Calories in Sweet Potato

Updated July 2026 · Reviewed by CaloriesCalc Team · Source: USDA FoodData Central

86
kcal
per 100g
20.12
g
Carbs
1.57
g
Protein
0.05
g
Fat
3.0
g
Fiber
112
kcal per medium sweet potato (130g)
162
kcal per large sweet potato (180g)
24
kcal per oz (28g)
✔ Exceptionally high in beta-carotene✔ Good source of fiber✔ Naturally sweet✔ Gluten free✔ Vegan✔ Fat free
Sweet Potato nutrition facts and calories per 100g
👁Highest beta-carotene of any vegetable
🌿3g fiber per 100g
Good potassium — 337mg per 100g
🧠Vitamin B6 — 17% Daily Value
🍠Naturally sweet — only 4.2g sugar
💊Antioxidant powerhouse

🍠 Calculate Calories for Any Sweet Potato Weight

Weight100g

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g (raw sweet potato)

* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.


Quick summary: Sweet potatoes contain 86 calories per 100g and 112 calories per medium sweet potato. They are the richest common source of beta-carotene (8,509µg/100g — 946% of daily vitamin A). With 3g of fiber, a glycemic index of ~63 (boiled), and significant potassium and vitamin B6, sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritionally dense vegetables available.

Vitamins & Minerals — per 100g

NutrientAmount% Daily ValueBar
Vitamin A (β-carotene)8509 µg946%
Potassium337 mg7%
Vitamin B60.29 mg17%
Manganese0.26 mg11%
Fiber3.0 g11%
Magnesium25 mg6%
Vitamin C2.4 mg3%
Phosphorus47 mg4%
Niacin (B3)0.61 mg4%
Iron0.61 mg3%

Calories in Sweet Potato by Weight

WeightCaloriesCarbsProteinFat

Calories in Different Sweet Potato Servings

ServingWeightCaloriesCarbsNet CarbsFat
1 small sweet potato100g86 kcal20.1g17.1g0.1g
⭐ 1 medium sweet potato130g112 kcal26.2g22.2g0.1g
1 large sweet potato180g155 kcal36.2g30.6g0.1g
1 cup cubed133g114 kcal26.8g22.7g0.1g
1 oz28g24 kcal5.6g4.8g0.0g
How does sweet potato fit your daily calorie goal?
Calculate your TDEE to see exactly how it fits your daily budget
Calculate TDEE →

Macronutrient Breakdown — per 100g

Carbohydrates20.12g · 93% of calories
Protein1.57g · 7% of calories
Fat0.05g · 1% of calories
Fiber3.0g (included in carbs)

Sweet potato is 77% water. Carbs are a mix of starch and natural sugars. Net carbs are 17.1g per 100g. The orange colour comes from beta-carotene — the more intense the colour, the more beta-carotene.

Micronutrient Highlights

👁
Beta-carotene
8509 µg
946% Vitamin A DV
Vision, immune function, skin health — highest of any vegetable
🌿
Fiber
3.0 g
11% Daily Value
Digestive health and satiety
Potassium
337 mg
7% Daily Value
Blood pressure and heart function
🧠
Vitamin B6
0.29 mg
17% Daily Value
Brain health and neurotransmitters
🔬
Manganese
0.26 mg
11% Daily Value
Antioxidant enzymes
💊
Vitamin C
2.4 mg
3% Daily Value
Immune support

Sweet Potato Health Benefits & Nutrition

Beta-Carotene — Highest of Any Vegetable

Sweet potatoes contain an extraordinary 8,509µg of beta-carotene per 100g — providing 946% of the daily vitamin A requirement. This makes sweet potato the single richest common dietary source of beta-carotene, surpassing carrots (8,285µg), pumpkin (3,100µg), and all other vegetables. Beta-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid that the body converts to vitamin A as needed — unlike preformed vitamin A from animal sources, it cannot cause toxicity. The deep orange colour is a direct indicator of beta-carotene content.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Despite their sweetness, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index (~63 boiled) than regular potatoes (~78). The combination of fiber, resistant starch, and a unique protein called adiponectin helps moderate blood sugar response. A 2022 review found that sweet potato consumption improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes. Boiling rather than baking keeps the GI lower by preserving more resistant starch.

Antioxidant Profile

Sweet potatoes contain multiple classes of antioxidants beyond beta-carotene: anthocyanins in purple varieties, chlorogenic acid, and sporamins (storage proteins with antioxidant activity unique to sweet potatoes). The combination creates broad-spectrum antioxidant protection. Studies show sweet potato antioxidants are particularly effective at reducing LDL oxidation and protecting against oxidative stress in the digestive tract.

Gut Health and Fiber

Sweet potato fiber is a mix of soluble (pectin) and insoluble types. The soluble fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria and slows digestion, improving blood sugar control. Insoluble fiber adds bulk and promotes bowel regularity. A medium sweet potato provides 3.9g of fiber — 14% of the daily requirement — making it a meaningful contributor to gut health.

Is Sweet Potato Suitable for Your Diet?

Weight loss
Good — filling and nutritious
Keto
No — 17.1g net carbs
Vegan
Yes
Paleo
Yes
Gluten-free
Yes
⚠️
Diabetic
In moderation — GI 63 boiled
Low-FODMAP
Yes — boiled
Mediterranean
Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in a sweet potato?
Sweet potatoes contain 86 calories per 100g. A medium sweet potato (130g) has 112 calories. A large sweet potato (180g) has 155 calories. Baked sweet potato is about 90 kcal/100g. Use the slider above for any weight.
Are sweet potatoes healthier than regular potatoes?
Both are nutritious. Sweet potatoes have more beta-carotene (vitamin A), slightly more fiber, and a lower glycemic index. Regular potatoes have more potassium, vitamin C, and are more satiating. Sweet potatoes are better for vitamin A; regular potatoes for potassium and satiety.
Is sweet potato good for weight loss?
Yes. Despite being slightly higher in calories than regular potato (86 vs 77 kcal/100g), sweet potatoes are filling, high in fiber, and nutritionally dense. They make an excellent carbohydrate choice for weight management when prepared without added fats.
Is sweet potato keto?
No. Sweet potatoes have 17.1g of net carbs per 100g. A medium sweet potato has 22g of net carbs — too many for ketogenic diets. Even a small portion significantly impacts the daily carb limit.
What gives sweet potato its orange colour?
The orange colour comes from beta-carotene — the same pigment found in carrots, pumpkins, and mangoes. The more intense the orange colour, the higher the beta-carotene content. Purple sweet potatoes get their colour from anthocyanins instead.
Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes?
Boiling preserves a lower glycemic index (~63) and more resistant starch. Baking increases the GI to ~94 as heat converts resistant starch to digestible starch and breaks down fiber. For blood sugar management, boiling is preferable. For flavour and caramelisation, baking brings out more sweetness.

Nutrition values sourced from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.