How Many Ounces Are in a Shot of Espresso?

Each source on this page measures espresso for its own purpose. The Istituto Espresso Italiano, which certifies Italian espresso, sets a cup of about 25 ml. The rules of the World Barista Championship describe espresso as around 1 fl oz (30 ml), poured from one side of a double portafilter.

Starbucks lists its single shot, the Solo, at 0.75 fl oz on its espresso menu page, which is about 22 ml. Across these three sources, a single shot falls between 0.75 fl oz and 1 fl oz.

At Starbucks, a double shot is called a Doppio and holds 1.5 fl oz, twice the Solo. The Triple holds 2.25 fl oz and the Quad 3 fl oz, so every extra shot adds another 0.75 fl oz.

By the Italian measure, two shots come to 2 × 25 ml = 50 ml, or about 1.7 fl oz. So a double is under 2 fl oz by both the Starbucks and the Italian measure.

A certified Italian cappuccino is 25 ml of espresso and 100 ml of steamed milk, according to the Istituto Espresso Italiano. The milk has 4 times the volume of the espresso.

Bigger café drinks can hold more than one shot. For the default number of shots in each Starbucks cup size, see our page on Starbucks cup sizes.

Kitchen spoons are close enough to check a shot. A Starbucks Solo of 0.75 fl oz equals 1.5 tablespoons, and the Italian 25 ml is about 5 teaspoons.

A small measuring glass with milliliter marks is easier to read. Brew the shot straight into it and check the line, or convert the reading with the milliliters to ounces converter.