A standard U.S. shot glass holds 1.5 ounces, equal to 3 tablespoons or 44 milliliters. Some bar shot glasses are 1 ounce or 2 ounces, but most cocktail recipes mean 1.5 ounces when they call for a shot.
How Many Ounces Are in a Shot Glass: 1.5 fluid ounces is the standard U.S. shot. That equals 3 tablespoons, 44 mL, or one jigger. Many small bar glasses look close, but a shot glass is not a full shot unless it holds 1.5 oz.
For recipes, use 1.5 oz when a drink, sauce, glaze, or syrup calls for a shot. If your glass has a fill line, measure to that line, not the rim. Mini glasses may be 1 oz, while tall souvenir glasses can be 2 oz, so check with a liquid cup.
The Short Answer, With Numbers
In the U.S., a standard shot is 1.5 fluid ounces, equal to 3 tablespoons, 44 milliliters, or 9 teaspoons.
That is the number to use for most cocktail recipes, liquor pours, and “one shot” bar measurements in the United States.
| Pour name | Fluid ounces | Tablespoons | Milliliters | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard U.S. shot | 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 44 ml | Default “one shot” amount |
| Small shot or pony shot | 1 fl oz | 2 tbsp | 30 ml | Smaller pours, tastings |
| Double shot | 3 fl oz | 6 tbsp | 89 ml | Two standard shots |
| Half shot | 0.75 fl oz | 1.5 tbsp | 22 ml | Split pours, lower-proof drinks |
| Common jigger large side | 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 44 ml | Measuring one standard shot |
| Common jigger small side | 0.75 fl oz | 1.5 tbsp | 22 ml | Measuring a half shot |
What to pour if the recipe says “1 shot”
If a U.S. cocktail recipe says 1 shot of vodka, pour 1.5 fl oz. If it says 2 shots, pour 3 fl oz.
Worked example: a drink calling for 2 shots of tequila needs 3 fl oz, because 1.5 plus 1.5 equals 3.
Another example: if a punch recipe calls for 8 shots of rum, use 12 fl oz. Multiply 8 by 1.5.
For tablespoons, multiply the number of shots by 3. So 4 shots equals 12 tablespoons.
For milliliters, use about 44 ml per U.S. shot. So 3 shots equals about 132 ml.
Why your shot glass may not hold exactly 1.5 ounces
A glass called a “shot glass” is not always a measuring tool. Many hold 1 oz, 1.25 oz, 1.5 oz, or 2 oz when filled to the rim.
The rim is the edge case. A 2 oz shot glass filled halfway is 1 oz, not one standard U.S. shot.
A heavy-bottomed shot glass can look large but hold only 1.5 oz. A tall narrow one can hold 2 oz or more.
For accurate cocktails, use a jigger or measure water into the glass first. Fill it with 3 tablespoons of water; that marks a standard 1.5 oz shot.
If you are scaling drinks, use ounces, not the physical glass. “One shot” means 1.5 fl oz in U.S. recipe math unless the recipe says otherwise.
Standard Shot Glass Ounces
A standard shot glass in the United States holds 1.5 fluid ounces. That equals 3 tablespoons, 9 teaspoons, or about 44 milliliters.
If a recipe calls for “1 shot” of liquor and does not give a size, use 1.5 fl oz. This is the common U.S. bar pour for a single shot of whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, or gin.
Common Shot Glass Sizes
| Shot size | Fluid ounces | Milliliters | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small shot | 1 fl oz | 30 mL | Some older or novelty glasses |
| Standard U.S. shot | 1.5 fl oz | 44 mL | Most cocktail recipes and bar pours |
| Large shot | 2 fl oz | 59 mL | Oversized shot glasses or heavy pours |
| Double shot | 3 fl oz | 89 mL | Two standard U.S. shots |
The key detail is that “shot glass” describes the glass, not always the exact measure. A shot glass may be marked for 1 oz, 1.5 oz, or 2 oz, depending on the manufacturer.
For measuring, use the fill line if the glass has one. If it has no line, filling it to the rim may give more than one standard shot, especially with thick-bottomed or flared glasses.
Worked Examples
If a cocktail calls for 2 shots of vodka, use 3 fl oz. Calculation: 2 × 1.5 fl oz = 3 fl oz.
If a punch recipe calls for 6 shots of rum, use 9 fl oz. Calculation: 6 × 1.5 fl oz = 9 fl oz.
If you only have a tablespoon, measure 1 shot as 3 tablespoons. A half shot is 1.5 tablespoons. A double shot is 6 tablespoons.
If you only have teaspoons, 1 standard shot is 9 teaspoons. A 1 oz shot is 6 teaspoons, and a 2 oz shot is 12 teaspoons.
