Does an artificial sweetener contain less calories than sugar?

I've heard that it actually doesn't...I'm on a diet, so should I go with real sugar or artificial sweeteners? (is that how it's spelled? :P )

most AS's do not contain any calories.

It sure does

Artificial sweeteners are calorie-free, but they're chemicals, so eating chemicals isn't good. Cut down on all sweeteners.

Duh of course

Artificial sweeteners like Equal, aspartame, saccharin, Nutrasweet and others are 0-4 calories per serving. But you should consider the nutrition you are getting, too--

APPETITE
Blood sugar imbalances are often prompted by chronic mineral deficiencies. The vast majority of people living in industrialized nations suffer from deficiencies in major minerals like zinc, magnesium and selenium, and in other nutrients. The brain, sensing these deficiencies, sends the signal to keep eating until the needed minerals are acquired, but since most modern processed foods are virtually devoid of these minerals, a person will never achieve the necessary mineralization consumption, no matter how much food they eat.

That's one reason why people can eat enormous quantities of processed or manufactured foods and still feel hungry. Their body is not receiving the proper hormonal "full" signals due to the absence of minerals necessary for normal blood sugar metabolism and hormone balance.

Yes some do but others have just as much calories as sugar. Also, there is some debate about the side effects of aspartame in some artificial sweeteners.