When you’re planning a party or stocking up for game day, buying a keg of beer can seem like the easiest way to go big. But kegs come in different sizes, and figuring out how much beer is inside isn’t always obvious.
Here’s a quick guide.
Keg Sizes and How Much Beer They Hold
The chart below shows the most common U.S. keg sizes, how much beer each holds, and about how many 12 oz. servings you can expect.
| Keg Type | Capacity (Gallons) | Capacity (Liters) | 12 oz. Servings | Typical Use | Avg. Price Range* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Barrel (Full Keg) | 15.5 gal | 58.7 L | ~165 beers | Bars, parties, weddings | $150–$250 (domestic), $250–$400 (craft/imported) |
| Quarter Barrel (Pony Keg) | 7.75 gal | 29.3 L | ~82 beers | Small parties, kegerators | $90–$150 |
| Sixth Barrel (Sixtel) | 5.16 gal | 19.5 L | ~55 beers | Home kegerators, small events | $70–$120 |
| Mini Keg | 1.32 gal | 5 L | ~14 beers | Home use, novelty beers | $20–$35 |
*Prices vary depending on brand, style, and retailer.
Is it Cheaper to Buy a Keg or a Case of Beer?
It depends on the brand and the size of the keg.
- A half barrel holds about 165 beers. If the keg costs $200, that’s about $1.20 per beer.
- A case (24-pack) of the same beer might cost $25, or about $1.04 per beer.
For many domestic beers, cases are often slightly cheaper per serving than kegs.
For specialty, imported, or craft beers, a keg can sometimes save money — plus it’s easier to serve large groups without piles of cans and bottles.
How Much Does a Keg Cost?
Here’s a rough estimate for how much you can expect to pay for each type of keg.
- Domestic half barrel (Bud Light, Coors, Miller): $150–$200
- Craft/import half barrel (Sierra Nevada, Guinness): $250–$400
- Smaller kegs (quarter, sixth): $70–$150 depending on brand
- Mini kegs: $20–$35
Keep in mind: many retailers also require a deposit ($30–$100) for the keg shell and tap, refundable when returned.
Get Beer Delivered
If you’re hosting a big party, a keg offers convenience and the fun of draft beer on tap. If you’re just stocking the fridge, a case or two might be the smarter buy.
And if you decide to go in that direction, Saucey offers delivery on a variety of beers right to your door is as little as 30 minutes. Check out our menu and enter your address to see what’s available near you.
