How many ounces in a shot glass? The short answer: in the United States, a standard shot is 1.5 ounces, or 44 milliliters. That equals 3 tablespoons. For most home cocktail recipes, 1.5 ounces is the pour to use when a recipe calls for one shot.
The tricky part is that not every shot glass holds 1.5 ounces. Shot glasses are commonly made in 1-ounce, 1.5-ounce, and 2-ounce sizes. The 1.5-ounce shot is a convention, not a federal measurement, except in Utah, where it is the legal maximum. Depending on the bar, the glass, or the country, a shot can be 1 ounce, 1.25 ounces, or 2 ounces.
Shot glass sizes at a glance
| Glass or pour | Typical capacity | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Standard U.S. shot pour | 1.5 oz (44 ml) | The default amount for most mixed-drink recipes. |
| Shot glass | 1–2 oz | Capacity varies and does not always match the house pour. |
| Jigger | 0.5–2 oz per side | A measuring tool, not a serving glass. |
| Shooter | 2–5 oz | A taller glass for mixed or layered shots, not a single measure. |
| Pony glass | Varies | A small spirit or cordial glass without one universal size. |
When a recipe calls for one shot, think of 1.5 ounces unless it says otherwise. The size of the glass is separate from the size of the pour.
U.S. shot sizes vary more than you would expect
There is no federal rule that defines a shot in the United States. Utah is the exception: state law sets the maximum shot at 1.5 ounces. Elsewhere, bars commonly pour 1.25 or 1.5 ounces. Some high-volume bars pour 1-ounce shots, and some craft-cocktail bars pour 2 ounces. That means the same order can be a single shot at one bar and a double at another.
This matters at home because an old or promotional shot glass may be smaller than you expect. If a bottle of vodka came with a free glass, check its capacity before building a cocktail with it.
International shot sizes are different too
Shot sizes also vary by country. The United Kingdom's standard pour is around 1.25 ounces. Germany's shot is often about three-quarters of an ounce. Australia commonly uses 30 ml, or about 1 ounce, for a single shot and 60 ml, or about 2 ounces, for a double. Canada varies between roughly 1 ounce and 1.5 ounces depending on the province or establishment.
If you collect shot glasses from trips abroad, treat them as souvenirs until you measure them. A glass from another country may not match the 1.5-ounce American convention.
Why you should not just fill the shot glass
The biggest mistake is confusing a full shot glass with a standard shot. A 2-ounce glass filled to the rim is a double pour. A 1-ounce glass filled to the rim is only two-thirds of a standard shot. For mixed drinks, what matters is the amount of alcohol that goes into the drink, not whether the serving glass looks full.
That is why professional bartenders often use a jigger for cocktails. A jigger is designed to measure, while a shot glass is designed to serve. If you only have a shot glass, check its actual capacity once, then pour by that mark instead of by the rim.
How to measure a shot without a jigger
If you do not own a jigger, you can still measure a standard shot with ordinary kitchen tools.
Use tablespoons
One fluid ounce equals 2 tablespoons. For the standard 1.5-ounce shot, use 3 tablespoons. For a 1-ounce pour, use 2 tablespoons. For a 2-ounce double, use 4 tablespoons. Level the tablespoon for a consistent measure.
Use a liquid measuring cup
A small measuring cup with ounce or milliliter marks is more reliable than guessing. Pour to the 1.5-ounce line, or the 44-milliliter line if the cup is metric. This works for spirits, liqueurs, and mixers.
Calibrate a shot glass
If you want to keep using a favorite shot glass, measure 1.5 ounces of water with tablespoons and pour it into the glass. Mark the level with a piece of tape. After that, you will know exactly where the pour should stop.
Shot glass mistakes to avoid
- Do not assume full means one shot. The glass capacity may be larger or smaller than the recipe shot.
- Do not use a shooter glass as a measuring cup. Shooter glasses hold 2 to 5 ounces and are designed for mixed or layered shots, not for a single measure.
- Do not trust a promotional shot glass. Free glasses are often 1 ounce, not 1.5 ounces.
- Do not pour by counting. Counting seconds from a bottle can vary by bottle size and pour speed. Measuring is more consistent.
Shot glass FAQ
How many ounces in a shot glass?
A standard U.S. shot glass holds about 1.5 ounces, but sizes range from 1 to 2 ounces. The capacity of a shot glass and the standard shot pour are not always the same.
How many tablespoons are in a shot?
There are 3 tablespoons in a standard 1.5-ounce U.S. shot. There are 2 tablespoons in a 1-ounce pour and 4 tablespoons in a 2-ounce pour.
How many milliliters are in a shot?
A standard U.S. shot is 44 milliliters. Many metric shot glasses list 30 ml or 50 ml, so check the label.
