✔ Updated · corrected to the 1.5 oz US standard, with conversion charts, shots per bottle and a zero-proof option
A shot is a single measure of liquor, such as vodka, tequila or whiskey, poured straight or into a cocktail. Here is exactly how much that is in ounces, milliliters and tablespoons.
A standard shot in the US is 1.5 fluid ounces, about 44 ml or 3 tablespoons. No federal law sets the size, but 1.5 oz is the bar-industry standard and equals one US standard drink of 80-proof liquor. A small pony shot is 1 oz (30 ml), a double is 3 oz (89 ml), and other countries pour 20 to 50 ml.
- Standard shot: 1.5 fl oz = 44 ml = 3 tbsp
- Pony shot: 1 fl oz = 30 ml = 2 tbsp
- Double shot: 3 fl oz = 89 ml = 6 tbsp
- 750 ml bottle: about 17 standard shots
How Many Ounces in a Shot Glass?
In the US, a standard shot is 1.5 fluid ounces (44 ml). That is the pour most bars, cocktail recipes and bartending courses use, and it is the amount of 80-proof (40% ABV) liquor in one US standard drink. Need bigger conversions? See how much a gallon of milk weighs.
Shot glasses themselves are not standardized, though. Novelty and souvenir glasses hold anywhere from 1 to 2 ounces, and tall shooter glasses can hold 3 ounces or more. If precision matters, measure with a jigger instead of trusting the glass.
| Shot type | Fluid ounces | Milliliters | Tablespoons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half shot | 0.75 fl oz | 22 ml | 1.5 tbsp |
| Pony shot | 1 fl oz | 30 ml | 2 tbsp |
| Standard shot (US) | 1.5 fl oz | 44 ml | 3 tbsp |
| Large shot | 2 fl oz | 59 ml | 4 tbsp |
| Double shot | 3 fl oz | 89 ml | 6 tbsp |
How Many Shots Are in a Bottle?
Using the 1.5 oz (44 ml) US standard shot, here is roughly how many shots you get from common liquor bottle sizes. Real-world counts run slightly lower because of spills and uneven pours.
| Bottle size | Fluid ounces | 1.5 oz shots | 1 oz shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini (50 ml) | 1.7 fl oz | about 1 | about 1.5 |
| Half pint (200 ml) | 6.8 fl oz | about 4.5 | about 6.5 |
| Pint (375 ml) | 12.7 fl oz | about 8.5 | about 12.5 |
| Fifth (750 ml) | 25.4 fl oz | about 17 | about 25 |
| Liter (1 L) | 33.8 fl oz | about 22.5 | about 33.5 |
| Handle (1.75 L) | 59.2 fl oz | about 39.5 | about 59 |
Shot Sizes Around the World
Outside the US, a single measure is usually set in milliliters, and the size varies by country. These are typical bar pours, and individual bars may differ.
| Country | Typical single shot | In US fl oz |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 44 ml (1.5 oz) | 1.5 fl oz |
| Canada | 28 to 43 ml (1 to 1.5 oz) | 1 to 1.5 fl oz |
| United Kingdom | 25 ml or 35 ml | 0.85 or 1.2 fl oz |
| Ireland | 35.5 ml | 1.2 fl oz |
| Australia | 30 ml | 1 fl oz |
| Germany | 20 ml or 40 ml | 0.7 or 1.35 fl oz |
| Italy | 40 ml | 1.35 fl oz |
| Russia | 50 ml | 1.7 fl oz |
| Japan | 30 ml (single) | 1 fl oz |
Shot vs Jigger vs Standard Drink
A jigger is the hourglass-shaped measuring tool bartenders use. The most common double-sided jigger measures 1.5 oz on the large side and 0.75 oz or 1 oz on the small side, so one full large side equals one standard shot.
A US standard drink contains 0.6 oz (14 grams) of pure alcohol. That is 1.5 oz of 80-proof liquor, 5 oz of 12% wine or 12 oz of 5% beer. Higher-proof spirits pack more alcohol into the same 1.5 oz pour.
How to Measure a Shot Without a Shot Glass
No jigger or shot glass? Kitchen measuring tools are more accurate than most novelty shot glasses.
