If you are wondering how many ounces are in a shot, here is the fast answer: a standard shot in the United States is 1.5 ounces, which equals about 44 milliliters. This is the amount most bartenders use when pouring drinks or following cocktail recipes. Even though this is the general rule, shot size is not the same everywhere. Different bars, countries, and glass shapes can change the pour. 

The Short Answer: How Many Ounces in a Shot?

The typical American shot is 1.5 ounces. This amount is used in most bars, tasting rooms, and cocktail recipes. Because the United States does not have a federal rule for shot size, bars are allowed to choose their own standard. 

Here is what that means:

•  Utah is the only state that legally defines a single shot as exactly 1.5 ounces.
•  Large chain restaurants use the same amount to keep portions consistent.
• Smaller bars may pour between 1.25 oz and 2 oz, especially when using different glass shapes.

If you see bartenders using a jigger, the larger side usually measures 1.5 ounces, while the smaller end holds 0.75 or 1 ounce. This tool keeps drinks accurate and prevents overpouring.

💡Key takeaway: When a drink recipe says “one shot,” the safest assumption is 1.5 ounces or 44 milliliters.

The “Cheater” Glass: Why Shot Glasses Trick Your Eyes

How big is a shot glass really? The answer depends on the design. Some Bar glasses look tall and full but still hold less than a standard shot. These are often called cheater glasses.

Here are common design tricks:

• The Thick Base (Sham): A heavy bottom makes the glass feel solid, but it shortens the inside space where liquid goes. Some glasses that look like they hold a full shot may actually hold 1 ounce or less.
• Tall and Narrow Shape: A slim glass creates the illusion of more liquid, even when it measures the same as a wider shot cup.
• Flared Sides: A wide rim with a narrow bottom reduces interior volume while appearing larger.

Most Popular Custom Shot Glasses

Moody Color-Changing Plastic Custom Shot Glass (BPA Free)

2 oz. Plastic Mason Jar Shot Glass

Styrene Champagne Sampler Glass - 1.25 Oz.

2 oz. Plastic Bottle Neck Sidecar Shot Glass

1.5 oz. Plastic Cowboy Boot Shot Glass

Customized Square Shot Glass - 2 Oz.

Fluted Square Shot Glass - 2 Oz.

Personalized Votive Shooter - 1.5 Oz.

Logo Fluted Shot Glass - 2 Oz.

Custom Collector Shot Glass - 1.5 Oz

2.5 oz. Lexington Shooter Glass

Custom Flashing Shot Glass

These styles are not always meant to deceive. Thick bases improve durability and protect the glass. However, they do change the amount of alcohol you get in a single pour.

Global Shot Size Facts (Real, Verified Standards)

 For more information visit wikipedia. 

Shot size changes by country. Here is a clear comparison of the most common measurements:

United States

• Standard shot is 1.5 ounces (44 ml)
• This is the most common pour in bars for straight spirits
• Some states allow smaller 1 ounce (30 ml) pours, but 1.5 ounces is the norm

United Kingdom

• Legally regulated shot sizes are 25 ml or 35 ml
• England and Wales commonly use 25 ml
• Scotland and Northern Ireland more often use 35 ml
• Bars must choose one size and stick to it for consistency

Canada

• Standard shot is 1.5 ounces (44 ml), same as the US
• Some provinces allow 1 ounce (30 ml) shots for certain cocktails
• Many Canadian bars list both options on menus

Australia

• Standard shot is 30 ml, known locally as a nip
• A “double nip” is 60 ml
• This single-size rule helps standardize drink strength across bars

Japan

• Common shot size is 60 ml, which is treated like a double in other countries
• Japanese bars often serve whiskey neat in slightly larger pours
• Sake is not served in shots but has its own standard cup sizes

Germany

• Traditional schnapps shot is 20 ml, smaller than most countries
• Fruit schnapps and herbal liqueurs often follow the same 20 ml measure
• Some bars offer 40 ml for stronger spirits

Ireland

• Legal shot measurement is 35.5 ml
• This is called a “single measure” in pubs
• A “double measure” is 71 ml

Italy

• No nationally defined shot size, but bars typically pour 40 ml
• Grappa and amaro are often served in slightly smaller 30 ml pours

Sweden

• Standard shot is 40 ml
• Many bars follow a strict government guideline for alcohol portions

Mexico

• Tequila shots vary but often served in 1 ounce (30 ml) or 1.5 ounce (44 ml) pours
• These numbers help explain why a shot poured abroad might look smaller or larger than what you are used to.

Types of Shot Glasses: Pony, Standard, Shooter

Shot glasses do not come in one size. The three most common types are:

• Pony Shot (1 ounce): A pony is a smaller 1 oz pour often used for liqueurs or tasting flights.
• Standard Shot (1.5 ounces): This is the most widely recognized size for cocktails and recipes.
• Shooter Glass (2–3 ounces): A shooter is a tall, slim glass used for layered drinks. These work best for mixed shots that combine different flavors and colors.

How to Measure a Shot Without a Shot Glass

If you do not have a jigger or shot glass handy, you can still measure a shot using common household tools:

• 3 tablespoons = 1.5 ounces
• 9 teaspoons = 1.5 ounces
• Medicine cup from cold medicine normally marks 30 ml, which is 1 ounce
• Plastic party cup (Solo cup) bottom ridge equals about 1 ounce

This works well when making recipes at home.

Common Bottle Conversions (How Many Shots In…)

Knowing how many shots fit into a bottle helps with planning events or batching cocktails. Based on a 1.5 oz pour:

• 375 ml (pint flask) ≈ 8 shots
• 750 ml (fifth) ≈ 17 shots
• 1 liter ≈ 22 shots
• 1.75 liters (handle) ≈ 39–40 shots

These conversions apply to vodka, whiskey, tequila, rum, and most spirits with 40% alcohol.

Conclusion

Shot size may look simple, but it varies by location, glass style, and recipe. The most common answer to how many ounces in a shot is 1.5 ounces, although some glasses hold more or less. Understanding shot glass shapes, ml conversions, and tools like jiggers helps you pour accurately and follow recipes with confidence.

If you want shot glasses that always match the true standard, explore our collection of precision-made custom shooter glasses designed to keep your pour consistent every time.