Edge Cases That Change the Ounces
A jigger is often 1.5 fl oz on the large side and 0.75 fl oz on the small side, but some jiggers are 2 fl oz and 1 fl oz. Read the markings before using it as a shot glass.
A pony shot is commonly 1 fl oz. If a recipe specifically says pony, do not use 1.5 fl oz unless the recipe defines it that way.
A double shot in U.S. measuring is usually 3 fl oz, because it is two 1.5 fl oz shots. Some oversized glasses labeled “double” may hold 2 fl oz instead.
Mini shot glasses can hold 0.75 fl oz or 1 fl oz. Tall narrow shooter glasses can hold 2 fl oz or more. Shape alone does not prove the volume.
For accuracy, fill the shot glass with water, pour it into a liquid measuring cup, and read the ounces. That tells you the real capacity without wasting liquor.
Bottom line: for U.S. recipes, bars, and home mixing, count 1 shot glass as 1.5 fluid ounces unless the glass or recipe states a different size.
US Versus International Shots
In the United States, a standard shot is usually 1.5 US fluid ounces. That equals 44.36 milliliters, often rounded to 44 ml or 45 ml on bar tools.
The catch: “shot glass” does not always mean “standard shot.” Many US shot glasses physically hold 2 ounces to the rim, while the pour served in a drink is commonly 1.5 ounces.
Common shot sizes by country
| Place | Typical shot | In US ounces |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 1.5 fl oz | 1.5 oz |
| United Kingdom | 25 ml or 35 ml | 0.85 oz or 1.18 oz |
| Australia | 30 ml | 1.01 oz |
| Canada | 1.5 fl oz is common | 1.5 oz |
| Japan | 30 ml is common | 1.01 oz |
| Germany | 20 ml or 40 ml | 0.68 oz or 1.35 oz |
| Italy | 40 ml is common | 1.35 oz |
Use this conversion when comparing recipes: 1 US fluid ounce = 29.57 ml. So a 1.5-ounce US shot is 1.5 × 29.57 = 44.36 ml.
A 30 ml international shot is not the same as a US shot. It is 30 ÷ 29.57 = 1.01 US fl oz, about two-thirds of a 1.5-ounce US pour.
A UK 25 ml shot is smaller still. It equals 25 ÷ 29.57 = 0.85 US fl oz. Two UK 25 ml shots total 50 ml, or 1.69 US fl oz.
A UK 35 ml shot equals 35 ÷ 29.57 = 1.18 US fl oz. Two of them total 70 ml, or 2.37 US fl oz.
Recipe examples
If a US cocktail recipe calls for 2 shots, it usually means 2 × 1.5 oz = 3 US fl oz. In milliliters, that is about 89 ml.
If you make that same drink with 30 ml shots, 2 shots give you only 60 ml, or 2.03 US fl oz. You would be short by about 29 ml, almost one 30 ml shot.
To match a US 1.5-ounce shot using a 30 ml jigger, pour 1 full 30 ml measure plus 15 ml. That totals 45 ml, close to the US standard.
To match a US 1.5-ounce shot using a 25 ml measure, pour 25 ml plus 20 ml. That totals 45 ml.
Edge cases that cause confusion
A “pony shot” in the US is commonly 1 ounce, not 1.5 ounces. If a recipe says pony, do not treat it as a full standard shot.
A “double shot” depends on the base shot size. In a US bar, it is often 3 ounces. In a 30 ml system, a double is usually 60 ml, or about 2.03 US fl oz.
Shot glasses sold as souvenirs are unreliable measuring tools. A glass may be labeled “shot glass” but hold 1 ounce, 1.5 ounces, 2 ounces, or more when filled to the rim.
For accurate mixing, ignore the glass name and measure the liquid. In US recipes, read “1 shot” as 1.5 US fl oz unless the recipe states another amount.
How to Measure a Shot
A standard U.S. shot is usually 1.5 fluid ounces, equal to 3 tablespoons, 9 teaspoons, or about 44 milliliters. Measure to the liquid line, not to the rim, unless the glass is labeled as a full-to-rim jigger.
Fast measuring method
- 1. Check the recipe amount. If it says “1 shot” in a U.S. cocktail recipe, use 1.5 fl oz. If it says “1 oz,” “2 oz,” or “½ shot,” follow that exact number instead of assuming.
- 2. Pick a measuring tool. Best choice: a jigger marked 0.5 oz, 0.75 oz, 1 oz, and 1.5 oz. Second choice: a liquid measuring cup with ounce marks. Third choice: tablespoons.
- 3. Convert if needed. Use 1.5 fl oz = 3 tbsp = 9 tsp. For a 1 oz pour, use 2 tbsp. For a 0.75 oz pour, use 1 tbsp plus 1½ tsp.