- Tablespoon: 3 level tablespoons equal one 1.5 oz shot, and 2 tablespoons equal a 1 oz pony shot.
- Measuring cup: 1/8 cup is 1 fl oz, so 1/8 cup plus 1 tablespoon is a standard shot. Use a cup with fluid ounce or ml markings.
- Teaspoon: 9 teaspoons equal 1.5 oz. Slow, but handy for half shots in cocktails.
- Medicine cup or oral syringe: most are marked to 30 ml (1 oz). Wash it well before using it for drinks.
- Kitchen scale: 1.5 oz of 40% ABV liquor weighs about 42 grams, slightly less than the same volume of water (44 grams).
- Free pouring: bartenders count while pouring through a speed pourer, but the rate varies by bottle. Practice with water and a jigger before relying on it.
Common Mistakes When Measuring Shots
- Assuming every shot glass holds 1.5 oz. Fill yours with water and measure it once so you know its real size.
- Using a heaped or rounded tablespoon. Level it off, or pour over a small bowl to catch spills.
- Mixing up recipes from other countries. A UK or Australian recipe that says a shot usually means 25 to 30 ml, not 44 ml.
- Forgetting that a double means 3 oz, not 2 oz, when a recipe uses US measures.
Zero-Proof Shot (Mocktail Option)
Want the ritual without the alcohol? This bright ginger-lime shot makes one 1.5 oz serving and works for guests who are not drinking.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger juice (grate ginger and squeeze it through a fine strainer)
- 1 tablespoon apple juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey and a tiny pinch of cayenne
- Stir until the honey dissolves, pour into a shot glass and serve chilled with a lime wedge.
Drink Responsibly
Shots are straight liquor, so they add up quickly. These measures are for adults of legal drinking age (21 and over in the US). Pace yourself, drink water between rounds and never drink and drive.
Shot and Cocktail Recipes to Try
Green Tea Shot
A popular party shot made with Irish whiskey, peach schnapps, sour mix and a splash of lemon-lime soda.
Get the recipe →
Tequila Jello Shots
Lime and tequila jello shots set in small cups. Each one holds far less liquor than a full 1.5 oz shot.
Get the recipe →
Peach Jello Shots
Sweet peach-flavored jello shots made with vodka, ideal for summer parties and make-ahead batches.
Get the recipe →
Tequila Cocktails
A big list of tequila cocktails, from margaritas to palomas, with the shot measures each one uses.
Get the recipe →
Blue Lagoon Mocktail
A bright blue, alcohol-free drink for guests who are skipping the shots but still want something fun.
Get the recipe →
How Many Ounces in a Quart
Our full kitchen conversion guide for quarts, pints, cups and fluid ounces, with a handy chart.
Get the recipe →Frequently Asked Questions
Is a shot 1 oz or 1.5 oz?
In the US, a standard shot is 1.5 oz (44 ml). A 1 oz pour is called a pony shot. Many novelty shot glasses hold 1 to 2 oz, so measure yours with water or use a jigger if you want an accurate 1.5 oz pour.
How many ml are in a shot?
A standard US shot of 1.5 fl oz is about 44 ml. A 1 oz pony shot is about 30 ml, and a 3 oz double is about 89 ml. In the UK a single is 25 or 35 ml, in Ireland 35.5 ml and in Australia 30 ml.
How many shots are in a 750 ml bottle?
A 750 ml bottle, often called a fifth, holds 25.4 fl oz. That is about 17 standard 1.5 oz shots, or about 25 one-ounce pony shots. Expect a little less in practice because of spills and uneven pours.
How many tablespoons are in a shot?
A 1.5 oz standard shot equals 3 level tablespoons, or 9 teaspoons. A 1 oz pony shot is 2 tablespoons. Level the spoon each time, since rounded spoonfuls can add up to a much bigger pour.
How big is a double shot?
A double shot in the US is 3 fl oz (89 ml), twice the 1.5 oz standard. In countries with smaller singles, such as the UK, a double is 50 or 70 ml. A double contains two standard drinks of 80-proof liquor.
