KITCHENZAP TOOLS

Coffee Caffeine Calculator

Estimate the caffeine in your coffee and compare your daily total with the general adult reference.

Estimate your caffeine

Choose the closest drink and size. Results update as you make changes.

About 12 fl oz
Use higher for a stronger brew or more coffee grounds.

Your estimated daily total

Brewed coffee

Typical
410 mg 103% of 400 mg

Above the general adult reference. Consider a smaller serving, fewer cups, or decaf.

Per serving
205 mg
Likely daily range
328-492 mg
Drink size
355 ml
Servings
2 per day

Coffee caffeine varies with bean, dose, grind, extraction, and shop recipe. Check a product label or ask the seller when an exact amount is available.

Estimate only. The 400 mg reference applies to most healthy adults, not everyone. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, age, medications, health conditions, and individual sensitivity can change what is appropriate.

Typical caffeine starting points

These are category estimates, not laboratory results. Coffee from different beans, brewers, cafés, and batches can vary substantially.

DrinkTypical servingCalculator starting pointHow it scales
Brewed coffee237 ml / 8 fl oz135 mgBy drink volume
Drip or pour over237 ml / 8 fl oz179 mgBy drink volume
French press237 ml / 8 fl oz135 mgBy drink volume
Cold brew355 ml / 12 fl oz180 mgBy drink volume
Instant coffee237 ml / 8 fl oz91 mgBy drink volume
Decaf coffee237 ml / 8 fl oz3 mgBy drink volume
Espresso drinks1 shot63 mgBy number of shots

Why caffeine estimates vary

The same menu name can represent a very different dose from one kitchen or café to another.

  1. Coffee doseMore ground coffee usually gives the brew more caffeine to extract.
  2. Serving sizeA large cup can contain much more caffeine even when it tastes less intense.
  3. Recipe and beansBean variety, grind, contact time, and extraction all affect the final amount.

Use the result as a reference

Health Canada recommends a maximum daily intake of 400 mg for adults 18 and over, and 300 mg for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy. The FDA also cites 400 mg per day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults.

Coffee caffeine questions

How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?

Health Canada lists averages of 135 mg for 237 ml of brewed coffee and 179 mg for the same amount of filter drip coffee. The actual amount can vary substantially.

Does decaf coffee contain caffeine?

Usually, yes. Health Canada lists about 3 mg in 237 ml of roasted and ground decaf coffee, while the FDA says an 8 fl oz decaf coffee typically contains 2 to 15 mg.

Is 400 mg of caffeine safe for everyone?

No single amount fits everyone. The 400 mg daily level is a general reference for most healthy adults. Sensitivity, age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, medications, and health conditions can call for a lower amount.

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