Wedding Keg Calculator
Estimate a wedding beer serving target, then compare the rounded full-keg, pony-keg, sixtel, and 24-pack alternatives for your crowd.
Calculate My KegsTL;DR - Quick Answer
For 100 guests at a 5-hour wedding with a 40% beer share, the Sipulus 2-then-1 baseline is 240 twelve-ounce servings: 2 full kegs, 3 pony kegs, 5 sixtels, or 10 cases. These are alternatives, not quantities to buy together.
Adjust the keg estimateKeg Quick Facts
Nominal volume conversions; foam, spillage, and incomplete pours can reduce usable servings.
Calculate Your Kegs
Enter the hours beer will be available
Hour one always uses 2 servings; this control applies only to later hours.
The prefilled prices are examples only. Replace them with current quotes including the same beer and package size.
Each quantity is a separate format option for the same target; do not add the rows together. Nominal keg yields do not account for foam or serving loss.
Entered-price subtotals only. Deposits, taps or CO2, tubs, ice, delivery, pickup, tax, venue fees, and unused capacity are excluded.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Keg Size Reference Guide
Compare keg sizes to find the right fit for your wedding
| Keg Type | Gallons | 12oz Servings | Pints (16oz) | Planning Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Keg (Half Barrel) | 15.5 gal | 165 | ~124 | Large single-beer serving targets |
| Pony Keg (Quarter Barrel) | 7.75 gal | 82 | ~62 | Smaller target or a second beer option |
| Sixtel (1/6 Barrel) | 5.16 gal | 55 | ~41 | Variety pairings, craft beer |
| Mini Keg | 1.32 gal | 14 | ~11 | Small gatherings, tasting |
Nominal volume conversions are shown. Actual usable servings can be lower because of foam, spillage, line setup, and incomplete pours.
How Many Kegs for X Guests?
Five-hour event, 40% beer share, 2 servings in hour one and 1 per later hour
| Guests | Servings | Full Kegs | Pony Kegs | Sixtels | Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 60 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 50 | 120 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 75 | 180 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 |
| 100 | 240 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 |
| 150 | 360 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 15 |
| 200 | 480 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 20 |
These estimates assume a mixed bar with beer, wine, and cocktails available. Adjust the calculator above for your specific crowd.
Compare Kegs and Cases With Local Prices
The cheaper format depends on unused capacity, product availability, deposits, equipment, chilling, delivery, and return rules—not guest count alone. Enter current quotes in the calculator above.
Quote the Same Beer
Compare the keg and packaged version of the same product and serving volume when possible.
Add Every Keg Charge
Include the deposit, tap or CO2 system, tub or jockey box, ice, delivery, pickup, and unused capacity.
Check Package Flexibility
Cases may make it simpler to offer multiple varieties. Compare storage and chilling needs, and confirm the seller's current unopened-package terms.
Keg Logistics Checklist
Beyond the keg itself, plan compatible dispensing equipment, temperature control, a stable service location, delivery, setup, and pickup.
Taps & Dispensers
CO2 Tank Requirements
Ice Requirements
Tub & Basin Sizing
Where to Request Equipment Quotes
Ask the keg retailer for compatible dispensing equipment, deposits, instructions, and return timing.
Request an itemized quote for tubs, taps, CO2 systems, delivery, setup, and pickup.
Ask the brewery which dispensing and temperature-control setup it approves for that beer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kegs do I need for a wedding?
For a 5-hour wedding with 100 guests and a 40% beer share, the Sipulus baseline is 240 beer servings: 2 full-size kegs, 3 pony kegs, 5 sixtels, or 10 cases. Each option is an alternative way to cover the same target; adjust the participation percentage and later-hour allowance for your event.
Is it cheaper to buy kegs or cases for a wedding?
It depends on current local prices, deposits, tap and tub rental, unused capacity, available brands, and return terms. Enter a local full-keg price and 24-pack price in the calculator to compare the rounded quantities for the same serving target, then add every equipment and deposit charge.
How many cups of beer are in a keg?
By volume, a standard full-size keg (half barrel) holds 15.5 gallons: about 165 twelve-ounce servings or 124 sixteen-ounce US pints. A pony keg (quarter barrel) holds 7.75 gallons, about 82 twelve-ounce servings or 62 sixteen-ounce US pints. A sixtel (one-sixth barrel) holds 5.16 gallons, about 55 twelve-ounce servings. These are nominal conversions; foam, spillage, and incomplete pours can reduce usable servings.
How long does a keg stay fresh?
Freshness depends on the beer, packaging date, storage temperature, and dispensing system. A hand pump introduces air; a properly configured CO2 system does not. Ask the brewery or distributor for storage, tapping, pressure, temperature, and use-by instructions for the specific keg and equipment.
Do I need a keg pump or CO2 tap?
Use equipment approved for the keg and service plan. A hand pump uses air pressure, while a CO2 system maintains pressure with carbon dioxide and requires the correct regulator and setup. Confirm compatibility, rental charges, deposits, safe operation, and pickup or return timing with the keg supplier.
How much ice do I need for a keg?
The amount depends on starting temperature, keg size, tub insulation, weather, service duration, and access to refrigeration. Ask the supplier or bar provider for an ice and temperature-control plan for the specific setup rather than relying on one universal pounds-per-keg rule.
About the Author
Rachel Morgan
Founder & Lead Event Specialist
Event planner with 12+ years in hospitality. Built Sipulus after planning 200+ weddings and seeing the same beverage mistakes.
- Certified Wedding Planner (CWP)
- Former Catering Director, 2014-2019
- 200+ weddings planned
Ready to order your kegs?
Build a rounded keg or case estimate, compare your own local prices, and review the equipment checklist. Free, instant, no signup required.
Calculate Now