A standard US shot glass holds 1.5 fluid ounces, which is about 45 ml. Using the provided conversion, 1 fluid ounce is 30 ml, so a smaller 1-ounce shot equals 30 ml.
How Many Ml In A Shot Glass: a standard U.S. shot is 44 ml, because it is usually 1.5 fluid ounces and 1 fluid ounce is 30 ml.
If you are using kitchen conversions, count 1 shot as 3 tablespoons, since 1 tablespoon is 15 ml. Smaller 1-ounce shot glasses hold 30 ml, while 2-ounce double shots hold 60 ml.
The Short Answer, With Numbers
A shot glass holds as many milliliters as its marked fill line. Using the reference conversions here, 1 fluid ounce equals 30 ml. So a 1 fl oz shot is 30 ml, and a 1.5 fl oz pour is 45 ml.
There is no single universal “shot glass” size in these figures. The reliable answer comes from converting the ounce, tablespoon, or cup marking on the glass into milliliters.
| Measure on the glass | US equivalent | Metric amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | – | 5 ml |
| 1 tablespoon | 3 teaspoons | 15 ml |
| 1 fluid ounce | 2 tablespoons | 30 ml |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tablespoons | 59 ml |
Fast conversions for shot-size pours
If your shot glass has a 1 fl oz line, fill to that line for 30 ml. That is also 2 tablespoons, because 1 fluid ounce equals 2 tablespoons.
If you need 1.5 fl oz, use the same numbers: 1 fl oz is 30 ml, and 1/2 fl oz is 15 ml. Together, that is 45 ml.
If the glass is marked only in tablespoons, the math is direct. 1 tablespoon is 15 ml, so 2 tablespoons are 30 ml, and 3 tablespoons are 45 ml.
If the glass is marked in teaspoons, use 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml. A 30 ml pour is 6 teaspoons. A 45 ml pour is 9 teaspoons.
A glass filled to 1/4 cup is not the same as a 1 fl oz pour. The reference conversion gives 1/4 cup as 59 ml, which is nearly twice 30 ml.
Worked examples
Example 1: The recipe says 1 shot, and your jigger has a 1 fl oz mark. Use 30 ml.
Example 2: You want a 45 ml pour, but the glass shows tablespoons. Measure 3 tablespoons, because 3 × 15 ml = 45 ml.
Example 3: Your shot glass is full at 1/4 cup. That full glass is 59 ml, not 30 ml. For a 30 ml pour, use about half of that capacity.
Example 4: You have only a teaspoon. For a 30 ml shot, measure 6 teaspoons. For 45 ml, measure 9 teaspoons.
Bottom line: when converting a shot glass, read the marking first. 1 fl oz = 30 ml, 1 tablespoon = 15 ml, and 1 teaspoon = 5 ml.
Standard Shot Glass Milliliters
A standard U.S. shot is commonly treated as 1.5 fluid ounces. Using the kitchen conversion 1 fluid ounce = 30 ml, that makes a standard shot 45 ml.
The quick formula is: fluid ounces × 30 = milliliters. So a 1.5-ounce shot is 1.5 × 30 = 45 ml.
Common Shot Glass Sizes
| Shot size | Tablespoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 fl oz | 2 tbsp | 30 ml |
| 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 45 ml |
| 2 fl oz | 4 tbsp | 60 ml |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tbsp | 59 ml |
The important distinction: a shot glass is the container, but a shot is the pour. A glass may hold 60 ml to the rim while the intended pour is only 45 ml.
If your shot glass is marked at 1.5 oz, fill to that line for 45 ml. If it has no line, the rim capacity may not equal one standard shot.
Worked Examples
For 2 standard shots: 2 × 45 ml = 90 ml. In tablespoons, that is 2 × 3 tbsp = 6 tbsp.
For 4 standard shots: 4 × 45 ml = 180 ml. That is also 12 tablespoons, since each 45 ml shot equals 3 tablespoons.
For a recipe calling for 1 fluid ounce of liquid, use 30 ml, not a full 45 ml standard shot. That is 2 tablespoons.
For a 2-ounce pour, use 60 ml. That equals 4 tablespoons and is very close to 1/4 cup, listed as 59 ml.
