How Many Shots in a Bottle? Free Calculator (UK & US)
TL;DR: In the UK a single measure is typically 25 ml in England and Wales or 35 ml in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In the US the common shot size is 1.5 fl oz (about 44 ml). Use the calculator below to work out how many full shots and leftover spirit you get from 70 cl, 750 ml or 1 L bottles with custom pour sizes and optional wastage.
What this tool does
- Calculates full shots and leftover volume for any bottle and measure.
- Offers pre‑sets for UK singles (25 ml and 35 ml) and the US shot (1.5 oz ≈ 44 ml).
- Allows a custom pour size and optional wastage/dilution factor to account for spillage at cocktails.
- Displays leftover volume in ml and oz plus ABV for any bottle size.
Shots Calculator
Find how many shots you can get from any bottle
Results
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About How Many Shots In a Bottle
Shots in a 70cl Bottle
The classic whisky bottle size offers clean divisions for UK measures. With the standard 25ml UK single, you get exactly 28 full shots (700 ÷ 25 = 28) with zero waste. Using the larger 35ml single popular in Scotland yields 20 shots precisely (700 ÷ 35 = 20).
For American-style pours, a 1.5oz shot (44ml) delivers approximately 15-16 shots with 12-35ml remaining.ft over.
Shots in a 750ml Bottle
The international standard bottle size provides excellent value. A 25ml UK measure yields 30 perfect shots (750 ÷ 25 = 30), maximizing servings per bottle. The 35ml single gives 21 shots with minimal 15ml leftover.
US bartenders pouring 1.5oz shots get approximately 16-17 shots from a 750ml bottle, with roughly 40ml (1.4oz) remaining.
Shots in a 1L Bottle
Ideal for high-volume venues and parties. The 25ml UK standard delivers 40 exact shots (1,000 ÷ 25 = 40). With 35ml pours, expect 28 shots plus 20ml leftover.
American 1.5oz shots yield approximately 22-23 shots with 24ml remaining.
Why do bars choose 25 ml vs 35 ml?
Under UK Weights and Measures legislation, licensed premises must choose either 25ml or 35ml as their standard single measure for gin, rum, vodka, and whisky—never both. This legal requirement ensures consistency and protects consumers.
Geographic patterns show most venues in England and Wales pour 25ml singles, while establishments in Scotland and Northern Ireland often opt for the more generous 35ml measure. The choice impacts both customer satisfaction and profit margins per bottle.
What about double measures?
UK doubles are simply twice the standard single: 50ml for 25ml establishments, or 70ml for 35ml venues. This halves your shots per bottle—a 70cl bottle yields 14 doubles at 50ml or 10 doubles at 70ml.
US Standards & Variations
The standard US shot is 1.5 fluid ounces (44ml), widely recognized by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. However, shot sizes can vary by establishment, ranging from 1oz to 2oz depending on local practices and venue policies.
Some states maintain stricter definitions—Utah specifically requires bartenders to pour consistent 1.5oz shots. Regional variations mean checking local standards is advisable for precise calculations.
Professional Tips
Accounting for Wastage
Professional bartenders typically account for 5-10% wastage due to spillage, over-pouring, and cocktail preparation. Factor this into your calculations when planning events or managing bar inventory.
Measuring Accuracy
UK venues must use government-stamped measuring devices like optics or thimble measures to ensure legal compliance, paired with proper glassware for optimal serving. Free-pouring is generally not permitted for controlled spirits in licensed premises
Quick Reference Tables
| Bottle Size | 25ml Shots | 35ml Shots | 1.5oz Shots |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70cl (700ml) | 28 | 20 | 15-16 |
| 75cl (750ml) | 30 | 21 | 16-17 |
| 1L (1000ml) | 40 | 28 | 22-23 |
| Double Measures | 50ml | 70ml |
|---|---|---|
| 70cl bottle | 14 | 10 |
| 750ml bottle | 15 | 10-11 |
| 1L bottle | 20 | 14 |
This calculator eliminates guesswork whether you're planning a home party, managing bar inventory, or simply curious about your bottle's contents. The precise calculations help ensure accurate serving costs and responsible consumption planning.
How Many Shots in a Bottle FAQ's
How many shots in a 70 cl bottle (25 ml vs 35 ml)?
A 70 cl bottle contains 28 shots when poured as 25 ml singles (700 ÷ 25 = 28). Using 35 ml singles yields 20 shots with about 0 cl leftover. If you pour doubles (50 ml or 70 ml), you’ll get 14 or 10 serves, respectively.
How many shots in a 750 ml bottle at 1.5 oz?
A standard U.S. shot is 1.5 fluid oz (about 44 ml) according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. A 750 ml bottle (the typical wine bottle size) yields about 16 shots at 1.5 oz with roughly 0.35 oz (around 10 ml) left over. At 25 ml servings, you get 30 shots; at 35 ml, around 21 shots with a small leftover volume.
Why do bars choose 25 ml vs 35 ml?
UK law requires licensed premises to choose either 25 ml or 35 ml (or multiples) as their standard single measure for gin, rum, vodka and whisky. Most bars in England and Wales opt for 25 ml singles, while venues in Scotland and Northern Ireland often pour 35 ml. The choice depends on local tradition, serving style and whether a venue wants to offer a more generous pour or maximise servings per bottle.
What about double measures?
A double measure is simply two standard singles. If your bar uses 25 ml singles, a double is 50 ml; if it uses 35 ml singles, a double is 70 ml. Doubling the measure halves the number of servings per bottle—a 70 cl bottle yields 14 doubles at 50 ml or 10 doubles at 70 ml, with a small amount left over.
