What is 240 mg of Caffeine Equivalent To? A Comprehensive Guide

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is considered safe for most healthy adults, making 240 mg a moderate dose within these guidelines. However, the equivalent of 240 mg can vary dramatically depending on the source, from multiple cups of coffee to just a single energy drink.

Quick Summary

240 mg of caffeine is roughly equivalent to 2-3 standard cups of brewed coffee, a double-shot espresso drink at a café, or 1-2 standard energy drinks. The specific amount can vary greatly depending on the product and serving size.

Key Points

Moderate Dose: 240 mg is a moderate amount of caffeine for most healthy adults, falling below the 400 mg daily safety guideline.
2.5 Cups of Brewed Coffee: This is roughly the caffeine found in 2.5 standard 8 oz cups of brewed coffee, which contain about 95-100 mg each.
2-4 Espresso Shots: The equivalent caffeine is found in about 4 standard 1 oz shots of espresso, at around 63 mg per shot.
1-2 Energy Drinks: Depending on the brand, 240 mg can be found in one or two standard energy drinks.
Individual Sensitivity: Effects of 240 mg vary widely based on individual tolerance, body weight, and health factors.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to side effects like jitters or anxiety, which indicate you may be sensitive to this amount of caffeine.

The 240 mg Caffeine Benchmark

Understanding what 240 mg of caffeine represents is essential for managing your intake and anticipating its effects. For many healthy adults, this amount falls well within the daily recommended safety limit of 400 mg. However, this is not a one-size-fits-all metric. Individual sensitivity, body weight, and consumption frequency all play a significant role in how you experience caffeine's effects, such as alertness or potential jitters. This section will break down what 240 mg looks like in various common beverages and other products.

240 mg in Coffee and Espresso

Coffee is a primary source of caffeine for many, but its content can be inconsistent. Factors like the type of bean, roast level, and brewing method all influence the final caffeine concentration. For instance, Robusta beans contain significantly more caffeine than Arabica beans.

Caffeine by Coffee Type:

Brewed Coffee: A standard 8 oz (240 ml) cup of home-brewed coffee contains an average of 95-100 mg of caffeine. This means 240 mg is roughly equivalent to 2.5 cups of brewed coffee.
Instant Coffee: An 8 oz cup of instant coffee typically contains less, around 60 mg, so you would need four cups to reach 240 mg.
Espresso: A single 1 oz shot of espresso contains approximately 63 mg of caffeine. Therefore, 240 mg is equivalent to about four espresso shots. For double-shot drinks common at many cafés, this is two servings.

Comparison Table: What Contains 240 mg of Caffeine?


Beverage Type	Approximate Amount for 240 mg	Notes
Brewed Coffee (8oz)	2.5 cups	Assumes average 95-100 mg per cup.
Instant Coffee (8oz)	4 cups	Based on average 60 mg per cup.
Espresso Shot (1oz)	4 shots	Assumes 63 mg per shot.
Energy Drink (Standard 250ml)	3 cans	Based on average 80 mg per can.
Monster Energy (16oz)	~1.5 cans	Varies by formula; many have 160 mg per can.
C4 Energy Drink (12oz)	~1.2 cans	Contains 200 mg per 12 oz can.
Black Tea (8oz)	~5-6 cups	Assumes average 45 mg per mug.
Green Tea (8oz)	~6-8 cups	Assumes average 30-40 mg per mug.

Considerations Beyond the Numbers

While the direct comparison of caffeine content is helpful, several other factors influence how you react to 240 mg of caffeine.

Source of Caffeine: The source of caffeine can matter. Coffee contains over a thousand natural compounds in addition to caffeine, which can influence its absorption and effect. Highly processed, artificial sources like energy drinks may be metabolized differently by your body.
Consumption Speed: Drinking 240 mg of caffeine rapidly in a concentrated form, like from two high-caffeine energy drinks, will hit your system much faster than sipping three cups of coffee over a couple of hours. Rapid consumption can heighten negative side effects.
Health and Medications: People with certain health conditions, like anxiety disorders, high blood pressure, or heart conditions, may be more sensitive to caffeine. Certain medications can also interact with caffeine. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to limit their daily intake to 200 mg.
Tolerance and Body Weight: Individual tolerance is a significant factor. A regular, heavy coffee drinker may feel very little from 240 mg, while a non-habitual consumer could feel highly overstimulated. Body weight also influences metabolism; a lighter person will feel the effects more strongly than a heavier person.

Conclusion

In summary, 240 mg of caffeine is equivalent to a moderate intake for most healthy adults, but its impact is far from uniform. It can manifest as roughly two and a half standard cups of coffee, four espresso shots, or 1 to 3 energy drinks, depending on the specifics. For many, this is a manageable amount that provides a boost in alertness without significant side effects. However, for those with higher sensitivity or specific health concerns, it's a dose to approach with caution. As with any stimulant, paying attention to your body's signals is the most reliable way to determine what is right for you. For more detailed information on caffeine and its effects, consult reputable health sources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Common Caffeine Delivery Methods

Beyond coffee and energy drinks, caffeine can be found in other products. These are not included in the 240 mg equivalence table but are important to remember when calculating your total daily intake.

Pre-workout powders: These products can have extremely high and concentrated doses of caffeine, sometimes well over 200 mg in a single scoop. Always check the serving size carefully.
Certain sodas: While containing less caffeine per serving than coffee, multiple cans of cola can add up quickly. A 12 oz can may contain around 30-40 mg of caffeine.
Tea: Both black and green teas contain caffeine, though generally less than coffee. A cup of black tea typically has around 45 mg, while green tea has 30-40 mg.
Chocolate: Cocoa contains small amounts of caffeine, with dark chocolate having more than milk chocolate. The amount is usually insignificant in small servings but can contribute to overall intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, 240 mg is generally considered a safe amount, falling below the 400 mg daily limit set by the FDA. However, individuals with higher sensitivity, certain medical conditions, or lower body weight may experience more pronounced effects.

Consuming 240 mg of caffeine, particularly in the afternoon or evening, can negatively impact sleep quality. Caffeine's half-life can be up to 10 hours, meaning it stays in your system for a prolonged period and can interfere with a good night's rest.

For those sensitive to caffeine, a 240 mg dose can cause or worsen anxiety, jitters, restlessness, and increased heart rate. For regular consumers, this is less likely to happen.

The number of cups varies. It is approximately 2.5 standard 8 oz cups of average home-brewed coffee (around 95-100 mg each) or about 4 shots of espresso (around 63 mg each).

A standard 250 ml energy drink typically contains about 80 mg of caffeine, so 240 mg would be equivalent to three of these. However, some larger or 'performance' energy drinks can contain 160-200 mg per can, making the equivalent closer to 1-1.5 cans.

Yes, individuals can develop a tolerance to caffeine over time with regular consumption. This can lead to a reduced effect from the same dosage, potentially requiring more caffeine to achieve the same feeling of alertness.

If you feel overstimulated, drinking water can help dilute the caffeine and aid in hydration. Engaging in light exercise, like a walk, can also help your body metabolize it faster. Avoid further caffeine intake and focus on calming activities.