Caffeine Intake Calculator
Say how many of each you have in a day. The page totals the caffeine and compares it with the limit for adults, pregnancy or under 18s.
This is an estimate for general information and is not medical advice. Caffeine content changes with brand, strength and brewing.
Worked examples
A typical day
1 instant coffee, 1 filter coffee, 2 teas
390 mg, close to the adult limit of 400 mg
100 + 140 + 150.
About Caffeine Intake Calculator
Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate. Most people handle moderate amounts well, but it is easy to lose count over a day. This calculator adds up your caffeine from the drinks and snacks you have and compares the total with a daily limit for your group.
The European Food Safety Authority says up to 400 mg a day, and up to 200 mg at one time, is unlikely to cause concern for healthy adults. For pregnant women the NHS advises no more than 200 mg a day. For children and teenagers the limit is 3 mg for each kilogram of body weight. The servings come from NHS guidance. Amounts in real drinks vary, so this is an estimate and not medical advice.
How to use Caffeine Intake Calculator
- Choose the limit that fits you: adult, pregnant or under 18.
- For under 18s, enter weight so the limit can be worked out.
- Enter how many of each drink or snack you have in a day.
- Read the total, your limit and what is left.
Common uses
- Checking your total across coffee, tea and cola
- Keeping under the pregnancy limit
- Seeing how much an energy drink adds
- Planning how to cut down
Frequently asked questions
How much caffeine is in a cup of coffee?
The NHS gives about 100 mg in a mug of instant coffee and 140 mg in a mug of filter coffee. Shop-bought coffee can contain more, and a double shot or a large size can be well over 200 mg.
What is the daily limit for adults?
The European Food Safety Authority says up to 400 mg a day is unlikely to cause concern for healthy adults. It adds that single doses of up to 200 mg are also unlikely to be a worry.
What is the caffeine limit in pregnancy?
The NHS advises pregnant women to have no more than 200 mg a day, because too much is linked with lower birth weight and a higher chance of miscarriage. Remember tea, cola and chocolate count.
What about children and teenagers?
EFSA gives 3 mg per kilogram of body weight a day. For a 50 kg teenager that is 150 mg. Energy drinks are a particular concern for young people.
Is this medical advice?
No. It is an estimate and not medical advice. Speak to your GP or midwife if you have questions about caffeine and your health.