Keg Sizes Guide: How Many Beers In A Keg?

Whether you're a bar owner, a homebrewer, or hosting an event, choosing the right keg size is essential for efficient beer storage and serving, as different keg sizes offer varying capacities, weights, and compatibility with draft systems. In this guide, we’ll cover the most common keg sizes and their specifications, how much beer each keg holds, how to select the right keg for your needs, and important considerations regarding keg weights and handling.

Beer Kegs: What Are They? Purpose & How They Work

How to Store Beer Properly: A Comprehensive Guide

Common Keg Sizes And Types

Half Barrel Keg

Alternate Names: Full Size Keg, Full Keg, 15.5 Gallon Keg

Half Barrel Keg is the standard keg size used in bars, restaurants, and large events in the United States. It holds the most beer of any commonly used keg and is compatible with most commercial draft systems.

This keg is ideal for high-volume beer service and is widely used by breweries and venues that serve beer on tap. Due to its large size, it requires sufficient storage space and a proper kegerator setup.

Half Barrel Keg holds:

• 165 12oz cans/bottles
• 124 pints (16oz)

Specifications:

• Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 124
• Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 165
• Capacity: 15.5 gallons / 58.7 liters / 1,984 ounces
• Dimensions: 23.37” height x 16.06” diameter

Quarter Barrel Keg

Alternate Names: Pony Keg, Stubby Quarter

Quarter Barrel Keg, also known as the Pony Keg, is half the size of a Half Barrel Keg. It is a popular choice for small events, parties, and home kegerators.

Since it has the same diameter as the Half Barrel Keg but is shorter, it is easier to transport and store. However, it requires the same standard US Sankey D coupler for dispensing.

Quarter Barrel Keg holds:

• 82 12oz cans/bottles
• 62 pints (16oz)

Specifications:

• Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 62
• Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 82
• Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 29.3 liters / 992 ounces
• Dimensions: 13.87” height x 16.06” diameter

Slim Quarter Keg

Alternate Names: Tall Quarter Keg

Slim Quarter Keg holds the same amount of beer as the standard Quarter Barrel Keg but is taller and slimmer. This design makes it more compatible with kegerators that need to accommodate multiple taps in a compact space.

It is a great option for home kegerators and small bars that want to offer multiple draft beer selections without taking up too much room.

Slim Quarter Keg holds:

• 82 12oz cans/bottles
• 62 pints (16oz)

Specifications:

• Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 62
• Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 82
• Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 29.3 liters / 992 ounces
• Dimensions: 23.37” height x 11.13” diameter

Sixth Barrel Keg

Alternate Names: Sixtel, 1/6 Barrel Keg

Sixth Barrel Keg is a smaller keg often used by craft breweries and homebrewers. It is ideal for limited beer offerings, small kegerators, and dual-tap draft systems.

Since it has the same height as a Half Barrel Keg but a smaller diameter, it fits easily into tight storage spaces. Most commercial draft systems and home kegerators are compatible with this keg.

Sixth Barrel Keg holds:

• 55 12oz cans/bottles
• 41 pints (16oz)

Specifications:

• Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 41
• Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 55
• Capacity: 5.16 gallons / 19.5 liters / 661 ounces
• Dimensions: 23.37” height x 9.25” diameter

Cornelius Keg (Corny Keg)

Alternate Names: Homebrew Keg, Soda Keg

Cornelius Keg, or Corny Keg, was originally used for soda but is now the preferred keg for homebrewers. It has a unique quick-connect fitting system that allows for easy cleaning and refilling.

This keg is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for homebrewing, small events, and experimental batches.

Cornelius Keg holds:

• 53 12oz cans/bottles
• 40 pints (16oz)

Specifications:

• Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 40
• Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 53
• Capacity: 5 gallons / 18.9 liters / 640 ounces
• Dimensions: 23” height x 9” diameter

Mini Keg

Mini Keg is the smallest standard keg size and is commonly used for small gatherings and portable beer dispensing. Some popular brands sell their beer in this format, including Heineken.

This keg does not require a CO₂ system and is often equipped with a built-in tap.

Mini Keg holds:

• 14 12oz cans/bottles
• 10 pints (16oz)

Specifications:

• Pints (16oz) of beer per keg: Approx. 10
• Cans/Bottles (12oz) per keg: Approx. 14
• Capacity: 1.32 gallons / 5 liters / 169 ounces
• Dimensions: Varies by brand

How Many Beers In A Keg?

	Cornelius Keg	Sixth Barrel Keg	Quarter Barrel Keg	Slim Quarter Keg	Half Barrel Keg	50 Litre Keg
Capacity (gal / oz / L)	5.0 gal 640 oz 18.93L	5.16 gal 661 oz 19.55L	7.75 gal 992 oz 29.34L	7.75 gal 992 oz 29.34L	15.5 gal 1,984 oz 58.67L	13.2 gal 1,690 oz 50.0L
Pints (16 oz)	40	41	62	62	124	105
Bottles / Cans (12oz)	53	55	82	82	165	140
Growlers (64 oz)	10	10	15.5	15.5	31	26

Keg Sizes & Dimensions Quick Reference Chart

	Cornelius Keg	Sixth Barrel Keg	Quarter Barrel Keg	Slim Quarter Keg	Half Barrel Keg	50 Litre Keg
Capacity (gal / oz / L)	5.0 gal 640 oz 18.93L	5.16 gal 661 oz 19.55L	7.75 gal 992 oz 29.34L	7.75 gal 992 oz 29.34L	15.5 gal 1,984 oz 58.67L	13.2 gal 1,690 oz 50.0L
Height	23"	23⅜"	13⅞"	23⅜"	23⅜"	20.94"
Width (Diameter)	9"	9¼"	16⅛"	11⅛"	16⅛"	16.06"
Weight (Full)	55 lbs	58 lbs	87 lbs	87 lbs	160 lbs	130 lbs
Weight (Empty)	9 lbs	16.5 lbs	22 lbs	22 lbs	30 lbs	28 lbs
Alternate Names	Corny Keg	⅙ Barrel, Sixtels	Pony Keg, Stubby Quarter	Tall Quarter	Full Size Keg, Full Keg	Import Keg, European Barrel, 50 Liter

How to Choose the Right Keg for Your Needs

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Keg Size

Before choosing a keg, consider:

• Usage – Is it for a bar, a restaurant, an event, or homebrewing?
• Storage Space – Does your fridge, kegerator, or cooler have enough room?
• Beer Volume Needs – How many servings will you require?
• Handling & Mobility – Will you need to move the keg frequently?

Best Keg Sizes for Different Applications

• Bars & Restaurants → Half-barrel kegs (most common for high-volume draft beer service).
• Events & Parties → Quarter-barrels or slim kegs (easy to transport & serve).
• Homebrewing → Cornelius kegs (perfect for small-batch brewers).
• Compact Kegerators & Small Spaces → Sixth-barrel kegs or mini kegs (ideal for tight spaces).

Keg Weights & Handling Considerations

How Much Do Beer Kegs Weigh?

The weight of a beer keg depends on its size and whether it’s full or empty:

Safe Handling & Storage Tips

• Always lift with your legs – kegs are heavy and can cause back injuries if lifted incorrectly.
• Use a hand truck to move full kegs safely.
• Store kegs at 36-40°F (2-4°C) to maintain beer freshness.
• Keep kegs upright to prevent excessive foaming.

Conclusion

Choosing the right keg size depends on volume needs, storage capacity, and intended use. From half-barrel kegs for bars to Cornelius kegs for homebrewing, understanding keg sizes ensures efficient draft beer service.