As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to Amazon on this page are affiliate links.
Single vs double shot espresso
Updated
A single shot uses about 9 grams of ground coffee and a double uses about 18. At a 1 to 2 ratio that gives about 18 grams of espresso for a single and 36 grams for a double, both in 25 to 30 seconds. Learn on the double basket. It is more forgiving, and it is what most cafe drinks are built on.
The numbers
| Single | Double | |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee in | About 9 g | About 18 g |
| Espresso out at 1 to 2 | About 18 g | About 36 g |
| Rough volume, per Breville | 1 ounce | 2 ounces |
| Target time | 25 to 30 seconds | 25 to 30 seconds |
| Shots from a 12 oz bag | About 37 | About 18 |
With the example bag in our calculator, at 16 dollars for 12 ounces, the coffee in a single costs about 0.42 dollars and in a double about 0.85 dollars. Change the dose in the cost calculator to see your own numbers.
Why the double basket is easier
- A single basket is shallow and often tapered, so the puck is thin. Small slips in grind or tamp show up more.
- A grind setting that works in the double will not match the single. If you switch baskets you dial in again.
- Most recipes and guides, including our dialing in routine, assume a double.
Want less coffee? Pull a double and split it between two cups, or share it. That is easier than keeping two grind settings.
What the machines here include
- Breville Barista Express and Breville Bambino: 1 cup and 2 cup baskets in both wall types. The Bambino listing names 1 cup and 2 cup settings and gives a 19 gram dose for its handle. Caveat: a button runs for a set amount, so check the result with a scale and adjust.
- CASABREWS CM5418 and De'Longhi Stilosa: one cup and two cup filters. Caveat: the listings do not say if they are pressurized. See how to tell.
- Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier: brews a double or a quad, per the listing. Caveat: we did not see a single shot option listed.
Caffeine
A double has about twice the coffee of a single, so expect about twice the caffeine. The exact amount depends on the beans. If you are limiting caffeine for a health reason, ask your doctor what amount is right for you.
Compare the machines on our roundup.
Sources
We opened these pages on September 18, 2026.