How Many Milligrams Of Caffeine Is In A Cup Of Coffee?

A standard 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95mg of caffeine, though this varies by brewing method and bean type.

Espresso has more caffeine per ounce but less per serving. Cold brew concentrate can exceed 200mg per cup.

Factors That Determine The Milligrams Of Caffeine In A Cup Of Coffee

The number of milligrams of caffeine in a cup of coffee is determined by the type of coffee, the kind of beans, the roasting method, and the size of your favorite mug. Looking at all these things together can help you figure out how many milligrams of caffeine are in your cup. If you like this post, you might enjoy reading about the best coffee for pre-workout.

Type of Coffee Matters

Top view of the different types of coffee — The type of coffee is one factor to consider

The type of coffee in your cup matters because how the beans are prepared affects the caffeine content. Decaf, instant, brewed, and espresso are the most popular types to consider.

Decaf Coffee

Decaffeinated coffee is not entirely caffeine-free. However, the amount of caffeine varies depending on the kind of beans and the method of decaffeination used.

Instant Coffee

Instant coffee is a spray-dried or freeze-dried form of brewed coffee that dissolves easily in water. As a result, the caffeine content is usually less than in regular brewed coffee.

Brewed Coffee

Regular brewed coffee is made by using a filter to run boiling hot water over ground beans. Its caffeine content is more than decaf and about the same as espresso.

Espresso

The method used to make espresso involves using pressurized water or steam with finely ground beans. As a result, espresso’s caffeine content maybe a little more than regular brewed coffee or about the same.

Caffeine Content Of Your Beans

coffee beans in a small bowl — The type of beans influences the caffeine content

The type of beans used to make your morning java influences how much kick you will get from your cup. The two most produced beans in the world are Arabica and Robusta, and their caffeine content is far from similar. You might also be interested in learning if espresso loses caffeine over time.

Arabica Beans

Arabica coffee beans contain about 34.1 to 38.5 grams of caffeine per kilogram.

Robusta Beans

Robusta coffee beans contain about 68.6 to 81.6 grams of caffeine per kilogram.

Caffeine And Roasting Methods

Roasted coffee beans. — Dark roasts have less caffeine

Lighter roasts have greater caffeine content than darker roasts when compared by weight instead of volume. However, the difference in caffeine content varies between batches, so that the averages are not overwhelmingly significant but can still add up when considered with the other caffeine content factors.

Cup Size Matters

Of course, more coffee in your cup means more caffeine in your cup. From 2 mg to 728 mg, this is how some of the most popular brands and cup sizes measure up in terms of how many milligrams of caffeine is in a cup of coffee:

1 Ounce Shot

Espresso – 63 mg

8 Ounce Cup

Starbucks Pike Place Roast – 180 mg

Death Wish Instant Coffee – 300 mg

10 Ounce Cup

Dunkin’ – 215 mg

12 Ounce Cup

Folgers Classic Decaf – 2-8 mg

McDonald’s – 109 mg

Starbucks Pike Place Roast – 260 mg

Seattle’s Best – 260 mg

Death Wish Coffee – 728 mg

16 Ounce Cup

Starbucks Decaf Pike Place Roast – 25 mg

McDonald’s – 145 mg

Starbucks Dark Roast – 260 mg

Dunkin’ – 302 mg

Starbucks– 310 mg

Starbucks Blonde Roast – 360 mg

20 Ounce Cup

Starbucks Pike Place Roast – 410 mg

Dunkin’ – 431 mg

How Many Milligrams Of Caffeine Is In A Cup Of Coffee FAQs

How Much Caffeine Should You Have In A Day?

On average, 400 to 600 milligrams of caffeine per day is not a problem for most folks. However, it is best to remember that every person is different, with varying tolerances, health conditions, etc. If you are concerned about caffeine intake, please consult with your doctor.

Is Caffeine Bad For You?

Caffeine is present in most items we consume, including supplements, over-the-counter cold medications, etc. Caffeine intake is typically not a problem unless it is in large doses, which can cause anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, rapid heartbeat, and other undesirable effects.

A Note From Our Team

We’re coffee enthusiasts, not doctors—so here’s our honest perspective:

The research cited above comes from peer-reviewed studies, but science evolves. What we know about coffee and health has changed dramatically over the decades, and it’ll likely continue to evolve. We update our content when significant new findings emerge.

Everyone’s body responds differently to caffeine. Some of us on the team drink 4+ cups daily with zero issues; others get jittery after one. Pay attention to how YOU feel rather than following general guidelines blindly. Your body knows better than any study.