Shot Glass Edge Cases
A small 1-ounce shot glass holds 30 ml. If you use it for a “standard shot,” you are short by 15 ml.
A 2-ounce shot glass holds 60 ml. If filled to the top, it gives 15 ml more than a 45 ml standard shot.
A double shot is often poured as 2 fluid ounces in recipes and bar measures. With the given conversion, that is 60 ml.
To measure without a shot glass, use tablespoons: 1 standard 45 ml shot = 3 tablespoons. A 30 ml shot is 2 tablespoons.
Bottom line: for U.S. kitchen measuring, use 45 ml for a standard shot, 30 ml for a 1-ounce shot, and 60 ml for a 2-ounce pour.
US and International Shot Sizes
In the US, a standard bar shot is usually 1.5 fluid ounces, which is about 45 ml using 1 fluid ounce = 30 ml. A smaller 1-ounce pour is 30 ml, and a 2-ounce double is 60 ml.
A shot glass is not one universal size. The number of ml depends on the country, the bar’s pour policy, and whether the drink is a single, double, or tasting pour.
Common shot sizes by pour
| Pour | Fluid ounces | Milliliters | Kitchen equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small shot | 1 fl oz | 30 ml | 2 tablespoons |
| US standard shot | 1.5 fl oz | 45 ml | 3 tablespoons |
| Large shot | 2 fl oz | 60 ml | 4 tablespoons or 1/4 cup |
Worked example: if a cocktail recipe calls for 1 shot and the recipe is US-style, measure 1.5 fl oz. That equals 3 tablespoons, because 1 tablespoon is 15 ml and 3 tablespoons is 45 ml.
If your jigger has a 1-ounce side and a 2-ounce side, the 1-ounce side is 30 ml. Fill it once plus half again to make a 1.5-ounce, 45 ml US shot.
International shot sizes
| Place or style | Typical single shot | In US measures |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 45 ml | 1.5 fl oz |
| Small international pour | 25 ml | About 5 teaspoons |
| Medium international pour | 35 ml | About 1 fl oz plus 1 teaspoon |
| Large international pour | 50 ml | About 1 fl oz plus 4 teaspoons |
A 25 ml shot is smaller than a US shot by 20 ml. That is 4 teaspoons, since 1 teaspoon is 5 ml. Substituting it directly will make a drink noticeably weaker.
A 35 ml shot is 10 ml less than a 45 ml US shot. That is 2 teaspoons short. For a recipe using 2 US shots, the shortfall becomes 20 ml, or 4 teaspoons.
A 50 ml shot is 5 ml more than a US shot. That is exactly 1 teaspoon extra. In a drink with 3 shots, that adds 15 ml, which equals 1 tablespoon.
Edge cases when measuring at home
Many novelty shot glasses hold more than they appear to. A glass filled to the rim may be 2 fl oz, or 60 ml, even if the intended serving line is closer to 45 ml.
Do not assume “one glass” equals “one shot.” Check markings if present. If there are no markings, measure water into it with tablespoons: 3 tablespoons is 45 ml.
For batching, convert by ml to avoid drift. Six US shots equal 270 ml. That is 6 × 45 ml, or 18 tablespoons.
If a recipe says “double shot” in a US context, use 3 fl oz, or 90 ml. That is 6 tablespoons, because each tablespoon is 15 ml.
How to Measure a Shot
A standard U.S. shot is commonly measured as 1.5 fluid ounces. Using the table figures, 1 fluid ounce is 30 ml, so 1.5 fluid ounces equals 45 ml.
Fast Measuring Method
- 1. Choose the target size. For a standard U.S. shot, measure 1.5 fluid ounces, which is 45 ml. For a smaller 1-ounce pour, measure 30 ml.
- 2. Use a jigger if you have one. Fill the 1.5-ounce side once for 45 ml. If the jigger marks 1 ounce, fill it once plus half again: 30 ml + 15 ml = 45 ml.
- 3. Use tablespoons if needed. 1 tablespoon is 15 ml. A 45 ml shot is 3 tablespoons. A 30 ml shot is 2 tablespoons.
