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How much caffeine does an average cup of tea contain compared with an average cup of coffee?

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Neatly planted rows of green tea bushes stretch across rolling fields with Mount Fuji, capped with snow, rising in the background in Japan. — tea Rows of tea (*Camellia sinensis*) growing in Japan, with Mount Fuji in the background.

When comparing the caffeine content of these two popular beverages, coffee generally contains a higher concentration than tea.

On average, a cup of coffee provides approximately 100 mg of caffeine, whereas an average cup of tea contains about 40 mg.12

Because of this difference, coffee typically exerts a stronger stimulating effect on the central nervous system, while tea offers a milder, more gentle boost that may be better suited for those sensitive to caffeine. It is important to note that the specific caffeine content in tea can vary significantly depending on the strength of the brew and the preparation method.12