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How Many mg of Caffeine in a Shot of Espresso?
A typical 1-ounce (30 ml) shot of espresso has about 63 milligrams of caffeine, with most shots landing in a 60–80 mg range depending on the beans, roast, and how long the shot is pulled.
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Single vs. double
| Drink | Typical size | Typical caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Single espresso (one shot) | 1 oz / 30 ml | ~63 mg (60–80) |
| Double espresso (two shots) | 2 oz / 60 ml | ~125 mg (120–150) |
| Drip coffee | 8 oz / 240 ml mug | ~90–120 mg |
| Cold brew (12 oz) | 12 oz | often 150–200+ mg |
Why a tiny espresso shot isn't "more caffeinated" than a coffee: espresso is more concentrated per ounce, but a standard mug of drip coffee is several times the volume. A double shot in a latte (~125 mg) is in the same ballpark as an 8-ounce drip coffee, not several times stronger.
What changes the number
- Bean variety and roast. Robusta has more caffeine than arabica. Darker roasts are often slightly lower per bean (roasting burns off a little mass) but the difference is small compared with shot size.
- Shot length. A longer lungo pulls more liquid and a bit more caffeine; a short ristretto pulls less liquid and usually a bit less total caffeine, even though it tastes stronger.
- Café vs. home. Chain "shots" are fairly consistent; a home machine's dose (grams of coffee in the basket) is the biggest swing.
Decaf espresso still isn't zero — typically a few milligrams per shot (often under 5–10 mg), leftover after the decaffeination process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much caffeine is in a double shot of espresso?
About 120–150 mg, typically around 125 mg, since it's two standard 1-ounce shots.
Does espresso have more caffeine than regular coffee?
Per ounce, yes. Per serving, not necessarily — an 8-ounce drip coffee often has as much or more caffeine than a single 1-ounce shot.
Is decaf espresso caffeine-free?
No. Decaf espresso still usually contains a few milligrams of caffeine per shot, leftover after decaffeination.