The Definitive Guide: How Many Ounces Is A Shot Of Espresso? (The Answer Has Changed)

As of late 2024, the quick answer is that a standard single shot of espresso is traditionally defined as 1 fluid ounce (fl oz), or approximately 30 milliliters (mL), and a double shot (doppio) is 2 fl oz. However, relying on this volume-based measurement is now considered outdated in the world of specialty coffee. Modern, high-end cafés and expert home baristas have almost universally abandoned the fluid ounce in favor of a much more precise measurement: weight in grams. This shift is the single most important change in modern espresso preparation, ensuring the consistent, high-quality flavor profile that coffee aficionados demand. This deep dive will explore the traditional ounce-based measurements, reveal the modern, precision-focused standard that top baristas use, and break down how the volume of your espresso changes depending on whether you order a *ristretto*, a *lungo*, or a shot from a major coffee chain like Starbucks or Dunkin'. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering the art of espresso, whether you’re a home brewer or just a curious customer.

The Traditional Standard: Ounces, Milliliters, and the Italian Legacy

For decades, the standard reference point for an espresso shot was purely based on volume. This measurement system is rooted in the history of Italian espresso, where the single shot was the norm.

Single Shot (Solo) Volume

The single shot, known as a *solo* in Italy, is the foundational measurement.

• Volume: 1 fluid ounce (fl oz)
• Metric Equivalent: Approximately 30 milliliters (mL)
• Coffee Grounds: Typically made with 7–9 grams of finely ground coffee.

This 1 fl oz measurement was simple, easy to communicate, and worked well for the classic, dark-roasted Italian style of espresso.

Double Shot (Doppio) Volume

The double shot, or *doppio*, is now the de facto standard in most of the world, especially in the United States and global specialty coffee culture. Most modern espresso machines and portafilters are designed to hold the amount of coffee needed for a double shot.

• Volume: 2 fluid ounces (fl oz)
• Metric Equivalent: Approximately 60 milliliters (mL)
• Coffee Grounds: Typically made with 14–18 grams of finely ground coffee.

When you simply ask for an "espresso" at a café today, you are almost certainly being served a double shot (doppio) of approximately 2 fluid ounces. The single shot is often reserved for smaller, traditional beverages or specific requests.

The Modern Barista's Secret: Why Weight Replaced Volume

The most critical information for anyone seeking the "freshest" answer to the question of espresso volume is this: Baristas no longer measure espresso by the fluid ounce. The specialty coffee industry has shifted to using a scale and the Brew Ratio to achieve unparalleled consistency and quality.

The Problem with Volume

Why did the 1 fl oz standard fail? The primary issue is crema. Crema is the reddish-brown foam that sits atop a fresh shot of espresso, and it is largely composed of carbon dioxide bubbles trapped in coffee oils.

Crema takes up volume but has almost no weight. This means a shot with a lot of crema will look like a full 2 fl oz shot, but the actual liquid coffee content (the desirable part) will be much lower. Conversely, a less fresh, darker-roasted coffee might produce less crema, making a 2 fl oz shot contain more liquid coffee and taste stronger. Volume is inconsistent because the amount of crema varies dramatically based on the coffee bean's roast date, roast level, and bean origin.

The Precision of the Brew Ratio (Grams)

Modern baristas use a digital scale to measure both the dry coffee grounds that go *into* the portafilter and the liquid espresso that comes *out* into the cup. This is known as the Brew Ratio (Input Weight : Output Weight).

The standard ratio for a balanced, modern espresso is 1:2. This means for every 1 gram of dry coffee grounds, the barista aims for 2 grams of liquid espresso in the cup. Since 1 gram of water is roughly 1 milliliter (mL), this weight measurement is highly accurate and consistent, regardless of crema volume.

Typical Modern Double Shot Recipe (1:2 Ratio)

• Dose (Input): 18 grams of finely ground coffee
• Yield (Output): 36 grams of liquid espresso
• Time (Extraction): 25–30 seconds

Conversion to Ounces: 36 grams is approximately 1.27 ounces. This shows that the modern, balanced double shot (1.27 oz) is often *less* than the traditional 2 fl oz standard, favoring a more concentrated flavor. This is why the 2 fl oz rule is now considered an outdated benchmark.

