If you drink coffee daily, you may wonder how much caffeine you’re actually consuming. The answer varies depending on the type of coffee, brew strength, and serving size—especially in the U.S., where portions can differ widely.
Below is a breakdown of caffeine amounts in common coffee types.
Caffeine in a Standard Cup of Coffee
A typical 8 oz cup of brewed coffee contains around 80–100 mg of caffeine.
The exact amount depends on:
- coffee bean type
- roast level
- brewing method
- grind size
Caffeine by Coffee Type (Approximate)
These estimates reflect common U.S. serving sizes:
| Coffee type | Serving size | Caffeine range |
|---|---|---|
| Brewed coffee | 8 oz | 80–100 mg |
| Instant coffee | 8 oz | 60–80 mg |
| Espresso | 1 oz shot | 60–75 mg |
| Decaf coffee | 8 oz | 2–5 mg |
While espresso contains more caffeine per ounce, a full mug of brewed coffee usually delivers more total caffeine.
Why Caffeine Levels Vary
Several factors influence caffeine content:
- Roast: lighter roasts retain more caffeine
- Beans: robusta has more caffeine than arabica
- Grind: finer grinds extract more caffeine
- Brew time: longer extraction = more caffeine
How Much Caffeine Is Safe?
For most healthy adults in the U.S., dietary guidance suggests up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is considered safe. That’s roughly:
- 4–5 cups of brewed coffee
- or around 5–6 shots of espresso
Sensitive individuals may feel effects at lower intake.
Final Thoughts
A typical cup of coffee contains about 80–100 mg of caffeine, but the exact amount varies with brewing method and serving size. If you’re monitoring intake for sleep, anxiety, or health reasons, consider portion sizes and brewing strength, and keep total daily consumption within safe guidelines.
