How Many Calories Are in a Tablespoon (15 ml) of Olive Oil?

One tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil, roughly 13–14 grams, contains about 119–125 calories. The answer to how many calories are in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil can vary slightly with how full the spoon is and how precisely it is measured. Olive oil is made entirely of fat, so even a small amount contains many calories. Its fatty acid profile can make it a valuable part of a diet, but its high calorie density still matters.

Olive Oil Calories by Measure
Approximate calorie counts for common measures can be useful when preparing a recipe:
• A 5 ml measure of olive oil (about 5 grams) contains about 44–45 calories.
• One tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil (about 13–14 grams) contains about 119–125 calories.
• 100 grams of olive oil contains about 880–900 calories.
• A thin drizzle of olive oil over a salad generally adds fewer calories than a 5 ml measure.

These are approximate ranges. For a more precise measurement, weigh the oil rather than measuring it with a spoon, if possible.

Common Mistakes When Counting Olive Oil Calories
Several common mistakes can give a misleading impression of olive oil’s calorie content. A frequent one is assuming that healthy means calorie-free. Another is failing to account for how much oil food absorbs during frying, which can lead to underestimating the dish’s total calories. Estimating by eye how much oil is drizzled over a salad or dish can also differ noticeably from the amount actually used. Different types of olive oil, such as extra-virgin and riviera, are sometimes thought to have different calorie counts, but the difference is generally very small.

Including Olive Oil in a Balanced Diet
Olive oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids and can be included in a balanced diet in moderate amounts. If you track calories, measuring the oil added to a dish is more reliable than estimating by eye. Calorie values vary with measurement precision, so approximate ranges are more realistic than treating them as exact figures.

Does Olive Oil Have More Calories Fried or Raw?
Olive oil’s calorie content does not fundamentally change when it is raw or cooked. However, food can absorb much more oil during frying than is added as a drizzle to a salad. As a result, fried food can have noticeably more total calories than the same ingredient cooked with less oil.

How Does Olive Oil Compare With Other Fats?
Olive oil has a calorie content similar to other common fats, such as butter and sunflower oil; fats have a similar calorie density per gram. Olive oil is generally chosen for its type of fatty acids, rather than for a calorie difference.

Using Olive Oil While Managing Weight
If you are managing your weight, using olive oil in measured amounts rather than removing it from your diet entirely can help you include fats while keeping track of calories. Measuring the oil with a spoon is more reliable than estimating by eye. Adding it to salads or vegetable dishes at serving time can make both the flavor and amount easier to track. One tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil contains about 119–125 calories. Although olive oil is a source of fat, its high calorie density makes moderation important.