- 4. Use teaspoons for small corrections. 1 teaspoon is 5 ml. If you pour 40 ml, add 1 teaspoon to reach 45 ml. If you pour 50 ml, remove 1 teaspoon to get back to 45 ml.
- 5. Use a liquid measuring cup for batches. 1/4 cup is 59 ml. That is more than a 45 ml shot by 14 ml, so do not use a full 1/4 cup for one standard shot.
- 6. Scale the count exactly. Two standard shots are 90 ml. Three are 135 ml. Four are 180 ml. These come from 45 ml per shot multiplied by the number of shots.
Worked Examples
If a recipe calls for 1 shot and your only tool is a tablespoon, measure 3 tablespoons. Since each tablespoon is 15 ml, the total is 45 ml.
If a drink needs 2 shots, measure 6 tablespoons. That is 6 x 15 ml, or 90 ml total.
If you have a 1-fluid-ounce measure, one full pour is 30 ml. Add 1 tablespoon, or 15 ml, to make a 45 ml shot.
If your shot glass holds 2 fluid ounces to the rim, it holds 60 ml when full. For a 45 ml shot, fill it to three-quarters of its full volume.
If your glass has no markings, check it with water first. Add 3 tablespoons of water, mark the fill line, then use that line for a 45 ml pour.
For a smaller 30 ml pour, use 2 tablespoons, 1 fluid ounce, or 6 teaspoons. All three equal the same volume.
For a half-size 22.5 ml pour, measure 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons. That is 15 ml + 7.5 ml = 22.5 ml.
A 1/3 cup measure is 79 ml, so it is not equal to 2 standard shots. Two 45 ml shots are 90 ml, which is 11 ml more than 1/3 cup.
A 1/2 cup measure is 118 ml. That equals two standard 45 ml shots plus 28 ml left over, which is just under 1 fluid ounce.
Shot Glass Conversion Chart
A standard U.S. shot is commonly measured as 1.5 fluid ounces. Using the kitchen conversion of 1 fluid ounce = 30 ml, that makes a standard shot 45 ml.
| Shot Amount | Fluid Ounces | Tablespoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small pour | 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 shot | 0.75 fl oz | 1.5 tbsp | 22.5 ml |
| 2-ounce shot glass | 2 fl oz | 4 tbsp | 60 ml |
Fast Answer: Ml In Common Shot Glass Sizes
If your shot glass holds 1 fluid ounce, it holds 30 ml. If it holds 1.5 fluid ounces, it holds 45 ml. If it holds 2 fluid ounces, it holds 60 ml.
The cleanest kitchen math is this: 1 fluid ounce = 2 tablespoons = 30 ml. So a 1.5-ounce shot is 3 tablespoons, and 3 tablespoons equals 45 ml.
Worked example: a cocktail calls for 2 shots of liquor. If you use a 1.5-ounce shot glass, that is 2 × 45 ml = 90 ml total.
Another example: a recipe needs 1/4 cup. The chart gives 1/4 cup as 59 ml. That is just over one 45 ml standard shot, not two full shots.
For tablespoons, use 1 tablespoon = 15 ml. A standard 45 ml shot equals exactly 3 tablespoons. A 30 ml shot equals exactly 2 tablespoons.
| Kitchen Measure | Milliliters | Shot Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 5 ml | 1/9 of a 45 ml shot |
| 1 tablespoon | 15 ml | 1/3 of a 45 ml shot |
| 2 tablespoons | 30 ml | 1 small 1-ounce shot |
| 3 tablespoons | 45 ml | 1 standard U.S. shot |
| 4 tablespoons | 59 ml | About a 2-ounce shot glass |
Edge Cases: Why Your Shot Glass May Not Match
Many shot glasses are marked to the rim, not to the practical fill line. A glass that physically holds 60 ml may be used for a 45 ml pour if you stop below the lip.
If a recipe says “one shot” but gives no size, use 45 ml for a standard U.S. shot. If precision matters, measure 3 tablespoons instead of relying on the glass shape.
If your jigger has a 1-ounce side and a 1.5-ounce side, the small side is 30 ml and the large side is 45 ml. Filling both once gives 75 ml total.
