1 shot glass is typically 1.5 fluid ounces, which equals 3 tablespoons or 45 ml. However, shot glasses vary; a “single shot” may be 1 fluid ounce in some bars, equal to 2 tablespoons or 30 ml.
How Many Fluid Ounces In A Shot Glass is 1.5 fluid ounces for a standard U.S. shot. That equals 3 tablespoons, since 1 fluid ounce is 2 tablespoons.
In metric terms, a standard 1.5-fluid-ounce shot is about 45 ml. Some shot glasses hold 1 fluid ounce, or 2 tablespoons, so check the mark or measure with tablespoons when accuracy matters.
The Short Answer, With Numbers
A standard U.S. shot glass is usually 1 1/2 fluid ounces. In kitchen terms, that is 3 tablespoons, or about 45 ml, using the reference conversion of 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 30 ml.
If your shot glass is filled to a marked 1 fl oz line, it holds 2 tablespoons, or 30 ml. If it is a larger 2 fl oz shooter, it holds 4 tablespoons, which is the same tablespoon count as 1/4 cup.
| Unit | US equivalent | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | – | 5 ml |
| 1 tablespoon | 3 teaspoons | 15 ml |
| 1 fluid ounce | 2 tablespoons | 30 ml |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tablespoons | 59 ml |
| 1/2 cup | 8 tablespoons | 118 ml |
| 1 cup | 16 tbsp / 8 fl oz | 237 ml |
Fast Shot Glass Conversions
1 standard 1 1/2 fl oz shot = 3 tablespoons. Since 1 tablespoon is 15 ml, that comes to about 45 ml.
1 small 1 fl oz shot = 2 tablespoons = 30 ml. This is common for measuring small amounts, but it is smaller than the usual U.S. bar shot.
1 large 2 fl oz shot = 4 tablespoons. The reference table also shows 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons, so a 2 fl oz pour equals 1/4 cup by tablespoon count.
For recipes, do not assume every decorative shot glass is 1 1/2 fl oz. Many look similar but hold 1 fl oz, 1 1/2 fl oz, or 2 fl oz depending on rim width, base thickness, and fill line.
Worked Kitchen Examples
If a cocktail calls for 2 shots and you treat each shot as 1 1/2 fl oz, the total is 3 fl oz. That equals 6 tablespoons because each fluid ounce equals 2 tablespoons.
If a sauce recipe calls for 1 shot of liquid and precision matters, measure 3 tablespoons for a standard shot. That avoids guessing from the rim of an unmarked glass.
If you only have a tablespoon, measure a standard shot as 3 level tablespoons. For a 1 fl oz shot, use 2 tablespoons. For a 2 fl oz shot, use 4 tablespoons.
If you only have teaspoons, 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. A standard 3-tablespoon shot equals 9 teaspoons. A 1 fl oz shot equals 6 teaspoons.
Edge Cases: Fill Line Versus Rim
Some shot glasses have a heavy glass base, so the outside size can be misleading. The useful capacity is the liquid volume above the base, not the apparent height of the glass.
If your glass has a printed line, use that line. If it has no marking and the recipe depends on accuracy, measure with tablespoons once, then remember where that level sits in the glass.
Bottom line: for quick U.S. kitchen use, read “a shot” as 1 1/2 fluid ounces, 3 tablespoons, or about 45 ml unless the recipe or glass marking says otherwise.
Standard Shot Glass Ounces
A standard U.S. shot is 1.5 fluid ounces. Using kitchen measures, that is 3 tablespoons, because 1 fluid ounce equals 2 tablespoons.
In metric terms, a standard 1.5-ounce shot is 45 ml. That comes from 1 fluid ounce being 30 ml, so 1.5 × 30 ml = 45 ml.
Quick Shot Glass Conversion Table
| Shot Size | Tablespoons | Milliliters | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 fluid ounce | 2 tablespoons | 30 ml | Small pour, tasting pour |
| 1.5 fluid ounces | 3 tablespoons | 45 ml | Standard U.S. shot |
| 2 fluid ounces | 4 tablespoons | 60 ml | Large shot or cocktail pour |
If a recipe calls for “1 shot” and gives no other detail, measure 1.5 fluid ounces. In a kitchen, that is the same as filling a tablespoon measure 3 times.
For a cocktail calling for 2 shots, use 3 fluid ounces total. That equals 6 tablespoons, or 90 ml.
