The number of drinks in a keg of beer depends on two major factors: the size of the keg and the volume of a typical drink. In the USA, a standard drink of beer is typically considered to be 12 ounces (355 milliliters), the same size as a standard beer can or bottle. The most common keg size in the United States. is the half-barrel keg, which holds 15.5 gallons, or about 1,984 ounces of beer. Dividing this by 12 ounces per drink gives you roughly 165 standard servings.

Other common keg sizes yield different totals. A quarter-barrel keg, also known as a pony keg, retains 7.75 gallons, which equals roughly 82 twelve-ounce servings. A sixth-barrel keg, often used by craft breweries and for home dispensing systems, encloses 5.16 gallons, translating to about 55 standard drinks. Homebrewers often use Cornelius kegs (5 gallons), which provide roughly 53 drinks at 12 ounces each.

In Europe, kegs are generally measured in liters. A 50-liter keg, standard in many bars and restaurants, contains about 1,690 ounces, which equates to more or less 140 twelve-ounce servings or 105 UK pints (since a UK pint is 20 ounces).

It’s essential to remember that in real-life scenarios, the actual number of drinks may be slightly lower due to foam loss, spillage, and over-pouring. If bigger glasses are used, such as 16-ounce pints, the total number of drinks will also decrease.

Overall, a full-size keg can serve a large crowd, making it ideal for parties, weddings, pubs or bars. On average, you can expect a keg to yield 50 to 165 drinks, depending on the keg size and serving size, offering either convenience and value.

Read other articles : How much does a keg of beer weigh ? and How many pints in a keg of beer ?