How Much Lemon Juice in One Lemon

Lemon juice yield by size

• Medium lemon (3.5 oz / 100 g):

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of lemon juice
  • Most common size found in stores
  • Safe assumption for recipes asking how much lemon juice in one lemon

• Small lemon:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of juice
  • May yield as little as 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon if thin-skinned

• Large lemon:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml) or ¼ cup of juice
  • May yield only 2 tablespoons if thick-skinned

Factors affecting juice yield

• Ripeness: Ripe lemons provide more juice yield per lemon
• Variety: Different lemon varieties can have significantly different amounts of lemon juice in one lemon
• Rind thickness: Thinner rinds generally mean more tablespoons of juice from a lemon
• Temperature: Room temperature lemons yield more juice than cold ones
• Squeezing technique: Proper squeezing can maximize how much lemon juice you get from one lemon

Maximizing juice yield

• Roll the lemon: Firmly roll the lemon on a countertop before cutting to break up membranes and increase lemon juice yield per lemon
• Use a juicer: Manual juicers like the Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer can yield up to 38% juice from lemons
• Cut properly: Cut the lemon in half width-wise for optimal juicing and maximum tablespoons of juice from a lemon
• Microwave briefly: 10-20 seconds in the microwave can help release more lemon juice in one lemon

Substitutions and storage

• Bottled lemon juice: 2-3 tablespoons of bottled juice can substitute for the amount of lemon juice in one lemon
• Storing fresh juice: Keep the juice yield per lemon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week

FAQ

How much lemon juice is in one lemon?

On average, one medium lemon yields about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of juice. However, this can vary depending on the size and ripeness of the lemon, ranging from 2 to 4 tablespoons.

What is the typical lemon juice yield per lemon?

The typical lemon juice yield per lemon is 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) for a medium-sized lemon weighing about 3.5 ounces (100 grams). Small lemons may yield 2 tablespoons, while large lemons can produce up to 4 tablespoons of juice.

How many tablespoons of juice can I get from a lemon?

You can typically get 2-3 tablespoons of juice from a lemon. A medium lemon usually provides 3 tablespoons, a small lemon about 2 tablespoons, and a large lemon up to 4 tablespoons of juice.

What factors affect how much lemon juice I can get from one lemon?

Several factors affect lemon juice yield, including ripeness, lemon variety, rind thickness, temperature, and squeezing technique. Riper lemons with thinner rinds generally provide more juice, and room temperature lemons are easier to juice than cold ones.

How can I maximize the amount of juice I get from a lemon?

To maximize juice yield, roll the lemon on a countertop before cutting, use a juicer, cut the lemon properly (width-wise), and consider microwaving it briefly. These techniques can help you extract more tablespoons of juice from a lemon.