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Keg Cost Calculator (Cost per Pint)
Turn a keg invoice into pours, cost per pint and pour cost %, after foam and line loss.
Default numbers are an example, not industry data.
Formula
Usable volume = keg size × (1 − loss/100); pours = usable volume ÷ pour size; cost per pour = keg cost ÷ pours; pour cost % = cost per pour ÷ price × 100; target price = cost per pour ÷ (target/100).
How it works
Pick the keg size and enter the pour in US fluid ounces. A pint is 16 oz; a schooner or pilsner glass is often 10–14 oz. Foam and line loss covers pulling foam, line cleaning and the dregs left in the keg.
Use the keg price excluding the refundable deposit and the net selling price excluding sales tax or VAT. Compare actual sales against expected pours to spot overpouring and waste.
Worked example
1,984 oz × 95% = 1,884.8 oz ÷ 16 oz = 117.8 pints. 180 ÷ 117.8 = **1.53 per pint**; at 7.00 that is a 21.83% pour cost. Price for 20% = 7.64.
Benchmark
Draft beer pour cost is often cited at roughly 15–25%, usually lower than spirits or wine. Treat this as a rule of thumb, not a target.
Frequently asked questions
How many pints are in a keg?
A US half barrel holds 1,984 oz, or 124 pints of 16 oz before loss. At 5% loss it gives about 118 pints.
How do I calculate cost per pint?
Divide the keg cost by the number of pours after loss. A 180 half barrel at 117.8 pints costs about 1.53 per pint.
Should I include the keg deposit?
No. The deposit is refunded when the keg is returned, so cost the beer only.
Are my inputs saved or uploaded?
Calculations run in your browser. Inputs are not uploaded by the calculator. Sharing puts the inputs in a readable URL; anyone with that link can see them.
Related calculators
Calculated free at thehospitalityinsider.com/keg-cost-calculator