How Much Caffeine is in 240ml of Black Coffee?

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a standard 8-ounce (240ml) cup of brewed black coffee contains approximately 96 milligrams of caffeine. However, this figure is just an average, and the actual amount of caffeine in 240ml of black coffee can vary widely depending on several factors, from the bean type to the brewing method.

Quick Summary

The typical caffeine content for a 240ml cup of brewed black coffee is about 96mg, although this amount can range significantly. Various factors, including bean origin, roast level, grind size, and brewing method, all impact the final caffeine level. Understanding these variables helps determine the strength of your daily cup.

Key Points

Average Caffeine: A standard 240ml (8oz) cup of brewed black coffee typically contains around 96 milligrams of caffeine.
Factors Impacting Content: The type of bean (Arabica vs. Robusta), roast level, grind size, brew time, and method (drip, cold brew, instant) all significantly influence the final caffeine amount.
Brewing Method Matters: Cold brew has a higher caffeine content per 240ml than drip coffee, while instant coffee generally has less.
Bean Type and Roast: Robusta beans contain more caffeine than Arabica. Lighter roasts retain more caffeine by weight than darker roasts.
Daily Intake: The FDA recommends a daily limit of 400mg for most healthy adults, which is roughly equivalent to four average 240ml cups of coffee.
Varies by Outlet: Commercial coffee shop brews can be much stronger than homemade versions, so serving size and preparation should be considered.

Understanding the Average Caffeine Content in Black Coffee

The USDA's average of 96mg for a standard 240ml cup provides a solid baseline for most home-brewed filter or drip black coffee. This is the figure that most people rely on when estimating their daily caffeine intake. However, for a more precise understanding, it's crucial to look beyond this single number. The coffee industry is full of variables that can increase or decrease this amount significantly. For instance, commercial coffee shops often brew stronger coffee, leading to a much higher caffeine dose per cup compared to what you make at home. A tall brewed coffee from a major chain, for example, can contain well over 200mg of caffeine, demonstrating the wide range possible.

Factors That Influence Caffeine Levels

Several elements contribute to the final caffeine concentration in your 240ml of black coffee. Understanding these can help you tailor your brew to your desired strength.

Coffee Bean Variety

The type of coffee bean plays a critical role. The two primary species are Robusta and Arabica. Robusta beans are known for their high caffeine content, often having nearly twice as much as Arabica beans. Arabica beans, prized for their complex flavor, contain a lower caffeine level. Therefore, a cup made from 100% Robusta beans will provide a much more potent caffeine kick than one made from Arabica beans.

Roast Level

A common misconception is that darker roasts contain more caffeine. In reality, the opposite is true. Lighter roasts retain a slightly higher caffeine content by weight because they are roasted for a shorter duration, losing less mass. Darker roasts, while having a bolder flavor, have a slightly lower caffeine concentration. However, this difference is relatively small and often less impactful than other factors like brewing method or bean type.

Grind Size and Brew Time

The fineness of your coffee grind and the length of time it is in contact with water (brew time) are key to extraction. A finer grind exposes more surface area to water, leading to a faster and more complete extraction of caffeine. Similarly, a longer brew time results in more caffeine being pulled from the grounds. This is why cold brew, which steeps for hours, can have an exceptionally high caffeine content compared to a quick-brewed drip coffee.

Brewing Method

The method used to prepare your coffee dramatically impacts caffeine content. Here is a comparison of different methods based on a 240ml serving:


Brewing Method	Typical Caffeine Range (per 240ml)	Notes
Drip/Filter Coffee	95-165mg	A standard, everyday brew method. Caffeine content can vary based on the amount of coffee grounds used.
Instant Coffee	30-90mg	Generally contains less caffeine, though it varies by brand and preparation strength.
Cold Brew	150-300mg	High caffeine content due to a long steeping time and high coffee-to-water ratio.
Espresso (Americano)	126mg+	While a single 30ml shot is ~63mg, a 240ml Americano (diluted double shot) contains a significant amount.

Why Does Caffeine Content Matter?

Understanding caffeine content is important for managing your health and avoiding overconsumption. The FDA recommends a daily limit of 400mg for most healthy adults, which is approximately four 240ml cups of average brewed coffee. However, individuals vary in their sensitivity to caffeine, with some experiencing side effects like anxiety, insomnia, or jitters at lower doses. This is particularly relevant for pregnant women, who are advised to limit intake to 200mg per day.

Conclusion: The Final Caffeine Count

To answer the question, a standard 240ml cup of brewed black coffee contains around 96 milligrams of caffeine, but this figure can range from roughly 30mg to over 300mg depending on various factors. For a moderate caffeine boost, drip coffee is a great choice. If you want a more potent kick, cold brew or a double-shot Americano is the way to go. Instant coffee offers a milder alternative for those who are more sensitive to caffeine. By being mindful of the bean, roast, and brew method, you can precisely control the amount of caffeine in your cup.

Learn more about caffeine and health from the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 240ml cup of instant coffee generally contains less caffeine than brewed coffee, typically ranging from 30 to 90 milligrams, depending on the brand and how it's prepared.

Yes, cold brew typically has a higher caffeine content per 240ml. The longer steeping time extracts more caffeine, resulting in a concentration of 150-300mg or more for that serving size.

A 240ml (Tall) black coffee from a commercial chain like Starbucks often has a much higher caffeine content than a home brew. The exact amount varies by roast, but can easily be over 150mg.

Yes, by weight, lighter roasts have slightly more caffeine than darker roasts because they lose less mass during roasting. However, the difference is minimal compared to other factors.

The type of coffee bean used is one of the most significant factors. Robusta beans have nearly double the caffeine of Arabica beans, which are more common in specialty coffee.

A finer grind allows for greater surface area exposure to water, which leads to a more efficient and higher extraction of caffeine from the coffee grounds.

For most healthy adults, 96mg is a moderate and safe amount of caffeine. The FDA-recommended daily limit is 400mg, so this falls well within a safe daily intake for most individuals.