Coffee cup sizes explained, from cafés to Starbucks

Ordering coffee should be simple, but cup sizes often make it anything but. Italian names, café shortcuts and brand-specific terms all compete on the menu, leaving many drinkers guessing what will arrive at the table. “Small”, “medium” and “large” mean very different things once coffee enters the picture. Café menus borrow names from Italy, add their own measurements, and sometimes stretch a single shot of espresso across wildly different cup sizes.

Here’s a guide to the most common coffee cups you’ll see, what they hold, and how the drink changes with size.

Espresso
Volume: 25–30 ml

This is coffee in its most concentrated form. A standard espresso is brewed under pressure and served in a small demitasse cup. Despite the tiny size, it delivers intense flavour and body. Most milk-based drinks start here.

Ristretto
Volume: 15–20 ml

A shorter pull than espresso, using the same amount of coffee but less water. The result is thicker, bolder and often slightly sweeter. Served in the same small cups as espresso.

Lungo
Volume: 45–60 ml

A longer extraction that lets more water pass through the coffee. It fills a slightly larger cup and tastes more diluted and bitter compared to espresso.

Doppio
Volume: 50–60 ml
Simply a double espresso. Two shots in one cup, often ordered by those who want more caffeine without adding milk or water.

Americano
Volume: 120–180 ml

An espresso topped up with hot water. It looks like black coffee but tastes different, with a lighter body and more pronounced espresso notes. Served in a small to medium cup.

Cortado
Volume: 120 ml

Equal parts espresso and warm milk, with very little foam. The milk softens the coffee without overpowering it. Popular in Spain and Latin America, usually served in small glass cups.

Flat white
Volume: 150–180 ml

Originating in Australia and New Zealand, this drink uses a double shot of espresso and steamed milk with a thin layer of microfoam. Smaller than a latte and more coffee-forward.

Cappuccino
Volume: 150–180 ml

Traditionally made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk and milk foam. Served in a medium cup, it has a light, airy top and a stronger coffee taste than a latte.

Latte
Volume: 240–300 ml

More milk, less foam. Lattes are served in larger cups or tall glasses, making them creamier and milder. Flavoured syrups are often added at this size.

Mocha
Volume: 240–300 ml

A latte with chocolate added. The larger cup allows room for milk, espresso and cocoa or chocolate syrup without losing balance.

Long black
Volume: 120–180 ml

Popular in Australia and New Zealand. Hot water goes into the cup first, followed by espresso. This keeps the crema intact and gives a stronger flavour than an Americano.

Filter coffee
Volume: 200–350 ml

Brewed without pressure using methods like drip, pour-over or French press. These coffees are served in larger cups or mugs because the extraction is gentler and meant to be sipped slowly.

Starbucks cup sizes explained
Starbucks uses its own naming system, which often confuses first-time customers. These sizes apply to most hot and cold drinks, though recipes and shot counts vary by beverage.

• Short: 240 ml
• Tall: 355 ml
• Grande: 473 ml
• Venti: 591 ml for hot drinks, 710 ml for cold drinks
• Trenta: 916 ml, available only for select iced drinks and refreshers

Despite the Italian-sounding names, a Tall is actually the smallest size most people order. As the cup gets bigger, the amount of milk, water or ice increases more than the coffee itself, unless you ask for extra shots.

Why cup size matters
Cup size affects flavour, strength and temperature. A double shot in a small cup tastes bold and intense. The same coffee stretched into a large cup with milk or water becomes smoother and lighter. Knowing the sizes helps you order exactly what you want, not just what sounds familiar.

Next time you’re staring at a coffee menu, remember this. Bigger does not always mean stronger. Sometimes it just means more milk.