Espresso is often seen as the core of many coffee drinks. But how much is actually in one shot? To answer simply, a standard single shot of espresso is about one fluid ounce. If you order a double shot, you’ll get around two fluid ounces. These are the basic measurements, but there are a few things that can make this range slightly depending on how it’s made.
Espresso is made to be strong and concentrated. It’s produced from the same coffee beans as regular coffee but uses more pressure and a fine grind. This process results in a thicker and bolder coffee with a layer of crema on top. One shot of espresso has less caffeine than a typical cup of brewed coffee-not because it’s weaker, but because the serving size is smaller. The focus of espresso is on rich flavor in a small amount, not a high dose of caffeine per ounce.
Standard espresso shot size in ounces and milliliters
Looking closer at the measurements, a single espresso is usually 1 fluid ounce, or about 30 milliliters. A double shot (“doppio”) comes to around 2 ounces, or 60 milliliters. These numbers are recognized as the norm among baristas and coffee fans.
But these are just typical measurements. The amount poured out depends on how much water moves through the coffee grounds during brewing. Usually, about 7 grams of ground coffee is used for a single shot and about 14 grams for a double. Some people might go up to 9 grams or down to 18 grams, adjusting according to strength and the equipment used. Typically, brewing each shot takes between 20 and 30 seconds, which helps bring out the best flavors.
| Type of Shot | Grams of Coffee | Ounces | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single (Normale) | 7-9g | 1 | 30 |
| Double (Doppio) | 14-18g | 2 | 60 |
Factors that affect espresso shot volume
Several things can change how much espresso ends up in your cup, turning that 1 or 2 ounces into something more complicated. Grind size is important. Espresso needs a very fine grind; if it’s too fine, water can’t push through easily and you get less coffee, sometimes tasting bitter. If it’s too coarse, the water moves too fast, making a weak drink. Setting the right grind size often depends on the specific beans and the weather.
Your equipment also matters. Better espresso machines allow more control over pressure, temperature, and water, all of which affect the final amount in your cup. Machines with features like precise temperature controls (PID) help keep things consistent. The pressure (usually 8 to 9 bars) and brewing time are also important. Even which type of bean you use can affect both how much coffee comes out and how strong it tastes. For example, beans from areas like Kenya or Sumatra, which have more solids, make a thicker espresso for the same amount of liquid.
Ounces by type of espresso shot
Besides the regular single and double, there are other styles of espresso with different amounts and flavors. These options come from changing the amount of water, coffee, or how long the shot is brewed, and each tastes a bit different.
- Ristretto: Uses less water, so it’s smaller and stronger.
- Normale (Single): The standard espresso size.
- Doppio (Double): Larger and stronger, more common in many countries.
- Lungo: Uses extra water, making a bigger but milder coffee.
| Espresso Type | Ounces | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|
| Ristretto | 0.5 | 15 |
| Single (Normale) | 1 | 30 |
| Double (Doppio) | 2 | 60 |
| Lungo | 1.75-2.25 | 60 |
Ristretto: How many ounces?
A ristretto is a very short, highly concentrated espresso. It uses the same amount of coffee as a single shot, but only half the water-about 0.5 ounce (15 mL). Since it’s cut short, you taste more of the sweet and rich flavors and less bitterness. Some people prefer this for the thicker taste and bold flavors. If you pull two ristrettos, you get about the same liquid as a single normal shot, but it will be even thicker.
Single (Normale) espresso: Standard volume
The single or “normale” espresso is the usual type you’ll get unless you ask for something different. This shot uses about 1 ounce (30 mL) of liquid and around 7 grams of coffee. It’s brewed for about 20 to 30 seconds, giving a good balance between strength and flavor. This is the base for most espresso drinks like lattes or cappuccinos.
Double (Doppio) espresso: How much liquid
A double or “doppio” espresso is about 2 ounces (60 mL) with roughly 14 grams of coffee. Many coffee shops use this as their default shot, especially in places like the United States or Australia. Even though the liquid is doubled, the brewing time stays about the same. Most of your café favorites, like lattes or mocha drinks, rely on a doppio to bring out strong coffee flavor.
Lungo: Shot size in ounces
A lungo, which means “long” in Italian, has the same amount of coffee as a standard shot but uses more water. This means you get between 1.75 and 2.25 ounces (about 60 mL) of coffee, with a weaker taste and more bitterness. A lungo is a good choice if you want a larger drink that’s less intense than a normale espresso, though it’s not always loved by traditional espresso fans.
Espresso shot size FAQs
Espresso brings up lots of questions, especially about how much coffee you get and why. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:
Why do espresso shot sizes vary?
- Recipe and habit: Different cafés and baristas set their own standards. Some only offer doubles for consistency or stronger flavor.
- Equipment differences: How the espresso machine is set up, and things like grind size and tamping, all change the final amount in your cup.
- Beans and grind: Finer grinds or harder tamping can make shots smaller and more intense, while a coarser grind could lead to a bigger, lighter drink.
How much water is used for an espresso shot?
A single espresso uses about 1 fluid ounce (30 mL) of water, the same as the amount that comes out into the cup. A double uses 2 fluid ounces (60 mL). Most espresso recipes use a ratio by weight-about 1 gram of coffee for every 2 grams of water. So for 7 grams of coffee, you’d extract about 14 grams of liquid, which is close to 1 ounce by volume. Lungos use more water for a larger drink.
Can you change the size of your espresso shot?
Yes, you can. The amount you get can be adjusted to suit personal preference or the needs of a specific recipe. You control this by changing the amount of coffee, the water, and the brewing time. For a smaller, stronger drink, try a ristretto. For something bigger and less intense, make a lungo. Adjusting grind size and tamping pressure also changes the result. Many machines today let you pre-set the amount you want, but the best approach is to taste and decide what matches your preference.
Main points: How many ounces in an espresso shot?
To sum it all up, a single espresso is almost always 1 fluid ounce (30 mL), while a double is 2 fluid ounces (60 mL). However, different styles like ristretto and lungo change both the volume and the taste. The actual amount in your cup depends on the coffee dose, grind, water amount, pressure, and brewing time. Knowing these basics helps you ask for or make the style you enjoy most. True espresso is about finding the right balance between strength and flavor, rather than hitting an exact number of ounces. It’s all about enjoying a small, powerful cup of coffee, just the way you like it.
