Coffee is the world’s most popular beverage after water — but how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee? Whether you’re sipping a regular brew, espresso, instant, or decaf, the answer depends on several factors like serving size, roast, bean type, and brand.
Average Caffeine in a Cup of Coffee
So, how much caffeine is in a regular cup of coffee?
- 8 oz cup of black coffee: ~95 mg caffeine
- 12 oz cup of brewed coffee: ~150 mg caffeine
- 16 oz coffee (grande size): ~200 mg caffeine
But wait! This number can vary based on type:
| Type of Coffee | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|
| Brewed (8 oz) | 95–200 |
| Espresso (1 shot – 2 oz) | 63–127 |
| Instant Coffee (8 oz) | 30–90 |
| Decaf Coffee (8 oz) | 2–15 |
| Keurig Cup Coffee (8 oz) | 75–150 |
| Starbucks Tall (12 oz) | 26 |
Caffeine in Popular Coffee Types
1. Brewed Coffee
The most common type, made by dripping hot water over ground beans.
- 8 oz contains 95–200 mg
- 12 oz cup of coffee = ~150 mg on average
2. Espresso
Small but powerful.
- 1 shot (2 oz) = 63–127 mg
- Double shot = up to 200–250 mg
Espresso has more caffeine per ounce but smaller serving size.
3. Instant Coffee
Quick and convenient.
- 1 teaspoon = 30–90 mg per 6–8 oz cup
4. Decaf Coffee
Yes, decaf still contains caffeine.
- 2 to 15 mg per 8 oz cup
- Not fully caffeine-free!
Caffeine by Cup Size
| Cup Size | Caffeine Content |
|---|---|
| 8 oz | 80–120 mg |
| 12 oz | 120–180 mg |
| 16 oz | 160–240 mg |
| 20 oz | 200–300 mg |
Caffeine in Popular Brands
Starbucks
- Tall (12 oz): 260 mg
- Grande (16 oz): 330 mg
- Venti (20 oz): 410 mg
Dunkin’
- Small: 180 mg
- Medium: 210 mg
- Large: 330 mg
Folgers
- ~95–120 mg per 8 oz cup
Death Wish Coffee
- 1 cup (12 oz): Up to 728 mg caffeine — one of the strongest!
What Affects Caffeine in Coffee?
Factors that influence how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee:
- Coffee Bean Type (Robusta has more than Arabica)
- Roast Level (Light roast has more caffeine)
- Serving Size
- Brewing Method (French press vs drip vs cold brew)
- Brand & Machine (Starbucks, Keurig, etc.)
Is That Much Caffeine Safe?
According to health experts:
- Safe caffeine limit = 400 mg per day
- Pregnant people: <200 mg/day
- Exceeding this may cause: insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, or rapid heart rate
Coffee vs Other Caffeine Sources
| Drink | Caffeine |
|---|---|
| Black Coffee (8 oz) | 95 mg |
| Green Tea (8 oz) | 28 mg |
| Energy Drink (8 oz) | 80–150 mg |
| Coke (12 oz) | 34 mg |
Surprising Benefits of Caffeine in Coffee
In moderation, caffeine may help:
- Improve alertness and memory
- Burn fat & boost metabolism
- Reduce risk of stroke, Type 2 diabetes
- Support liver and heart health
- Provide antioxidants
FAQs: Caffeine in Coffee
Q. How many caffeine milligrams in a cup of coffee?
A. Around 95–150 mg per 8–12 oz, depending on type and brew.
Q. How much caffeine is in a Keurig cup?
A. 75–150 mg, depending on the brand and strength.
Q. Is decaf 100% caffeine-free?
A. No. It contains 2–15 mg per cup.
Q. Which has more caffeine — coffee or tea?
A. Coffee usually has 2–3x more caffeine than tea.
Final Takeaway
So, how much caffeine is there in a cup of coffee? It varies by brand, size, and brew — but most cups contain between 95 to 200 mg.
To stay safe and healthy:
- Limit yourself to 400 mg caffeine/day
- Choose your serving size wisely
- Try decaf if you’re caffeine-sensitive