Coffee is one of the most popular beverages consumed around the world. Many coffee drinkers enjoy starting their day with a hot cup of coffee. When brewing coffee at home, it’s important to use the right coffee to water ratio to achieve the perfect flavor. But with different cup sizes and brewing methods, how many milliliters (ml) are in an average cup of coffee?
Quick Answer
The typical cup of coffee is around 240-250 ml or 8 ounces. However, coffee cup sizes can range from as small as 60 ml (2 oz) for an espresso to up to 375 ml (12 oz) for a large coffee cup. The standard US cup size is 236 ml (8 oz).
Typical Coffee Cup Sizes
Coffee cups come in many sizes, which affects how many ml of coffee they can hold. Here are some of the most common coffee cup sizes:
- Espresso – 60-90 ml (2-3 oz)
- Demitasse – 90-120 ml (3-4 oz)
- Cortado/Gibraltar – 120-150 ml (4-5 oz)
- Cappuccino – 150-180 ml (5-6 oz)
- Latte – 180-240 ml (6-8 oz)
- Mug – 240-300 ml (8-10 oz)
- Travel mug – 300-350 ml (10-12 oz)
- Large coffee cup – 350-375 ml (12-13 oz)
As you can see, cup sizes cover a wide range. But the standard size for a normal cup of brewed coffee is about 240-250 ml or 8 ounces.
Factors That Affect Cup Size
There are several factors that influence the size of a cup of coffee:
Brewing Method
The brewing method impacts cup size. An espresso shot is typically 60-90 ml. But a cup of drip coffee is 240-300 ml. Pour overs are usually 360 ml. And French press coffee can be anywhere from 240-375 ml.
Type of Coffee
The type of coffee also changes the expected cup size. A cappuccino is generally 150-180 ml. But a latte is 180-240 ml. Even though both contain espresso, the extra steamed milk in a latte results in a larger drink size.
Cafe Versus Home
Cafe coffee cups tend to be larger than homemade coffee mugs. The average to-go paper cup from a coffee shop holds 350-375 ml (12 oz). But at home, mugs range from 240-300 ml (8-10 oz) on average.
Region
Cultural preferences affect coffee cup sizes in different regions. Australia and parts of Europe favor smaller cups around 150-180 ml. But American coffee cups are usually 240-375 ml.
How Many Ounces in a Cup of Coffee?
Since liquid ounces (oz) are commonly used to measure coffee in the United States, here is the typical cup size in ounces:
- Espresso – 1-2 oz
- Demitasse – 3-4 oz
- Cortado – 4-5 oz
- Cappuccino – 5-6 oz
- Latte – 6-8 oz
- Mug – 8-10 oz
- Travel Mug – 10-12 oz
- Large Cup – 12-13 oz
The standard US cup of coffee is 8 fluid ounces. But specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos contain more ounces due to the added milk.
Ideal Coffee to Water Ratio
To brew the best tasting coffee, it’s important to use the proper coffee to water ratio. The Specialty Coffee Association recommends using 55 grams of coffee per 1 liter (1000 ml) of water. This equals a 1:18 ratio. For smaller cups, here is the ideal ratio:
- 60 ml cup – 3.5 g coffee
- 120 ml cup – 7 g coffee
- 180 ml cup – 10 g coffee
- 240 ml cup – 13 g coffee
- 300 ml cup – 17 g coffee
If you don’t have a kitchen scale, a good rule of thumb is 2 tablespoons (10 g) of ground coffee per 6 oz of water. Adjust the amount of coffee grounds for your preferred cup size.
How Many mg of Caffeine in Coffee Cup Sizes
The caffeine content of coffee depends on the type of beans, roast style, and brewing method. But on average, an 8 oz (240 ml) cup of coffee contains around 80-100 mg of caffeine. Here’s how much caffeine is in different coffee cup sizes:
| Cup Size | Total Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
| 60 ml | 47 |
| 120 ml | 94 |
| 180 ml | 141 |
| 240 ml | 188 |
| 300 ml | 235 |
| 360 ml | 282 |
As shown in the table, caffeine content scales up with larger cup sizes. So the amount of coffee you drink affects your caffeine intake.
Standard Coffee Measurements
Whether you’re brewing coffee at home or ordering at a cafe, these standard measurements will help you understand coffee volumes:
- 30 ml = 1 fluid ounce
- 240-250 ml = 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup
- 360 ml = 12 fluid ounces
- 480 ml = 16 fluid ounces = 1 pint
- 950 ml = 32 fluid ounces = 1 quart
Knowing these measurements allows you to compare your coffee cup size to standard volumes. It also helps with adjusting coffee brewing recipes.
Typical Coffee Cup Sizes Around the World
Coffee cup sizes vary globally based on cultural drinking preferences:
- Italy – The espresso is the default coffee size at around 60 ml.
- France – Café au lait is served in a 150 ml bowl-shaped cup.
- Spain – Cortado and solo cups hold 90-150 ml.
- Australia – The most popular cup size is 150-180 ml.
- Japan – Coffee is normally served in a 180 ml glass or mug.
- USA – Traditional coffee mugs range from 240-300 ml. Large cups can hold 350-375 ml.
- UK – Tea cups about 180 ml are sometimes used. But mugs of 240-300 ml are also common.
The variety of cup sizes reflects the unique coffee culture in each region. But in most countries, the average cup size falls between 150-250 ml.
Common Household Cup Sizes
Instead of using measuring tools, many people rely on household items to approximate coffee cup sizes:
- Shot glass – usually holds 45-60 ml
- Teacup – commonly around 180 ml
- Mug – mugs range from 240-375 ml
- Soup bowl – bowls hold anywhere from 300 to 600 ml
- 8 oz glass – glassware in this size holds 240 ml
Glassware, mugs, and bowls can vary considerably, so their volumes may differ. But they give a general idea of how standard cup measurements compare.
Tips for Brewing Coffee
Now that you know the average cup of coffee contains 240-250 ml, here are some tips for brewing great tasting coffee at home:
- Choose fresh, high-quality coffee beans and grind them just before brewing.
- Use the right coffee to water ratio – about 55 g coffee per 1 liter water.
- Experiment with different grind sizes and brew times to optimize flavor.
- Maintain the proper water temperature of 195-205°F for best extraction.
- Clean equipment regularly to prevent off tastes and odors.
- Weigh your coffee and water with scales for an exact, consistent cup every time.
Measuring your coffee and water precisely maximizes the flavor and quality of your brew. And using the typical cup size of 240-250 ml is a good starting point for your perfect cup.
Conclusion
While coffee cup sizes range widely from 60 ml up to 375 ml, the standard cup size is approximately 240-250 ml or 8 ounces. Factors like brew method, coffee type, culture, and personal preference influence how large a coffee cup is. But keeping the typical size in mind helps you brew the optimal cup and determine how much caffeine you’re consuming. Understanding standard coffee measurements also makes it easier to adjust recipes, order at cafes, and compare servings globally.