How Many Ounces in a Shot? Shot Sizes Explained

The thing is, not all shot glasses are the same size. The size of a shot varies remarkably depending on where in the world you order it. Even inside the US, you may get shots of different sizes.

As there is no law, the ounces in a shot range between 1 to 1.5 ounces. In most cases, ordering a shot will get you a "jigger shot" - this measurement is clearly defined and conforms to exactly 1.5 ounces.

In other parts of the world, shot sizes range anywhere from 0.67 ounces in Germany up to slightly more than 2 ounces in Japan.

How Many Ounces in a Shot?

The exact number of ounces in a shot depends on the size of your shot glass. They range from 1 to 2 ounces, but most shot glasses hold between 1.25 and 1.5 ounces. The most common size of a shot in the US is 1.5 ounces.

For the rest of the world, the numbers are different. In Germany, a single shot will get you 0.67 ounces, in Australia 1 ounce, and in Japan, you will get more than 2 ounces.

Here's a table that compares the number of ounces per shot around the world.

Country	Shot size in ounces	Shot size in ml
Germany	0.67 oz	20 ml
Channel Islands, South Africa	0.84 oz	25 ml
France, UK	0.84 or 1.18 oz	25 or 35 ml
Isle of Man	0.96 oz	28.4 ml
Australia, India	1.01 oz	30 ml
Serbia	1.01 - 1.69 oz	30 - 50 ml
Netherlands	1.18 oz	35 ml
Ireland	1.2 oz	35.5 ml
Denmark, Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Norway	1.35 oz	40 ml
Hungary, Slovakia	1.35 or 1.69 oz	40 or 50 ml
Italy	1.35 - 2.02 oz	40 or 60 ml
USA, Canada	1.5 oz	44 ml
Greece	1.52 oz	45 ml
Albania, Bulgaria, Korea, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovenia	1.69 oz	50 ml
Israel	1.69 or 2.02 oz	50 ml or 60 ml
Japan	2.02 oz	60 ml

How Many Ounces in a Double Shot?

In general, a double shot contains exactly 3 ounces of liquor. That's because double shots are typically asked for in cocktails and refer to jigger shots.

Some dodgy bars sell double shots with 2 ounces, explaining that this is double of one ounce.

Measuring with shot glasses

Taking measurements of cocktail ingredients with a shot glass can be problematic and you should only use glasses you know. If you know that your glass holds 1 or 1.5 ounces, it can be a great tool. If you don't know, it can ruin your drink.

It is a common misconception that all shot glasses are standardized to hold 1 oz of liquid. In fact, similar to a dash or a dram, they are not officially standardized. Shot glasses usually have a volume between 1 and 2 liquid ounces.

Thus, there's a good chance your shot glass holds something around 2 oz, so doubling the amount you were perhaps expecting. To make it short: you shouldn't measure your intake in shot glasses.

Also note: If you're about to make a cocktail and your recipe asks for a shot, it usually refers to a jigger shot. A jigger shot means 1.5 oz of liquor.

And by the way, if you don't have a jigger at home, I suggest getting one. It's an absolutely essential tool for your home bar.

How many ml are in a shot?

To answer this, you need to convert oz into ml. 1 oz is approximately 30ml. So 1.5 oz of liquor is about 45ml (to be precise, it's 44ml, but 45ml is easier to memorize), and 2 oz equals 60ml. Here's a tool that helps converting these amounts.

The same goes for cl: 1 cl is 10ml, so 1 oz equals 3 cl, 1.5 oz equals 4.5cl, and 2 oz equals 6cl. Once you know that, converting amounts from oz to ml or cl becomes pretty straightforward.

Ounces in a Shot by Country [Infographic]

The shot sizes vary a lot depending on where you order it. Every country in the world seems to have its own shot size standards. You don't have to travel far to notice that a shot isn't always what you expect it to be. Check out the graphic below to see how many ounces you get per shot around the world.

Shot Size FAQs

What is a standard alcohol shot size?

The common shot size is 1.5 ounces. You can get smaller or larger shots depending on the location.

How many tablespoons are in a Shot?

One tablespoon holds 0.5 ounces. Assuming your shot holds 1.5 ounces, you would need 3 tablespoons.

How many teaspoons are in one shot?

A teaspoon hold 1/6 of an ounce. So, 1.5 ounces of liquid equals 9 teaspoons.

Jigger vs Shot - What's the difference in ounces?

Jigger and shot are to be used interchangeably in most cases and both mean 1.5 ounces.

How to measure a shot?

The easiest way is using a jigger. But you can also use other tools like tablespoons, teaspoons, or measuring cups to get the correct amount.

What's the difference between a shooter and a shot?

Shooter glasses are specific shot glasses with a tall and narrow design. They often hold more liquid than ordinary shot glasses holding between 2 to 3 ounces of liquid.

On a final note

Before mixology became my passion, I assumed a shot would be a fixed international standard and didn't consider the possibility that it could be different in other places. Maybe you did, too?

So, the next time you have a shot at a new place, you know what you will get. -At least at the first one. After the fourth, things get blurry anyway.