If you’re planning a party, having a tailgate, or just curious about beer in bulk, understanding how many beers are in a keg can be surprisingly useful. Kegs come in different sizes, and knowing what each holds can help you decide the right option for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common keg sizes and how many 12-ounce beers each can provide:

Six Barrel Keg (also known as a Sixth Barrel or Sixtel)
• Volume: 5.16 gallons
• Yields: Approximately 55 12-ounce beers
• Best for: Small gatherings, home kegerators, or limited tap space

Sixth barrels are popular with homebrewers and craft beer lovers because they’re compact and easy to store. They’re a great choice when you want to offer a variety of beers without committing to a full keg of each.

Quarter Barrel Keg (also known as a Pony Keg)
• Volume: 7.75 gallons
• Yields: Approximately 82 12-ounce beers
• Best for: Medium-sized parties or events with fewer guests but longer durations

The quarter barrel is a bit wider and shorter than the sixth barrel. It’s a solid middle ground for events that need more beer without going all in on a full-size keg.

Half Barrel Keg (the classic full-size keg)
• Volume: 15.5 gallons
• Yields: Approximately 165 12-ounce beers
• Best for: Large parties, weddings, festivals, or commercial use

This is the standard keg size you’ll find at most bars. It’s the most cost-effective option if you’re serving a big crowd and have the proper equipment to keep it cold and pouring smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or stocking up for your bar, picking the right keg size helps ensure you have enough beer to go around—without too much waste. As a general rule, estimate one to two 12-ounce servings per guest per hour, and you’ll be able to size your keg (or kegs) accordingly.

Cheers!