How Much Caffeine is in a Cup of Coffee?

An 8 oz cup of drip coffee averages about 95mg of caffeine. The real range is 70 to 140mg depending on the beans, roast, grind size, and how long the water is in contact with the coffee.

That variation is significant. A "cup of coffee" at one shop can have nearly double the caffeine of a "cup of coffee" at another.

95mg average, 140mg maximum for drip. Cold brew concentrate can hit 200mg per serving.

Cold brew is brewed at a higher coffee-to-water ratio. Concentrated cold brew can have 150 to 200mg per serving. An Americano made with a double shot has about 125mg in roughly 8 oz, similar to a strong drip coffee.

"An 8 oz drip coffee has 95mg on average. A 16 oz Starbucks Pike Place has about 310mg. Size multiplies everything."

Why dark roast does not mean more caffeine

Dark roast coffee has slightly less caffeine than light roast because the roasting process reduces caffeine. The misconception comes from taste: dark roasts taste bolder, which people associate with more caffeine. Light roasts from specialty shops in San Francisco and Denver taste delicate but have marginally more caffeine per gram.

How brew method changes caffeine

French press and pour over extract more caffeine than drip because the coffee is in contact with hot water longer. Espresso has less total caffeine per serving but is highly concentrated. The FDA's 400mg daily safe limit works out to about four 8 oz cups of drip or eight single espresso shots. Shops like Stumptown and Coava can tell you the caffeine profile of the specific beans they serve.

Related: Caffeine in espresso, Coffee vs tea caffeine, What is cold brew?