Espresso vs Turkish coffee: caffeine compared
Espresso (single shot) has 63 mg of caffeine, 13 mg more than Turkish coffee (2 oz, 50 mg) — 1.3× as much per serving. Per fluid ounce, Espresso is the stronger drink: 63 mg/oz versus 25 mg/oz.
| Espresso | Turkish coffee | |
|---|---|---|
| Serving | single shot | 2 oz |
| Caffeine per serving | 63 mg | 50 mg |
| Per fl oz | 63 mg | 25 mg |
| Share of 400 mg/day | 16% | 12% |
| Servings to reach 400 mg | 6.3 | 8.0 |
| Hours until under 50 mg | 1.7 h | already under |
| Last one for an 11 PM bedtime · standard (50 mg) | 9:20 PM | 11:00 PM |
| Last one for an 11 PM bedtime · sensitive (25 mg) | 4:20 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Share of the 200 mg pregnancy limit | 32% | 25% |
One serving of each, over 16 hours
Common questions
Which has more caffeine, Espresso or Turkish coffee?
Espresso (single shot) has about 63 mg versus 50 mg in Turkish coffee (2 oz): 13 mg more, or 1.3× as much.
Which is stronger per ounce, Espresso or Turkish coffee?
Espresso: about 63 mg per fl oz versus 25 mg for Turkish coffee. Serving size decides the total you actually drink.
How many Turkish coffee servings equal one Espresso?
About 1.3 servings of Turkish coffee (2 oz) match the caffeine in one Espresso (single shot).
When should I stop drinking Espresso or Turkish coffee before bed?
For an 11 PM bedtime with a 50 mg limit and a 5-hour half-life: last Espresso by 9:20 PM, last Turkish coffee by 11:00 PM. Half-life varies from about 1.5 to 9.5 hours between people.
Method
Caffeine per labeled serving, from the same drink table every calculator here uses (FDA/USDA reference amounts and manufacturer labels; see caffeine content of every drink). Brewed drinks vary batch to batch, so read these as typical values. Decay uses a 5-hour average half-life with a 45-minute absorption ramp; cutoff = bedtime − 5 h × log₂(dose ÷ limit). Percentages use the FDA's 400 mg/day figure for healthy adults and the 200 mg/day limit ACOG gives for pregnancy.
Source — Espresso: USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy 171891), checked 2026-10-13. 212 mg per 100 g × 30 g (1 fl oz shot).
Unverified — Turkish coffee: No brand or reference source; preparation varies widely. Treat 50 mg as a rough estimate.