which reduces beer yield from the keg. Ideally, beer should be kept cold (about 38°F) just prior to tapping.
Tapping Method
The method for tapping, pouring and serving impacts waste. A smooth, angled tap with minimal turbulence will yield more beer. Aggressively tapping straight down increases foaming during the pour.
Common Keg Sizes
While 5 gallons is the most common keg size, it’s helpful to understand other typical keg sizes and how many 16 oz beers they contain using the same math:
| Keg Size | Total Fluid Ounces | 16 oz Beers (no loss) | 16 oz Beers (5% loss) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Keg | 1024 | 64 | 61 |
| Sixth Barrel | 768 | 48 | 46 |
| Quarter Barrel | 384 | 24 | 23 |
| Corny Keg | 960 | 60 | 57 |
| Slim Quarter | 432 | 27 | 26 |
Accounting for Partial Volume
In some cases a keg may be tapped when it’s not completely full. If the keg is known to only be partially filled, the calculation can be adjusted accordingly based on how many gallons are estimated to be in the keg.
For example, if a keg is estimated to only be filled with 3 gallons instead of the full 5 gallons, the number of 16 oz beers would be:
- 3 gallons = 384 oz
- 384 oz / 16 oz per beer = 24 beers
- 24 beers x 0.95 (5% loss) = 23 beers
So in this case a 3 gallon partial keg would yield approximately 23 sixteen ounce beers when tapped.
Using Weight to Estimate Liquid Volume
If the volume of liquid in a keg can’t easily be determined, the weight of the keg can provide an estimate.
A full 5 gallon keg weighs approximately 160 pounds. Beer weighs about 7.8 lbs per gallon. Knowing this:
- 160 lbs full keg / 7.8 lbs per gallon = 20.5 gallons
- 20.5 gallons = 2624 fluid oz
- 2624 oz / 16 oz per beer = 164 beers (no loss)
- 164 beers x 0.95 (5% loss) = 156 beers
So if a keg weighs around 160 lbs, expect 155-160 sixteen oz beers. The lighter the keg, the less full it is.
Key Takeaways
To summarize the key points:
- A standard 5 gallon keg holds around 80 sixteen oz beers without accounting for loss
- Expect approximately 76 sixteen oz beers when factoring around 5% loss from foam and waste
- Foam, spillage, equipment, beverage type and serving method impact actual yield
- Other common keg sizes hold different volumes
- Partial keg volumes can be calculated by adjusting the volume
- Keg weight provides an estimate if actual liquid volume is unknown
Knowing these variables allows you to better estimate the number of full 16 oz beer servings expected from any keg based on size, beverage, equipment and serving style. While the actual number may vary, this provides a good ballpark figure for planning any draft beer keg event.
How Many 12 oz Beers in a 5 Gallon Keg?
The same principles and calculations can be applied to determine the number of 12 oz beers that can be poured from a 5 gallon keg.
To summarize:
- A full 5 gallon keg contains 640 total ounces of liquid
- If serving 12 oz beers, 640 oz / 12 oz per beer = ~107 beers (no loss)
- Accounting for 5% loss due to foam and waste, 107 beers x 0.95 = ~102 beers
So you can expect approximately 102 twelve ounce beers from a 5 gallon keg when factoring typical loss. This may vary based on equipment, tapping method, foaminess and other factors as outlined above.
How Many Pints in a 5 Gallon Keg?
Another common serving size from a keg is a pint glass, typically 16 oz in the US or 20 oz in the UK. How many pints can be poured from a standard keg?
For American 16 oz pints:
- 640 total ounces / 16 oz per pint = 80 pints (no loss)
- 80 pints x 0.95 = 76 pints (with 5% loss)
For 20 oz British pints:
- 640 total ounces / 20 oz per pint = 64 pints (no loss)
- 64 pints x 0.95 = 61 pints (with 5% loss)
So you can expect approximately 76 American 16 oz pints or 61 Imperial 20 oz pints from a 5 gallon keg accounting for typical foam and waste loss.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
While beer is the most common kegged beverage, you can apply this same math to calculate the yield for any liquid product – soda, coffee, kombucha, cold brew, etc.
The main difference is that non-alcoholic beverages tend to foam less, so you may factor just 2-3% loss instead of 5% for beer. But otherwise the principles are the same to find out how many servings you’ll get from any size keg.
Other Factors When Tapping a Keg
When tapping any keg for serving, there are some other factors to keep in mind:
Keg Pressure
Forced carbonation in kegs requires CO2 pressure. Most kegs are carbonated from 10-30 psi depending on the beverage. Proper pressure must be maintained to push the liquid out when tapping. Too low and the pour will be slow. Too high and it will overfoam.
Tubing Length
The length of tubing from the keg coupler to the tap faucet introduces resistance. Ideally tubing should be 10 feet or less. Long runs over 20 feet will slow down or potentially stop the pour.
Cooling
Kegs should be refrigerated to 38°F or below before tapping and kept cold during service. Warmer temperatures increase foaming issues.
Cleaning
Keg lines should be cleaned and sanitized between uses to avoid contamination.
Dates
Rotate stock and use kegs with the oldest dates first. Monitor dates and conditions. Don’t allow beer or other keg beverages to outdate.
Keg Size and Serving Calculator
You can use the following calculator to help determine the number of servings you’ll get from different keg sizes based on the serving size you need. Just enter the keg size, serving size, and estimated loss percentage:
| Keg Size: | |
| Serving Size: | |
| Estimated Loss %: |
Bottom Line
Figuring out the potential yield from a keg is straightforward once you understand the basic factors and calculations. With some simple math combined with estimating typical loss and waste, you can get a solid idea of how many servings a keg of any size will provide. This allows you to properly plan for any draft beer or beverage event to make sure you have the right volume on hand whether it’s 16 oz pints, 12 oz bottles, or any other serving size you need.
