How Many Calories in a Lemon? Nutrition Facts & Macros
One lemon (58g) has 17 calories
Protein 0.6g · Carbs 5.4g · Fat 0.2g
Lemons are a versatile citrus fruit with a distinctive sour taste — essential in cooking, beverages, and as a vitamin C source. Whether you use them for flavoring, in drinks, or track your macros, knowing the exact nutrition facts helps. Here's everything you need to know about lemon calories and macros, based on USDA data. Lemons are about 89% water.
121 kJ · per 100g · Water: 88.98 g
Calorie Calculator: Lemon
58 g Lemon contains 17 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lemon (58g) | 17 kcal | 0.6g | 5.4g | 0.2g |
| Juice of 1 lemon (48g) | 14 kcal | 0.5g | 4.5g | 0.1g |
| 100 grams | 29 kcal | 1.1g | 9.3g | 0.3g |
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| Lemon | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 29 kcal |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Carbs | 9.32 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugar | 2.5 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 138 mg |
| Magnesium | 8 mg |
| Vitamin C | 53 mg |
| Folate | 11 mcg |
| Water | 88.98 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 167746) · Data verified April 2026
Variations
Lemon juice
About 22 calories per 100g — 24% fewer than whole lemon. Less fiber since pulp is strained out. Still retains most of the vitamin C. Fresh squeezed is best — bottled juice may have reduced vitamin C due to oxidation and pasteurization.
Lemon peel / zest
About 47 calories per 100g — 62% more than the flesh. Very high fiber at 10.6g per 100g. Rich in essential oils and antioxidants. Used in small amounts for flavoring — a teaspoon of zest adds negligible calories but intense lemon flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a lemon?
One lemon (58g, without peel) has approximately 17 calories. Per 100g, lemons have 29 calories. The juice of one lemon (48g) has about 14 calories. Lemons are one of the lowest-calorie fruits, making them ideal for adding flavor without significant calories. Even a whole lemon barely registers in your daily calorie count.
How much vitamin C is in a lemon?
Lemons have 53mg of vitamin C per 100g — nearly as much as oranges. One lemon (58g) provides about 31mg of vitamin C, roughly 34% of the daily recommended intake. Vitamin C supports immune function, skin health, and iron absorption. Even a squeeze of lemon juice adds meaningful vitamin C to your diet.
How much fiber is in a lemon?
Lemons have 2.8g of fiber per 100g — surprisingly high for a citrus fruit. One lemon (58g) provides about 1.6g of fiber, roughly 6% of the daily recommended intake. Most of the fiber is pectin, found in the pulp and pith. Lemon juice alone has almost no fiber — you need to consume the pulp.
How much sugar is in a lemon?
Lemons have only 2.5g of sugar per 100g — the lowest among common citrus fruits. Compare: oranges 9.35g, mandarins 10.58g, grapefruit 6.89g. One lemon (58g) has just 1.5g of sugar. Despite having 9.32g total carbs, most is fiber and non-sugar carbohydrates. This makes lemons one of the most keto-friendly fruits.
Lemon vs lime — what's the difference?
Lemons: 29 kcal, 1.1g protein, 9.32g carbs, 53mg vitamin C per 100g. Limes: ~30 kcal, 0.7g protein, 10.54g carbs, 29.1mg vitamin C. Lemons have nearly twice the vitamin C. Both are very low in calories and sugar. Lemons are more sour, limes are slightly more bitter. Both are excellent for flavoring without adding significant calories.
Is lemon water good for weight loss?
Lemon water adds virtually no calories (a squeeze of lemon juice is ~2-5 kcal) while making water more flavorful, which can help you drink more. Staying hydrated supports metabolism and reduces false hunger. Vitamin C supports fat oxidation during exercise. However, lemon water alone does not cause weight loss — it is a useful tool within a balanced diet.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon | 29 | 1.1g | 9.32g | 0.3g |
| Orange | 47 | 0.94g | 11.75g | 0.12g |
| Grapefruit (Pink) | 42 | 0.77g | 10.66g | 0.14g |
| Mandarin Orange | 53 | 0.81g | 13.34g | 0.31g |
| Clementine | 47 | 0.85g | 12.02g | 0.15g |
per 100g
A lemon has 29 kcal per 100g with 1.1g protein, only 2.5g sugar, and 53mg vitamin C. One lemon (58g, 17 kcal) adds big flavor with virtually no caloric impact.
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