How much caffeine is in espresso?
Espresso (30 ml) usually contains 40–63 mg of caffeine, about 63 mg on average.
Standard serving: 30 ml.
Key numbers
| Caffeine per cup | 40–63 mg |
|---|---|
| Volume | 30 ml |
| mg / 100 ml (average) | 210 |
| Compared with filter coffee (per cup) | 66% |
| Cups to reach 400 mg a day (adult) | 6 |
| Cups to reach 200 mg at once | 3 |
What about the evening?
After 6 hours roughly 10–35 mg of caffeine is still in the body (half-life 3–7 h). Sensitivity varies, so treat this as a guide, not a rule.
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine is in espresso?
Espresso (30 ml) usually contains 40–63 mg of caffeine, about 63 mg on average. Standard serving: 30 ml.
Does espresso have more caffeine than filter coffee?
No, on average less: about 66% of the caffeine in a cup of filter coffee.
How many cups of espresso can I drink a day?
For adults EFSA gives up to 400 mg of caffeine a day from all sources. From this drink alone that is roughly 6 cups, if nothing else adds caffeine. In pregnancy the limit is 200 mg a day.
How does espresso compare with other teas and coffee?
See the "Caffeine in drinks" table: every drink is listed by caffeine per cup.
Try it
Sources and method
- Mayo Clinic: Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more
- EUFIC: EFSA opinion on the safety of caffeine (2015)
- EUFIC: EFSA opinion on the safety of caffeine (2015)
Data checked 2026-10-24. Ranges are shown because studies report different numbers. General information, not medical advice.