How Many Ounces in a Shot of Espresso? A Complete Guide

Last updated on March 10th, 2025 at 12:14 pm

Ever pulled an espresso shot and thought, Wait… is that all? If you’re new to espresso, that tiny amount of liquid can feel almost too small.

But here’s the deal: a standard espresso shot is exactly 1 ounce (30 ml), and a double shot (doppio) is 2 ounces (60 ml). That’s the sweet spot for balancing flavor, strength, and crema.

I remember when I first started brewing coffee at home. I felt excited, ready to make café-quality espresso and then bam, my machine spit out what looked like a tiny sip of coffee. I thought something was wrong!

Did I break the machine? Did I mess up the settings? Turns out, espresso is meant to be small but mighty. The magic is in its concentration. It’s packed with bold flavors and just the right amount of caffeine in a short, intense shot.

In this guide, you’ll learn why espresso shots are measured in ounces, the different shot variations (like ristretto and lungo), and why precise measurements matter. So, this breakdown will help you understand everything about espresso shot sizes and how to get them just right.

How Many Ounces in a Standard Espresso Shot?

A single espresso shot measures exactly 1 ounce (30 ml). That’s the gold standard set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and most coffee shops stick to it.

But if you’re ordering a double shot (also known as a doppio) you’re looking at 2 ounces (60 ml). It’s not just twice the volume; it’s also double the amount of ground coffee. Usually around 14-18 grams instead of the 7-9 grams used for a single shot.

Why Baristas Weigh Their Shots?

Now, if you’ve ever noticed your shot coming out a little short or long, don’t panic. Espresso machines aren’t always perfectly calibrated, and small variations can happen based on grind size, pressure, and even humidity.

That’s why many professional baristas weigh their shots instead of just relying on volume. A well-pulled single espresso shot should weigh about 25-30 grams of liquid, even if the exact milliliter count is slightly off.

So, Why Does Shot Size Matter?

Well, if your espresso is too short, it could be under-extracted, meaning it’ll taste sour and weak. If it’s too long, you might end up with a bitter, over-extracted shot.

That’s why getting the ounce measurement just right is key to making a balanced, flavorful espresso. Whether you’re sipping it straight or using it as the base for a latte or cappuccino.

If you’re pulling shots at home, grab a shot glass with ounce markings or, even better, a small digital scale to get the most accurate measurements.

Once you start paying attention to the numbers, your espresso will seriously level up.

Espresso Shot Variations and Their Sizes

If you thought all espresso shots were the same, think again. Depending on how much water is used and how long the shot is pulled, espresso can taste completely different. Even when using the same coffee beans. So let’s take a look at some differences:

1 – Ristretto (Short Shot) – 0.85 Ounces (25 ml)

A ristretto uses the same amount of coffee grounds as a standard shot. But with less water, making it richer, sweeter, and more syrupy. Because it extracts less bitterness, many people (myself included) prefer ristretto shots when drinking espresso straight. If you want a bolder espresso experience, try this one!

2 – Standard Espresso – 1 Ounce (30 ml)

This is the classic shot, the one that fuels countless lattes and cappuccinos. A properly pulled espresso has a balanced flavor that is bold, smooth, and slightly sweet with a golden layer of crema on top.

If you’re just starting your espresso journey, this is your foundation. Mastering the single shot is the key to everything else.

3 – Doppio (Double Shot) – 2 Ounces (60 ml)

If a single shot isn’t cutting it, the doppio (which means “double” in Italian) is your go-to. It’s simply twice the espresso, twice the coffee grounds, and twice the flavor.

This is the standard size for most espresso drinks in the U.S. So if you order a latte or cappuccino at your local coffee shop, chances are it’s made with a doppio. Just be warned: it packs double the caffeine, so if you’re sensitive, sip wisely!

4 – Lungo (Long Shot) – 3-4 Ounces (90-120 ml)

The lungo is what happens when you pull an espresso shot for longer, allowing more water to pass through the coffee grounds.

As a result you get a bigger, more diluted shot that tastes slightly more bitter. Some people love it because it’s less intense than a standard espresso but still has that espresso kick.

Just remember more water doesn’t mean less caffeine. Actually, a lungo extracts more caffeine than a regular shot, though not as much as a doppio.

5 – Americano – Varies (Espresso + Hot Water)

An Americano isn’t a true espresso shot variation, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s everywhere. It’s made by adding hot water to a shot (or double shot) of espresso.

This creates a drink that’s similar in strength to brewed coffee but with espresso’s signature boldness and depth.

The amount of water added can vary, but a typical Americano lands somewhere between 6-8 ounces. If you find straight espresso too strong, this is a great way to ease into it without losing that rich espresso taste.

How to Measure Espresso Shot Volume Accurately?

Sometimes, my shots were way too short; other times, they ran long and tasted bitter. The fact is precision matters a lot when it comes to espresso, and if you’re not measuring properly, you might be missing out on the perfect shot. So here are my suggestions:

1 – Use a Shot Glass with Ounce Markings

This is the simplest and most beginner-friendly way to measure espresso volume. Many shot glasses come with clear ounce and milliliter markings. This makes it easy to see if your shot is hitting the standard 1 ounce (30 ml) for a single or 2 ounces (60 ml) for a double.

I used to think a little extra espresso in the cup was no big deal, but that’s a sign of over-extraction. If you’re not careful, an extra half-ounce can make your espresso thin and bitter instead of rich and smooth.

A marked shot glass gives you a quick and reliable way to check your espresso volume in real-time.

2 – Weighing the Shot Instead of Measuring in Ounces

Start weighing your shots instead of relying on volume alone. Often professional baristas use a digital espresso scale to measure the liquid espresso in grams rather than ounces.

The reason? Some machines extract more crema, which can throw off volume-based measurements. Ideally, a single shot should weigh 25-30 grams, and a double should be around 50-60 grams.

I started doing this with a cheap kitchen scale, and wow, the difference was immediate—better consistency, better flavor, and way fewer wasted shots.

3 – Checking the Espresso Crema

Crema—the golden-brown layer of foam on top of a shot—tells you a lot about your espresso. A thick, golden crema usually means you nailed the extraction, while a thin, light crema could mean your shot is under-extracted.

Too dark and foamy? Probably over-extracted. I’ve learned that while crema isn’t a precise measurement tool, it’s a great visual cue to double-check whether your shot was pulled correctly.

If your espresso tastes off but the volume and weight seem fine, checking the crema can help you diagnose what went wrong.

Final Thoughts

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever struggled with espresso measurements? Do you have a favorite trick for getting the perfect shot? Drop your experiences, questions, or best espresso hacks in the comments and with that voilà!