For a half shot, use 0.75 fluid ounce. That equals 1.5 tablespoons, or about 22.5 ml.
For a double shot, the amount is commonly 3 fluid ounces. Since 1 fluid ounce is 2 tablespoons, a double shot equals 6 tablespoons.
Shot Glass Capacity vs. Shot Amount
A shot glass may hold more than the standard shot amount. Many glasses physically hold 2 fluid ounces, but the standard measured pour is still 1.5 fluid ounces.
This matters when pouring by sight. Filling a 2-ounce shot glass to the rim gives 2 fluid ounces, not 1.5. That adds an extra 0.5 fluid ounce, or 1 tablespoon.
If your shot glass has a line below the rim, that line may mark the intended pour. Measure it once with tablespoons: 3 tablespoons means 1.5 fluid ounces; 4 tablespoons means 2 fluid ounces.
Worked Kitchen Examples
If a sauce needs 1 shot of bourbon, add 3 tablespoons. You do not need a bar jigger if you have standard measuring spoons.
If a punch recipe calls for 8 shots of liquor, use 12 fluid ounces. That is 8 × 1.5 fluid ounces, or 24 tablespoons.
If you need 4 standard shots, measure 6 fluid ounces. Since 1 cup is 8 fluid ounces, 4 shots equal 3/4 cup.
If a mini dessert calls for 1 fluid ounce of liqueur, do not use a full standard shot. Use 2 tablespoons, which is smaller than a 1.5-ounce shot.
Bottom line: in U.S. recipes, a shot glass amount is usually 1.5 fluid ounces, equal to 3 tablespoons or 45 ml.
US Shot Size Variations
In US bars, a “shot” is most often 1.5 fluid ounces. That equals 3 tablespoons, because 1 fluid ounce equals 2 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon equals 15 ml.
The metric amount for a 1.5-fluid-ounce shot is about 45 ml: 1 fluid ounce is 30 ml, so 1.5 × 30 ml = 45 ml.
Common US Shot Glass Capacities
| Shot label | Fluid ounces | Tablespoons | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small shot | 1 fl oz | 2 tbsp | 30 ml |
| Standard shot | 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 45 ml |
| Large shot | 2 fl oz | 4 tbsp | 59 ml |
A 2-fluid-ounce shot is the same volume as 1/4 cup, because 1/4 cup equals 4 tablespoons and 4 tablespoons equals 2 fluid ounces.
A 1-fluid-ounce shot is smaller: it equals 2 tablespoons, or 30 ml. If a recipe says “1 shot” but does not define it, using 1.5 fluid ounces gives the typical US bar pour.
Worked Examples
If a cocktail calls for 2 shots and you use the US standard 1.5-fluid-ounce shot, the drink gets 3 fluid ounces total: 2 × 1.5 = 3.
In tablespoons, that same 2-shot pour is 6 tablespoons: 3 fluid ounces × 2 tablespoons per fluid ounce = 6 tablespoons.
In metric, 2 standard shots equal about 90 ml: 2 × 45 ml = 90 ml.
If your shot glass holds 2 fluid ounces, 2 shots equal 4 fluid ounces. That is 1/2 cup, because 1/2 cup equals 8 tablespoons and 4 fluid ounces equals 8 tablespoons.
Edge Cases: Measured Shot vs Filled Glass
Not every shot glass is meant to be filled to the rim. A glass may physically hold 2 fluid ounces but still be used for a 1.5-fluid-ounce pour.
This matters in recipes. Filling a 2-fluid-ounce glass to the top instead of measuring 1.5 fluid ounces adds 0.5 fluid ounce, or 1 tablespoon.
For 4 drinks, that overpour becomes 2 extra fluid ounces total: 0.5 × 4 = 2 fluid ounces. That equals 1/4 cup.
A jigger can remove the guesswork. Use the side or marking that matches the recipe: 1 fluid ounce, 1.5 fluid ounces, or 2 fluid ounces.
For kitchen measuring, 1.5 fluid ounces is easy without a shot glass: measure 3 tablespoons. For a 2-fluid-ounce pour, measure 4 tablespoons or 1/4 cup.
Fast answer: a typical US shot glass pour is 1.5 fluid ounces, equal to 3 tablespoons or about 45 ml. Some shot glasses hold 1 fluid ounce or 2 fluid ounces.
Shot Glass Measuring Steps
Use the shot glass as a small measuring cup, but verify its actual capacity first. The key conversion is fixed: 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 30 ml.
