Question 1

What is keg yield and why should I calculate it?

Accepted Answer

Keg yield is the total number of sellable drinks you get from a single keg. Calculating your yield is crucial for understanding the true profitability of your draft beer program. It helps you set accurate menu prices, track waste, and ensure that every keg you tap is generating the maximum possible revenue.

Question 2

How many beers are in a standard keg?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the keg size and your serving size. A standard U.S. Half Barrel keg holds 15.5 gallons (1,984 ounces). If you serve 16-ounce pints, you should get about 124 servings. However, this is a perfect yield. This calculator helps you account for real-world factors like foam and spillage (wastage).

Question 3

What is a typical wastage percentage for draft beer?

Accepted Answer

A well-run draft system should aim for a wastage percentage of 5% or less. Wastage can come from foam, over-pouring, free samples, or beer left in the line. A rate higher than 7-8% suggests there may be issues with your draft system (e.g., incorrect temperature, dirty lines) or that staff may need more training on proper pouring techniques.

Question 4

How does serving size impact my keg's profitability?

Accepted Answer

Serving size has a direct and significant impact on profitability. A smaller serving size (e.g., a 12oz glass vs. a 16oz pint) will yield more servings per keg, which can dramatically increase the total revenue and profit from that keg, even if the price per glass is slightly lower. Use this calculator to experiment with different serving sizes to find the sweet spot for your customers and your bottom line.

Question 5

My pour cost for draft beer seems high. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

If your pour cost is high (typically above 20-25% for beer), investigate a few key areas. First, verify your keg cost and selling price are entered correctly. Second, check your wastage percentage; high waste is a common cause of high pour costs. Finally, ensure your staff is using the correct size glassware and not over-pouring. A small, consistent over-pour on every glass can quickly erode your profits.

Keg Yield & Profit Calculator

Results

Understanding Keg Yield

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help Optimizing Your Hospitality Business?