- 4. Measure at eye level. Set the jigger or cup on a flat counter. Look straight across the mark. The curve of the liquid should sit on the line, not above it.
- 5. Pour slowly near the top. For 1.5 oz, fill to the 1.5 oz line, then stop. A rounded meniscus over the mark can add about ⅛ oz in a small jigger.
- 6. Empty fully into the drink. Tip the jigger straight down for 2 seconds. Thick syrups cling to the metal; spirits drain quickly, but a quick pause keeps the measure accurate.
Worked examples
For a margarita needing 2 oz tequila, measure 1.5 oz first, then add 0.5 oz. That equals one full standard shot plus one-third of a standard shot.
For an old fashioned needing 2 oz whiskey, do not use one shot glass unless it holds 2 oz. Use a 2 oz jigger, or pour 1.5 oz plus 0.5 oz.
For a half-shot of liqueur, measure 0.75 fl oz. That equals 1 tablespoon plus 1½ teaspoons. It is not half of a 1 oz pony shot unless the recipe defines it that way.
| Amount | Ounces | Tablespoons | Milliliters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half standard shot | 0.75 fl oz | 1.5 tbsp | about 22 ml |
| Standard U.S. shot | 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | about 44 ml |
| Double shot | 3 fl oz | 6 tbsp | about 89 ml |
Shot glass edge cases
Many souvenir shot glasses hold 2 oz to the rim, even if people call them “shot glasses.” If you fill that glass completely, you may pour one-third more than a 1.5 oz standard shot.
A tall narrow glass can look fuller than a wide one at the same 1.5 oz. Shape does not matter; the ounce mark matters.
If your glass has no mark, test it once with water. Add 3 tablespoons of water, then note the level. That line is your 1.5 oz reference for future pours.
For batching, multiply the shot size by servings. Six standard shots equal 9 fl oz total. Four double shots equal 12 fl oz total.
Shot Glass Size Chart
A standard U.S. shot is 1.5 fl oz, equal to 3 tablespoons, 9 teaspoons, or about 44 ml. Many shot glasses look similar but hold 1 to 2 fl oz.
| Shot glass type | Fluid ounces | Tablespoons | Milliliters | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small shot | 1 fl oz | 2 tbsp | 30 ml | Tastings, strong pours |
| Standard U.S. shot | 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 44 ml | Most cocktail recipes |
| Large shot | 2 fl oz | 4 tbsp | 59 ml | Double-looking shot glasses |
| Double shot | 3 fl oz | 6 tbsp | 89 ml | Two standard U.S. shots |
| Pony shot | 1 fl oz | 2 tbsp | 30 ml | Smaller bar measure |
| Jigger large side | 1.5 fl oz | 3 tbsp | 44 ml | Main cocktail measure |
| Jigger small side | 0.75 fl oz | 1.5 tbsp | 22 ml | Half-shot additions |
Quick conversions for one shot
Use 1 shot = 1.5 fl oz when a U.S. cocktail recipe simply says “a shot.” That is the same as 3 tablespoons or 9 teaspoons.
If your glass is marked only in milliliters, 45 ml is close enough for a standard 1.5 fl oz shot. The exact metric value is about 44 ml.
If a recipe calls for 2 shots, measure 3 fl oz. That equals 6 tablespoons, 18 teaspoons, or about 89 ml.
If a recipe calls for 1/2 shot, measure 0.75 fl oz. That equals 1 1/2 tablespoons, 4 1/2 teaspoons, or about 22 ml.
Worked examples
Example 1: A margarita recipe calls for 2 shots tequila. Using the U.S. standard, pour 3 fl oz tequila total: 1.5 fl oz plus 1.5 fl oz.
Example 2: A sauce needs 1 shot bourbon. If you do not have a shot glass, measure 3 tablespoons bourbon with kitchen spoons.
Example 3: A drink recipe says 1/2 shot orange liqueur. Use the small side of a jigger if it is 0.75 fl oz, or measure 1 1/2 tablespoons.
Edge cases that change the answer
A shot glass filled to the rim may hold more than a standard shot. Many souvenir glasses hold 2 fl oz, so filling one completely can add an extra 0.5 fl oz.
A heavy-base shot glass may look large but hold only 1 fl oz. The thick bottom reduces capacity, so appearance is not a reliable measure.
A “double shot” is usually 3 fl oz in U.S. recipe math. It is not the same as filling a 2 fl oz shot glass once.
For accurate cooking or mixing, measure with a jigger, liquid measuring cup, or tablespoons. Do not assume every shot glass equals 1.5 fl oz.