Step-by-Step Measurement
- 1. Start with tablespoons. Fill a measuring tablespoon level to the rim and pour it into the empty shot glass. One tablespoon equals 15 ml.
- 2. Add a second tablespoon. Two level tablespoons equal 1 fluid ounce, or 30 ml. Mark where the liquid reaches if the glass is not full.
- 3. Check whether the glass holds more than 1 fluid ounce. If the liquid does not reach the rim after 2 tablespoons, keep adding liquid 1 tablespoon at a time.
- 4. Convert the total tablespoons to fluid ounces. Divide tablespoons by 2. Example: 3 tablespoons equals 1 1/2 fluid ounces. Four tablespoons equals 2 fluid ounces.
- 5. Convert to milliliters if needed. Multiply tablespoons by 15 ml. Example: 3 tablespoons equals 45 ml. Four tablespoons equals 60 ml.
- 6. Use cup fractions for larger batches. Four tablespoons equal 1/4 cup, which is 2 fluid ounces or 59 ml.
Worked example: you pour in 2 tablespoons and the glass reaches the rim. That shot glass holds 1 fluid ounce, equal to 30 ml.
Worked example: you pour in 3 tablespoons and the glass reaches the rim. That glass holds 1 1/2 fluid ounces, equal to 45 ml.
Worked example: you pour in 4 tablespoons and the glass reaches the rim. That glass holds 2 fluid ounces, equal to 1/4 cup or 59 ml.
Quick Conversion Table
| Amount Added | Fluid Ounces | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon | 1/2 fluid ounce | 15 ml |
| 2 tablespoons | 1 fluid ounce | 30 ml |
| 3 tablespoons | 1 1/2 fluid ounces | 45 ml |
| 4 tablespoons | 2 fluid ounces | 59 ml |
Edge case: a thick-walled or decorative shot glass may look larger than it measures. Always measure the inside liquid capacity, not the outside size of the glass.
Edge case: if the rim is rounded or slanted, measure to the practical fill line you actually use, then record that amount. Do not assume the rim equals a standard pour.
For repeat use, write the verified capacity on tape: 1 fl oz, 1 1/2 fl oz, or 2 fl oz. That prevents guessing during recipes or drink mixing.
Single Versus Double Shots
A single shot in most US drink recipes is 1.5 fluid ounces. Using the kitchen conversion of 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons, that single shot equals 3 tablespoons, or about 45 ml.
A double shot is normally twice that amount: 3 fluid ounces. That equals 6 tablespoons, or about 90 ml. If a recipe says “double shot,” pour 3 fluid ounces unless it gives a different number.
| Pour | Fluid ounces | Tablespoons | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single shot | 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 45 ml |
| Double shot | 3 fl oz | 6 tbsp | 90 ml |
| Half shot | 0.75 fl oz | 1.5 tbsp | 22.5 ml |
How To Measure A Single Shot Without A Jigger
If you do not have a jigger, use tablespoons. Measure 3 level tablespoons for a 1.5-ounce single shot. For a double, measure 6 level tablespoons.
A kitchen tablespoon is 15 ml. So 3 tablespoons are 45 ml, which matches a 1.5-ounce single shot when using 1 fluid ounce = 30 ml.
If you are using teaspoons, 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons. A single shot is 3 tablespoons, so it equals 9 teaspoons. A double shot equals 18 teaspoons.
Shot Glass Size Is Not Always The Pour Size
A shot glass may hold more or less than the drink recipe means by “a shot.” Some small glasses hold 1 fluid ounce. Some larger shot glasses hold 2 fluid ounces or more.
That matters because filling the glass to the rim can change the drink. A 2-ounce glass filled to the top gives 4 tablespoons, not the 3 tablespoons used for a 1.5-ounce single shot.
Worked example: a margarita calls for 1 shot of tequila. If the recipe assumes 1.5 fluid ounces, use 3 tablespoons. If you fill a 2-ounce glass instead, you add 0.5 extra fluid ounce.
That extra 0.5 fluid ounce equals 1 tablespoon. In a small cocktail, that is enough to make the drink stronger and throw off the sweet, sour, and spirit balance.
Edge Cases: 1-Ounce And 2-Ounce Pours
Some recipes use a 1-ounce shot. That equals 2 tablespoons, or 30 ml. If a recipe says “1 oz” instead of “1 shot,” follow the ounce measurement.
