How many ml is an espresso
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Ristretto lungo espresso Doppio

An espresso contains on average 30 millilitres of coffee. That’s enough for an intense, full coffee shot packed with flavour. But where does that amount come from? And how many ml are in a double espresso or a ristretto? Here you’ll read how those volumes are determined and why the millilitres have more impact than you might think.

What determines the amount of an espresso?

The amount of espresso is determined by the ratio of ground coffee, pressure, temperature and extraction time.

An espresso isn’t just any amount of coffee, but the result of a precise process. According to the guidelines of the Specialty Coffee Association, you use about 18 to 20 grams of finely ground coffee, from which in 25 to 30 seconds under 9 bar pressure about 30 millilitres of concentrated coffee is extracted.

How finely you grind the coffee, how hard you tamp, how hot the water is and how long the water flows through: all these factors determine whether your shot ends up at 25 ml or closer to 35 ml. More water doesn’t automatically mean a better espresso; on the contrary, it dilutes the flavour.

Read more here about the ideal extraction time of an espresso.

With fully automatic machines, this process is often already programmed. Making espresso yourself with a piston machine? Then you can fine-tune the volume yourself until the shot is perfectly balanced.

Overview of espresso volumes

Espresso comes in different variants, each with its own volume and flavour experience.

Type of coffee Amount of coffee Volume in ml Characteristic
Ristretto ± 18 g 15–20 ml Shorter shot, strong and concentrated
Espresso ± 18–20 g 25–35 ml Classic espresso with full flavour
Doppio ± 36–40 g 50–60 ml Double espresso, powerful and intense
Lungo ± 18–20 g 60–90 ml Longer extraction, milder and more bitter

These differences are mainly in the amount of water, not in the espresso coffee beans. Ristretto and lungo often use exactly the same amount of ground coffee, but produce a very different flavour due to the extraction time.

How many ml is a double espresso?

A double espresso, also called “doppio”, contains on average 50 to 60 ml of coffee.

Where a single espresso is made with about 18 to 20 grams of coffee for around 30 ml of drink, you double that for a doppio. You then use 36 to 40 grams of ground coffee, and get 50 to 60 ml of espresso. More flavour, more intensity, but still with the full strength of a true espresso.

Baristas often use a larger filter basket (double basket) for a doppio, so the shot can flow properly. A doppio is popular with those who want a bit more volume without sacrificing flavour.

Read more about the doppio espresso here.

How many ml in other espresso-based coffees?

Espresso is the base of many coffees, but the final volume varies greatly per type.

Below you can see how many millilitres of coffee are typically in popular espresso-based drinks, such as the Flat White:

Coffee drink Espresso base Total volume What’s in it?
Cappuccino 30 ml 150–180 ml Espresso + frothed milk
Latte 30 ml 200–250 ml Espresso + lots of warm milk + milk foam
Flat white 60 ml (doppio) 150–180 ml Doppio + thin layer of microfoam
Americano 30 ml 120–180 ml Espresso + hot water

Fancy trying it yourself? Then choose beans that suit your style and discover how every millilitre counts in your cup of happiness.