Caffeine
The coffee caffeine guide
How much caffeine is in a shot, a pour-over, a French press, or a cold brew — and what actually drives the number.
Caffeine in coffee gets misreported constantly, in both directions. Here are honest numbers, honest ranges, and the variables that actually move them.
Typical caffeine per cup
| Method | Serving | Typical caffeine |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso (single) | ~30 ml | 60–80 mg |
| Espresso (double) | ~60 ml | 120–160 mg |
| Drip / pour-over | 240 ml (8 oz) | ~95 mg (range 70–140) |
| French press | 240 ml | ~110 mg |
| Cold brew (undiluted) | 240 ml | 150–240 mg |
| Instant | 240 ml | ~60 mg |
Ranges are wide because caffeine per cup depends on more than the method label.
What drives the number
- Species — robusta contains roughly 2× the caffeine of arabica by dry weight.
- Dose — more grams of coffee → more caffeine. Full stop.
- Grind + contact time — finer grind and longer contact extract more soluble caffeine.
- Water temperature — hotter water extracts faster (cold brew compensates with time).
- Serving size — a "cup" of drip is usually 240 ml; an espresso is 30–60 ml. Different units.
Species matters more than roast
Roast level barely changes caffeine per gram of dry coffee — the molecule is thermally stable through normal roasting. What roast does change is bean density and how you scoop. By weight, dark and light roasts are essentially equal in caffeine.
Daily intake and safety
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) considers up to 400 mg of caffeine per day (about 5.7 mg/kg body weight) safe for healthy adults, and up to 200 mg in a single dose. Pregnant individuals are advised to stay under 200 mg/day. Individual tolerance varies substantially; this is educational information, not medical advice.