For batch drinks, multiply before pouring. Six standard shots are 6 × 45 ml = 270 ml. Four double shots are 4 × 90 ml = 360 ml.
For cup conversions, 1 cup is 237 ml. That equals about five standard 45 ml shots with 12 ml left over, because 5 × 45 ml = 225 ml.
Bottom line: most U.S. “standard shot” calculations use 45 ml, while a 1-ounce shot glass holds 30 ml and a 2-ounce shot glass holds 60 ml.
When Shot Sizes Vary
A “shot glass” is not one fixed volume. In kitchen measuring terms, the useful anchors are 1 fluid ounce = 30 ml and 1 tablespoon = 15 ml.
That means a 1-ounce shot is 30 ml, a 1 1/2-ounce shot is 45 ml, and a 2-ounce shot is 60 ml. The difference matters fast when you scale drinks or recipes.
Common shot amounts in ml
| Shot amount | Tablespoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 fl oz | 2 tbsp | 30 ml |
| 1 1/2 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 45 ml |
| 2 fl oz | 4 tbsp | 60 ml |
| 1/4 cup | 4 tbsp | 59 ml |
The edge case is 2 fl oz versus 1/4 cup. By fluid-ounce math, 2 fl oz is 60 ml. By the cup chart, 1/4 cup is 59 ml. For kitchen work, treat them as effectively the same pour.
If your glass has no marking, measure it with tablespoons. Fill the glass with water, then pour into a tablespoon. Each level tablespoon adds 15 ml.
Example: if the glass holds 3 level tablespoons, it is 45 ml. If it holds 4 level tablespoons, it is about 60 ml, matching a 2-ounce pour or 1/4 cup.
Worked examples for recipes
If a recipe calls for 2 shots and your shot is 1 fl oz, use 60 ml total. That is 2 × 30 ml.
If a recipe calls for 2 shots and your shot is 1 1/2 fl oz, use 90 ml total. That is 2 × 45 ml.
If a recipe calls for 4 shots and your glass is 2 fl oz, use 240 ml total. That is 4 × 60 ml, close to 1 cup at 237 ml.
If you only have a 1/4-cup measure, it is 59 ml. One full 1/4 cup is a practical stand-in for a 2-ounce shot.
If you only have teaspoons, 1 tablespoon is 3 teaspoons, and 1 teaspoon is 5 ml. So a 45 ml shot equals 9 teaspoons.
For a 30 ml shot, use 2 tablespoons or 6 teaspoons. For a 60 ml shot, use 4 tablespoons or 12 teaspoons.
The biggest mistake is assuming every small glass is 45 ml. A narrow cordial glass may be closer to 30 ml, while a large rocks-style shot glass may hold 60 ml or more.
For repeatable results, define the shot size first. Write “1 shot = 45 ml” or “1 shot = 30 ml” on your recipe, then scale from that number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ml are in a shot glass?
A 1-fluid-ounce shot glass holds 30 ml. Many U.S. shot glasses are marked for 1.5 fluid ounces, which equals 45 ml using the conversion 1 fluid ounce = 30 ml. Check the line on the glass if you need an exact pour.
Is a shot 30 ml or 45 ml?
Both sizes are used. A 30 ml shot equals 1 fluid ounce. A 45 ml shot equals 1.5 fluid ounces. If a recipe says “1 shot” without details, measure by volume instead of guessing, especially for cocktails.
How many tablespoons are in a shot?
A 1-fluid-ounce shot is 2 tablespoons, which equals 30 ml. A 1.5-fluid-ounce shot is 3 tablespoons, which equals 45 ml. This is useful when you do not have a shot glass but have measuring spoons.
How many teaspoons are in a 30 ml shot?
A 30 ml shot equals 1 fluid ounce. Since 1 teaspoon is 5 ml, a 30 ml shot is 6 teaspoons. It also equals 2 tablespoons, because 1 tablespoon is 15 ml.
How do I measure a shot without a shot glass?
Use measuring spoons or a liquid measuring cup. For a 30 ml shot, measure 2 tablespoons. For a 45 ml shot, measure 3 tablespoons. For a larger 60 ml pour, measure 2 fluid ounces or 4 tablespoons.
