How much is 200ml of coffee?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the European Food Safety Authority, up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is safe for most healthy adults, with a single dose of up to 200 mg not raising safety concerns. Understanding how much is 200ml of coffee in terms of volume and caffeine can help you manage your daily intake and perfect your brew.

Quick Summary

A 200ml volume of coffee is equivalent to 6.76 fluid ounces and often requires around 12 grams of ground coffee, depending on the brewing method. Caffeine content in a 200ml serving can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 60mg for instant to over 100mg for a well-brewed drip coffee.

Key Points

200ml to Ounces: A 200ml volume is equal to approximately 6.76 US fluid ounces.
Coffee Grounds Amount: For 200ml, a ratio of 60g of coffee per 1000ml of water suggests using 12g of ground coffee.
Caffeine in Brewed Coffee: A 200ml cup of standard brewed or drip coffee contains roughly 90-100mg of caffeine.
Instant vs. Brewed Caffeine: Instant coffee in a 200ml serving has less caffeine, averaging around 60mg, compared to brewed coffee.
Common Cup Size: The 200ml volume is a popular standard for specific cafe drinks like cappuccinos and cortados.
Measuring for Consistency: Using a digital scale to measure 12g of grounds for 200ml of water is the best way to ensure consistent flavor.

Understanding 200ml: A Common Coffee Measure

While coffee culture in some regions focuses on larger servings, the 200ml measurement is a standard volume for a single cup in many parts of the world, especially for drip or filter coffee. This volume provides a manageable serving size for enjoying a quality brew without committing to a larger, more caffeinated serving. Understanding the various aspects of this volume, from its conversion to other units to the preparation needed, helps home brewers achieve consistent and delicious results.

200ml in Other Liquid Measurements

When navigating recipes or converting between metric and imperial systems, knowing the conversions for 200ml is essential. The U.S. customary system, in particular, can be confusing due to its differing cup and ounce definitions, so clarity is key.

Fluid Ounces (fl. oz.): 200ml is equal to 6.76 US fluid ounces. This is not to be confused with the 8-ounce standard American cup in baking, nor the 5-ounce "cup" often used by automatic drip coffee makers.
U.S. Cups: Since one U.S. legal cup is 240ml, 200ml is approximately 0.83 U.S. cups.

How Much Ground Coffee for 200ml?

The amount of ground coffee required for 200ml of water depends heavily on your desired strength and the brewing method used. The Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) recommends a "Golden Ratio" of 1:18, or 60 grams of coffee per 1000ml of water. For a 200ml cup, this translates to:

$$(60\text{ g} / 1000\text{ ml}) * 200\text{ ml} = 12\text{ g}$$ of ground coffee.

For those without a scale, this is roughly 2 standard 7-gram coffee scoops or just over one heaped tablespoon. However, the exact weight can vary based on grind size and bean density, so a scale is always recommended for precision.

Caffeine Content in a 200ml Cup

The caffeine content in a 200ml coffee is not fixed and is influenced by several factors, including the brewing method, bean type, and roast. The average values provide a useful benchmark for monitoring your intake.

Brewed/Drip Coffee: A standard 200ml cup of brewed coffee can contain anywhere from 75 to 150mg of caffeine, but averages around 90-100mg.
Instant Coffee: For instant coffee, a 200ml serving generally contains less caffeine, averaging around 60mg.
Cold Brew: A 200ml serving of concentrated cold brew may contain higher levels, potentially exceeding 200mg, depending on the preparation.
Decaf Coffee: Even decaf retains a small amount of caffeine, with a 200ml cup typically containing about 4mg.

Comparison of 200ml Coffee Preparation


Aspect	Drip/Filter Coffee (200ml)	Instant Coffee (200ml)	Cold Brew (200ml)
Ground Coffee Required	10-12g	2-4g (approx. 1-2 tsp)	15-20g (for concentrate)
Caffeine (Approx.)	90-115mg	60mg	150-200mg+
Brew Time	3-5 minutes	<1 minute	12-24 hours
Flavor Profile	Clean, nuanced	Often less complex	Smooth, low acidity
Equipment	Filter, dripper	Spoon, mug	Jar, strainer

Sizing Your Coffee Cup

Choosing the right vessel for your coffee can also enhance the experience. The 200ml volume is a popular size for specific coffee types and glassware.

Cappuccino: Many cappuccino cups are designed around the 200ml size to accommodate the espresso shot and foamed milk.
Cortado: A cortado is often served in a 150-200ml glass to balance the espresso with warm milk.
Americano: A small Americano often has a volume in the 180-200ml range.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding what constitutes how much is 200ml of coffee extends beyond simple volume measurement. It involves converting units, knowing the recommended amount of grounds for your desired brew strength, and being aware of the resulting caffeine content. A 200ml cup equates to approximately 6.76 US fluid ounces and typically contains between 90-115mg of caffeine for a standard brewed coffee. By considering factors like brewing method and specific bean-to-water ratios, you can consistently prepare a perfectly measured and satisfying cup of coffee every time. For further information on the science of coffee brewing, a helpful guide can be found at Brew Methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

In coffee, 200ml is a standard metric volume that represents a single serving size, particularly for brewed or filter coffee in many regions. It is equivalent to 6.76 US fluid ounces.

For a 200ml serving, you would typically use about 1 to 1.5 heaped tablespoons of coffee powder. Using a standard 7-gram scoop, this would equate to roughly two scoops, but weighing for precision is recommended.

No, 200ml is a moderate, single serving of coffee. It is less than a full 8-ounce US cup (240ml) and contains a safe amount of caffeine (typically under 120mg) for most adults as a single dose.

On average, a 200ml cup of instant coffee contains approximately 60mg of caffeine. This is generally lower than a comparable volume of brewed or drip coffee.

Yes, 200ml is a very common cup size for a cappuccino. This volume provides the ideal balance for the shot of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam.

Without a specific 200ml measuring cup, you can use a kitchen scale (since 200ml of water weighs 200g) or approximation methods. For coffee grounds, 12 grams would suffice, or roughly two standard coffee scoops.

The brew method significantly impacts the final caffeine and flavor profile. For instance, a 200ml serving of cold brew will have higher caffeine and less acidity than a 200ml drip coffee.