Estimate the caffeine in your coffee and compare your daily total with the general adult reference.
Your estimated daily total
Above the general adult reference. Consider a smaller serving, fewer cups, or decaf.
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.
These are category estimates, not laboratory results. Coffee from different beans, brewers, cafés, and batches can vary substantially.
| Drink | Typical serving | Calculator starting point | How it scales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brewed coffee | 237 ml / 8 fl oz | 135 mg | By drink volume |
| Drip or pour over | 237 ml / 8 fl oz | 179 mg | By drink volume |
| French press | 237 ml / 8 fl oz | 135 mg | By drink volume |
| Cold brew | 355 ml / 12 fl oz | 180 mg | By drink volume |
| Instant coffee | 237 ml / 8 fl oz | 91 mg | By drink volume |
| Decaf coffee | 237 ml / 8 fl oz | 3 mg | By drink volume |
| Espresso drinks | 1 shot | 63 mg | By number of shots |
The same menu name can represent a very different dose from one kitchen or café to another.
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.
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.
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.
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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