Common Pouring Mistakes
The biggest mistake is assuming every shot glass holds 1.5 ounces. Many look like a “standard shot” but hold 1 ounce, 1.25 ounces, 1.75 ounces, or 2 ounces when filled to the rim.
For recipe math, treat a U.S. shot as 1.5 fluid ounces unless the recipe says otherwise. That equals 3 tablespoons, 9 teaspoons, or 44.36 milliliters.
Filling to the Rim Instead of the Pour Line
Many shot glasses are not meant to be filled completely. A glass labeled or sold as a 1.5-ounce shot may physically hold closer to 1.75 or 2 ounces if you pour to the lip.
Example: if a cocktail calls for 2 shots of whiskey, that should be 3 ounces when using 1.5-ounce shots. If your “shot” is actually 2 ounces to the rim, you pour 4 ounces instead.
That 1-ounce overpour is not small. In a 2-drink batch, it becomes 2 extra ounces. In an 8-drink batch, it becomes 8 extra ounces, which is more than 5 standard 1.5-ounce shots.
Confusing a Shot Glass With a Jigger
A common bar jigger has 2 sides: 1.5 ounces on the large side and 0.75 ounce on the small side. Some jiggers are 1 ounce and 0.5 ounce, so check the markings.
If a recipe says “1 shot” and you use the 0.75-ounce side, the drink gets half the intended liquor. If it says “2 shots,” you add 1.5 ounces instead of 3 ounces.
A worked example: a margarita using 1.5 ounces tequila, 1 ounce lime juice, and 0.5 ounce orange liqueur has 3 ounces before ice. Using a 2-ounce “shot” for tequila raises it to 3.5 ounces.
Using Count-Pours Without Calibration
A free-pour count is only useful if it was calibrated with your pour spout. One person’s 4-count may be 1 ounce; another’s may be 1.5 ounces.
To test it, pour a 4-count into a measuring cup 5 times. If the total is 7.5 ounces, your average is 1.5 ounces. If the total is 6.25 ounces, your average is 1.25 ounces.
For batched drinks, that error multiplies fast. A 0.25-ounce short pour across 12 cocktails leaves out 3 ounces of liquor, equal to 2 full 1.5-ounce shots.
Ignoring Mini, Tall, and Novelty Shot Glasses
Mini shot glasses often hold 1 ounce. Tall narrow glasses may hold 1.5 ounces only to a line, not to the top. Heavy-bottom glasses can look large while holding less liquid.
Novelty glasses are the worst for measuring. A skull, boot, or square-sided glass may vary by several tenths of an ounce because the shape hides the fill level.
The fastest fix is water. Fill the glass to the level you normally pour, then empty it into a tablespoon measure. If it takes 3 tablespoons, that level is 1.5 ounces.
If it takes 4 tablespoons, it is 2 ounces. If it takes 2 tablespoons, it is 1 ounce. Mark the correct fill line with a temporary tape strip when making several drinks.
Mixing Up Fluid Ounces and Weight Ounces
A shot is measured in fluid ounces, not weight ounces. Fluid ounces measure volume. Weight ounces measure mass. A 1.5-fluid-ounce pour is not always 1.5 ounces by weight.
This matters when using a kitchen scale. Water is close enough for checking glass volume, but syrups, cream liqueurs, and dense juices can weigh more than their fluid-ounce volume suggests.
For cocktail recipes, use a jigger, tablespoon, or liquid measuring cup. Use a scale only if the recipe gives gram weights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ounces are in a standard shot glass?
A standard shot glass in the U.S. usually holds 1.5 fluid ounces. That is the pour most cocktail recipes mean when they call for “1 shot.” Some small shot glasses hold 1 ounce, and larger double-shot glasses often hold 2 ounces.
Is a shot 1 ounce or 1.5 ounces?
In the U.S., a typical shot is 1.5 fluid ounces, but 1 ounce is also common for smaller bar pours or “pony” shots. If you are following a recipe, assume 1 shot equals 1.5 ounces unless the recipe or glass marking says otherwise.
How many tablespoons are in a shot?
A 1.5-ounce shot equals 3 tablespoons. If your shot glass is 1 ounce, it equals 2 tablespoons. For kitchen measuring, use a liquid measuring spoon or jigger instead of guessing from an unmarked shot glass.
How many milliliters are in a shot glass?
A U.S. 1.5-ounce shot is about 44 milliliters. A 1-ounce shot is about 30 milliliters, and a 2-ounce double shot is about 59 milliliters. Many jiggers show both ounces and milliliters for more accurate cocktail measuring.
How can I tell how many ounces my shot glass holds?
Fill the shot glass with water, then pour it into a liquid measuring cup. A standard U.S. shot glass should measure 1.5 ounces. If it reaches 1 ounce or 2 ounces instead, label it mentally as a small shot or double shot glass.
