A “standard” shot is usually about 44 ml , but it can change depending on where you are.

Quick Scoop: How many ml are in a shot?

In most bars in the United States, a standard shot is:

  • 1.5 US fl oz ≈ 44 ml

But shot size is not universal. Different countries (and even different bars) pour differently:

  • Some places use 30 ml as a small shot.
  • Others use 35–36 ml as a common single measure.
  • Some go up to 50 ml for a generous shot or a “large” single.

So if a recipe says “1 shot” and doesn’t specify the country, using 40–45 ml will be close enough for most cocktails.

Mini breakdown: common shot sizes by style

Not exact for every bar, but a rough guide many people use:

  • US standard shot : ~44 ml (1.5 oz)
  • “Small” shot in some places: ~30 ml (1 oz)
  • Typical European/Ireland-style single : ~35–40 ml
  • Large or double shots : usually about 60–90 ml (2–3 oz), often labeled “double”

If you’re in doubt at home, you can:

  1. Check your shot glass bottom (some have ml stamped).
  2. Measure with a kitchen tablespoon:
    • 1 tablespoon ≈ 15 ml
    • So a “standard” 44 ml shot is about 3 tablespoons.

Forum-style note

On forums and bartender threads, people often argue whether a shot is 1 oz, 1.25 oz, or 1.5 oz. The practical takeaway:

When mixing drinks at home, pick a size (for example, 45 ml), stick to it consistently, and your recipes will stay balanced.

TL;DR:
Most people treat a shot as about 44 ml , but anything in the 30–50 ml range may be called a “shot” depending on where you are.