Prices last checked October 28, 2026
A quarter pound of fresh beef cooked when you order, with two slices of cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard on a sesame bun.
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese uses a 4.25-ounce fresh beef patty that is cooked to order rather than frozen, which makes it juicier than the smaller burgers. It is topped with two slices of melted American cheese, slivered onions, pickles, ketchup and mustard.
With 30 grams of protein it beats the Big Mac on protein while having fewer calories, which is why many regulars consider it the better burger for the money.
Quarter Pounder with Cheese Price (October 2026)
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese typically costs $6.19 at U.S. McDonald’s restaurants. Because most locations are run by franchisees who set their own prices, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $4.79 to $8.99. Airports, highway rest stops and big cities are usually at the top of that range, and delivery apps add a further markup.
| Item | Typical price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese | $6.19 | 520 |
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal (with medium fries and a medium soft drink) | $10.49 | Varies |
Quarter Pounder with Cheese Calories and Nutrition
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 520 calories, about 26% of a 2,000-calorie day, along with 30 g of protein and 1,140 mg of sodium.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 520 | 26% |
| Total fat | 26 g | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g | 15% |
| Protein | 30 g | 60% |
| Sodium | 1,140 mg | 50% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrition is approximate and based on McDonald’s published U.S. nutrition information.
What’s in the Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
- Sesame seed bun
- Quarter pound fresh beef patty
- Two slices American cheese
- Slivered onions
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Allergens: contains Wheat, Milk, Soy, Sesame. Recipes and suppliers can change, so always check the allergen information in the McDonald’s app or ask the restaurant if you have a food allergy.
When can you order the Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese is on the regular lunch and dinner menu, which starts when breakfast ends (usually 10:30 or 11 a.m.) and runs until closing, including late night at 24-hour locations. See when McDonald’s starts serving lunch.
Is the Quarter Pounder with Cheese worth it?
At a typical $6.19, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese works out to about $1.19 per 100 calories and 4.8 grams of protein per dollar, about average for burgers on the menu.
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal with medium fries and a medium soft drink costs about $10.49, compared with roughly $11.97 if you bought everything separately, a saving of about $1.48.
On a tighter budget? The Hamburger costs about $2.29.
Ordering tips
- Add bacon or upgrade to the Deluxe for lettuce, tomato and mayo.
- Because the beef is cooked to order, it is always hot; ask for no salt for an extra-fresh patty.
Quarter Pounder with Cheese FAQ
How much does the Quarter Pounder with Cheese cost at McDonald's?
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese costs about $6.19 at a typical U.S. McDonald’s as of October 2026. Prices we tracked range from $4.79 to $8.99 depending on the restaurant. As a meal it costs about $10.49.
How many calories are in the Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 520 calories, 26 g of fat, 42 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of protein.
Can you order the Quarter Pounder with Cheese during breakfast?
At most restaurants, no. The Quarter Pounder with Cheese is part of the regular menu that starts when breakfast ends, usually at 10:30 or 11 a.m., and is then served until close.
Is the Quarter Pounder beef fresh or frozen?
In the contiguous U.S., Quarter Pounder patties are made with fresh beef cooked when you order.