Some bars treat a 2-ounce pour as a large single. That equals 4 tablespoons, or 60 ml. It is larger than a standard 1.5-ounce shot by 0.5 fluid ounce.
For batch drinks, multiply the exact ounce amount. Six standard single shots are 6 × 1.5 = 9 fluid ounces. That equals 18 tablespoons, or about 270 ml.
Four doubles are 4 × 3 = 12 fluid ounces. Since 1 cup is 8 fluid ounces, 12 fluid ounces equals 1.5 cups.
Quick Shot Conversion Chart
A standard U.S. shot is commonly measured as 1.5 fluid ounces. Using kitchen measures, that equals 3 tablespoons or about 45 ml.
Shot Glass Sizes In Fluid Ounces, Tablespoons, And Milliliters
| Shot amount | Fluid ounces | Tablespoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small shot | 1 fl oz | 2 tbsp | 30 ml |
| Standard U.S. shot | 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 45 ml |
| Double shot | 3 fl oz | 6 tbsp | 90 ml |
| Half of a standard shot | 0.75 fl oz | 1.5 tbsp | 22.5 ml |
| Two standard shots | 3 fl oz | 6 tbsp | 90 ml |
| Four standard shots | 6 fl oz | 12 tbsp | 180 ml |
For the fastest conversion, remember this: 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 30 ml. So a 1.5 fl oz shot is 1 fl oz plus 0.5 fl oz, or 2 tbsp plus 1 tbsp.
Worked example: if a recipe calls for 2 shots and you use the U.S. standard size, multiply 1.5 fl oz by 2. The result is 3 fl oz, equal to 6 tbsp or 90 ml.
Worked example: if you need 4 shots for a pitcher drink, multiply 1.5 fl oz by 4. That gives 6 fl oz, which is 12 tbsp or 180 ml.
If You Do Not Have A Shot Glass
Use tablespoons for the cleanest kitchen substitute. Measure 3 tablespoons for one standard 1.5 fl oz shot. Measure 6 tablespoons for a double shot.
You can also use a liquid measuring cup. Since 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons, one standard shot is 3/4 of 1/4 cup. That is useful when measuring several shots at once.
For a batch, 1 cup = 8 fl oz. One cup holds about 5 standard shots with 0.5 fl oz left over, because 5 × 1.5 fl oz = 7.5 fl oz.
Common Edge Cases
If your shot glass is marked at 1 fl oz, it is not a standard 1.5 fl oz U.S. shot. It equals 2 tablespoons, so 3 of those small shots equal 3 fl oz.
If a glass is filled only two-thirds of the way to a 1.5 fl oz line, the pour is about 1 fl oz. That equals 2 tablespoons or 30 ml.
If a drink recipe says “1 shot” but precision matters, measure 1.5 fl oz. If it says “1 fl oz,” measure exactly 2 tablespoons, not a full standard shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fluid ounces are in a shot glass?
In the U.S., a typical shot glass holds 1.5 fluid ounces, but shot glasses are not all identical. Some small glasses hold 1 fluid ounce, and larger jiggers may hold 2 fluid ounces. Check the marked line or measure it with tablespoons.
How many tablespoons are in a shot?
Using the standard U.S. conversion, 1 fluid ounce equals 2 tablespoons. A 1.5-fluid-ounce shot equals 3 tablespoons. If your shot glass is 1 fluid ounce, it equals 2 tablespoons; if it is 2 fluid ounces, it equals 4 tablespoons.
How many milliliters are in a shot glass?
One fluid ounce is 30 ml, so a 1.5-fluid-ounce U.S. shot is about 45 ml. A 1-fluid-ounce shot is 30 ml, and a 2-fluid-ounce shot is 60 ml. The exact amount depends on the glass size.
Is a shot glass the same as 1 ounce?
Not always. Some shot glasses are 1 fluid ounce, but many U.S. bar shots are 1.5 fluid ounces. Since 1 fluid ounce equals 2 tablespoons, a 1-ounce shot glass holds 2 tablespoons, while a 1.5-ounce shot holds 3 tablespoons.
How can I measure a shot without a shot glass?
Use tablespoons. Since 1 tablespoon is 15 ml and 1 fluid ounce is 2 tablespoons, measure 3 tablespoons for a 1.5-fluid-ounce shot. For a 1-ounce shot, use 2 tablespoons. For a 2-ounce pour, use 4 tablespoons.
