Filter coffee vs Espresso: which has more caffeine?
A cup of filter coffee has on average about 1.5× more caffeine than espresso.
Per 100 ml: espresso has about 5.2× more caffeine than filter coffee.
| Filter coffee | Espresso | |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per cup | 80–107 mg | 40–63 mg |
| Volume | 237 ml | 30 ml |
| mg / 100 ml (average) | 40.5 | 210 |
| Cups to reach 400 mg a day (adult) | 4 | 6 |
Frequently asked questions
Which has more caffeine: Filter coffee or Espresso?
A cup of filter coffee has on average about 1.5× more caffeine than espresso.
How many cups of espresso equal one cup of filter coffee?
Using average values, one cup of filter coffee (96 mg) equals about 1.5 cups of espresso (63 mg). This is a guide, since both drinks vary by batch and preparation.
Which is better in the evening?
Espresso has less caffeine per cup (about 63 mg versus about 96 mg for filter coffee). After 6 hours roughly half to a third of what you drank remains, but sensitivity varies a lot.
Try it
Sources and method
- Mayo Clinic: Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more
- 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.