How Much Caffeine is in a Shot of Espresso?

A single shot of espresso contains about 63mg of caffeine. A double shot is about 125mg. The SCAA defines a standard single shot as 7 to 9 grams of ground coffee brewed to about 1 oz.

Per ounce, espresso contains far more caffeine than drip coffee. But you drink 1 oz of espresso, not 8. So the total caffeine per serving is often less than a regular cup of coffee.

63mg per shot, 125mg per double. An 8oz drip coffee averages 95mg.

A single shot of espresso has less caffeine than a standard 8 oz drip coffee. The latte you think is keeping you awake has about the same caffeine as a cup of drip. Compare other drinks in how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee and coffee vs tea caffeine.

"Per ounce, espresso has 63mg of caffeine. Per ounce, drip coffee has about 12mg. But you drink 1 oz of espresso and 8 oz of drip. Math matters."

Caffeine varies by bean, roast, and extraction

Light roasts have slightly more caffeine than dark roasts. Robusta beans have nearly double the caffeine of Arabica. Most specialty espresso uses Arabica. Single-origin Arabica espresso from specialty shops in Portland or Seattle will be gentler on caffeine-sensitive people than Robusta-heavy blends.

How much is too much?

The FDA considers 400mg of caffeine per day safe for healthy adults. That is roughly six single espresso shots. A two or three shot habit is normal and well within safe limits. Find quality espresso at shops like Verve Coffee Roasters and Ritual Coffee.

Related: Caffeine in drip coffee, Coffee vs tea caffeine, 12 best espresso drinks.