The weight of a keg of beer depends principally on the size of the keg and whether it is full or empty. Kegs come in different sizes, with the most common being the half barrel, quarter barrel, sixth barrel, and Cornelius keg. Each of these has a diverse capacity, and therefore, a dissimilar total weight when filled.

The half barrel keg, the standard size used in many bars and restaurants in the United States of America, holds 15.5 gallons of beer. The empty keg itself weighs about 30 pounds (13.6 kg). Since beer weighs roughly 8.34 pounds per gallon, the beer alone in a full half barrel keg weighs approximately 129 pounds (58.5 kg). When you add the weight of the keg shell, a full half barrel keg weighs around 159 pounds (72 kg).

A quarter barrel keg, which holds 7.75 gallons, weighs approximately 87 pounds (39.5 kg) when full, and a sixth barrel keg (5.16 gallons) comes in at more or less 58 pounds (26.3 kg). A Cornelius keg, which is popular among homebrewers and holds 5 gallons, typically weighs around 55 pounds (25 kg) when full.

In Europe, kegs are often calculated in liters. A standard 50-liter keg (common in the UK and continental Europe) weighs about 130 pounds (59 kg) when full, including the keg shell.

These weights are significant for handling and transportation. Full kegs are heavy and awkward to move, especially without proper equipment like a keg dolly or hand truck. Whether you're working in a pub or planning an event at home, knowing the weight of a keg helps ensure safe and efficient handling. Always lift with care to avoid injury.

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