Espresso Shot Sizes: Ristretto, Lungo, and Chain Coffee Variations

The term "shot of espresso" is not a single, fixed measurement. It has three main variations based on the amount of water used, plus specific measurements used by large coffee chains. These are essential concepts for achieving topical authority on espresso volume.

Ristretto (The Restricted Shot)

The *ristretto* (Italian for "restricted") uses the same amount of coffee grounds but half the amount of water, resulting in a shorter, more concentrated pull.

• Single Ristretto Volume: 0.5–0.7 fl oz (15–20 mL)
• Double Ristretto Volume: 1–1.3 fl oz (30–40 mL)
• Flavor Profile: Sweeter, more concentrated, and less bitter because the extraction is stopped before the more bitter compounds are dissolved.

Lungo (The Long Shot)

The *lungo* (Italian for "long") uses the same amount of coffee grounds but double the amount of water, resulting in a longer extraction time.

• Single Lungo Volume: ~2 fl oz (60 mL)
• Double Lungo Volume: ~4 fl oz (120 mL)
• Flavor Profile: Thinner body, more bitter, and higher caffeine content due to the extended contact time with the water.

Major Coffee Chain Shot Volumes

Mass-market chains often deviate from specialty coffee standards to optimize speed and consistency across thousands of locations. They generally use a pre-programmed machine volume rather than a scale.

Starbucks Espresso Shot Volume

Starbucks uses a ristretto-style shot as their standard, which is why their shots are smaller and more concentrated than the traditional 1 fl oz.

• Starbucks Single Shot Volume: 0.75 fl oz (approximately 22 mL)
• Starbucks Double Shot Volume: 1.5 fl oz (approximately 44 mL)

This smaller volume is by design, making their shots more intense and better suited for mixing into their larger, milk-based drinks like Lattes and Macchiatos.

Dunkin' Espresso Shot Volume

Dunkin' tends to stick closer to the traditional volume standard, though their measurement often scales with the drink size.

• Dunkin' Single Shot Volume: Typically 1 fl oz (30 mL)
• Dunkin' Medium/Double Shot Volume: Typically 2 fl oz (60 mL)

The Key Entities and Terminology of Espresso Volume

To truly master the topic of espresso volume, it's helpful to understand the related topical authority terms and concepts that influence the final liquid volume and flavor.

Essential Espresso Entities

• Fluid Ounce (fl oz): The traditional volume measurement, approximately 30 mL.
• Milliliter (mL): The metric volume measurement, 1 mL is roughly 1 gram (g) of water.
• Grams (g): The modern measurement of choice for both coffee grounds and liquid yield, used for precision.
• Brew Ratio (e.g., 1:2): The ratio of dry coffee input (grams) to liquid espresso output (grams).
• Dose: The weight (in grams) of the dry, ground coffee used for the shot (e.g., 18g dose).
• Yield: The weight (in grams) of the liquid espresso produced.
• Extraction: The process of dissolving desirable flavors from the coffee grounds using pressurized hot water.
• Portafilter: The handled basket that holds the coffee grounds in the espresso machine.
• Tamping: The act of compressing the coffee grounds in the portafilter to create a dense 'puck.'
• Crema: The reddish-brown foam on top of an espresso shot; it adds volume but little weight, making volume measurement inaccurate.

Conclusion: The Ounce You Need to Know

The question of "how many ounces is a shot of espresso" is more complex than a simple number, reflecting the evolution of coffee science. While the traditional answer remains 1 fluid ounce for a single shot and 2 fluid ounces for a double shot, the modern, expert answer is that a double shot is approximately 1.3 fluid ounces (36 grams), guided by a precise 1:2 brew ratio. For the casual coffee drinker, remember:

1. Order a Doppio: Most cafés default to the double shot (2 fl oz traditional, ~1.3 fl oz specialty).
2. Know Your Chains: A Starbucks shot is smaller and more concentrated (0.75 fl oz).
3. Ask for the Ratio: If you’re at a specialty café, ask for their brew ratio—it’s the true measure of their quality and consistency.

By understanding the difference between the traditional volume and the modern weight standard, you can appreciate the precision that goes into every perfect, concentrated shot of espresso.