How Much is 1 oz of Liquor, and What Does It Mean for Your Drink?

October 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a standard US drink contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, which is less than what is found in a typical shot. Understanding how much is 1 oz of liquor is fundamental for both home mixologists and those mindful of their consumption, as it forms the basis for many cocktail recipes and nutritional calculations.

Quick Summary

One US fluid ounce of liquor is equivalent to approximately 29.57 milliliters, a key measurement for bartending and drink preparation. This article explains the difference between a fluid ounce and a standard shot in the US, detailing how this volume is used in recipes, affects calorie intake, and relates to standard drink guidelines. It is important for consistent pours and managing alcohol consumption.

Key Points

1 fl oz = 29.57ml: A US fluid ounce is precisely 29.57 milliliters, often rounded to 30ml for convenience.
1 oz is not a standard shot: In the US, a standard shot is typically 1.5 fluid ounces, or about 44ml, not 1 ounce.
Calorie count varies with proof: An ounce of 80-proof liquor contains approximately 64 calories, but higher proof spirits will have more.
Measurement ensures consistency: Accurate measuring with tools like a jigger is crucial for consistent cocktail flavor and strength.
A standard drink contains 0.6 oz of pure alcohol: A standard US drink is based on pure alcohol content, not just the volume of liquor.
Proper tools prevent overpouring: Using jiggers or measuring cups helps prevent overpouring, which can affect the taste, strength, and caloric load of a drink.

Converting 1 oz to Milliliters

For most practical purposes, especially in bartending, 1 US fluid ounce is treated as approximately 30 milliliters. However, for strict scientific accuracy, 1 fluid ounce actually converts to 29.57 milliliters. This small difference is generally negligible for everyday cocktail preparation but is good to know for precision.

To quickly convert a larger volume, you can simply multiply the number of ounces by 29.57. For example, a standard 750ml bottle, often called a 'fifth,' contains approximately 25.36 fluid ounces. Knowing this conversion is vital for calculating how many drinks are in a bottle.

The Difference Between an Ounce and a Shot

One of the most common points of confusion is the distinction between an ounce and a standard shot. While a shot is often casually referred to as an ounce, this is inaccurate in the United States. While Utah officially defines a shot as 1 fluid ounce, most US bars pour a standard shot that is 1.5 fluid ounces, or about 44 milliliters.

Standard US Shot: 1.5 fl oz (44ml)
Utah Standard Shot: 1 fl oz (30ml)
Single UK Shot: 0.85 fl oz (25ml)

This variation highlights why measuring your ingredients is crucial for consistent cocktail results and for accurately tracking your alcohol intake, especially when using recipes from different regions. Using a jigger, a bar tool with pre-measured sides, can help ensure accuracy.

Why Measuring Your Liquor Matters

Accurate measurement of liquor is important for several reasons beyond just crafting a balanced cocktail. Understanding the volume of your pour affects the drink's overall strength, flavor, and caloric content. This is particularly important for managing your health and drinking responsibly.

Alcohol Strength and Consistency

Every cocktail is built on a specific ratio of ingredients. An extra half-ounce of liquor can significantly alter the balance, overpowering the other flavors and making the drink much stronger than intended. Measuring precisely ensures that every drink tastes the same, a key principle for any professional or amateur bartender. This consistency is also critical for commercial establishments and helps manage inventory.

Calorie Control

For those watching their caloric intake, knowing the size of your pour is essential. Pure alcohol contains approximately 7 calories per gram, and a 1.5 oz standard shot of 80-proof liquor has about 96 calories. Calorie content increases with higher proof spirits and added sugary mixers. By sticking to a measured 1 oz pour, you can significantly reduce the calories per serving, especially when paired with a zero-calorie mixer like soda water.

Standard Drink Equivalents

The CDC defines a 'standard drink' as any beverage containing 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. While a 1.5 oz shot of 80-proof liquor equates to one standard drink, a 1 oz pour does not. Understanding this metric helps individuals accurately track their consumption and avoid excessive drinking. The table below compares the fluid ounces for different types of alcohol to illustrate standard drink sizes.


Beverage Type	Standard US Drink Size	Fluid Ounces	Milliliters
Distilled Spirits (80 proof)	1.5 oz shot	1.5 fl oz	44ml
Wine (12% ABV)	5 oz glass	5 fl oz	148ml
Regular Beer (5% ABV)	12 oz can or bottle	12 fl oz	355ml

Tools for Accurate Measurement

To ensure your pours are accurate, several tools are available, ranging from simple to high-tech. The most popular choice for both home and professional use is the jigger. A standard jigger typically features a 1.5 oz side and a 0.75 oz side, making it perfect for standard US pours. Many jiggers also have incremental lines for measuring smaller volumes, including a single ounce.

Alternatively, many shot glasses have measurement lines, though their capacity can vary widely, so it's always best to verify the volume before relying on one for precise cocktail mixing. For those who prefer to eyeball it, learning to 'free pour' by counting seconds requires practice but can lead to impressively accurate results.

Conclusion: The Final Drop on 1 oz of Liquor

In short, 1 US fluid ounce of liquor is roughly 29.57 milliliters and is a foundational unit for measuring cocktails and spirits. While it's slightly different from a standard 1.5 oz shot in most parts of the US, understanding this specific volume is critical for maintaining consistency in mixed drinks, controlling caloric intake, and managing alcohol consumption responsibly. By using proper measuring tools like a jigger, you can master the art of the perfect pour and make more informed decisions about your drinking habits. Knowing the details behind how much is 1 oz of liquor ensures both enjoyable and responsible imbibing.

Frequently Asked Questions

One US fluid ounce (oz) is equal to 29.5735296 milliliters (ml), though it is often rounded to 30 ml for ease of use in bartending.

No, in the United States, a standard shot is typically 1.5 fluid ounces. A 1 oz pour is often called a 'pony' shot and is a smaller serving.

The number of calories depends on the proof. A 1 oz pour of a standard 80-proof (40% ABV) liquor contains approximately 64 calories.

Accurate measurement ensures consistency in a drink's flavor profile, controls the drink's strength, helps manage calorie intake, and prevents overpouring for businesses.

A bartender's jigger is the most common and accurate tool. Many jiggers have different measurements on each end, including a specific 1 oz marker or a 1.5 oz side with markings.

No. According to the CDC, a 'standard drink' in the US contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, which equates to 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor, not 1 oz.

Yes, there are different fluid ounce measurements depending on the location. For example, the Imperial fluid ounce used in the UK is slightly smaller at 28.4 ml, compared to the US fluid ounce's 29.57 ml.