Starbucks Cup Sizes: A Brief Guide To 7 Starbucks Cups

Starbucks cup sizes are really confusing if you aren’t a regular Starbucks customer.

Instead of using small, medium, and large sizes, Starbucks went with an Italian-themed naming scheme.

It’s supposed to encourage the feeling of true Italian coffee bars.

As a seasoned coffee drinker, I still sometimes get confused about what each size means.

In this article, I’ll break down each Starbucks cup size, what kinds of drinks you can get in each one, and how many espresso shots come standard.

Let’s jump straight in!

What are Starbucks Cup Sizes?

1. Demi (the smallest)

Volume: 3fl oz

The Demi is the smallest Starbucks coffee cup size. At only 3 oz, it’s used mainly for serving espresso.

“Demi” comes from the French word “demitasse,” meaning half cup.

In the coffee world, demitasse generally refers to small cups used for serving espresso. Sometimes that includes the spoons traditionally served with espresso too.

What drinks come in a Demi size?

Well, really, just espresso. Single or double. If you are a cortado or traditional macchiato fan, you might get your drink in a Demi cup.

Not all locations have demi cups, so don’t be surprised if you get a double shot of espresso in a short cup instead.

BEST FOR
Straight espresso drink, either single or double.

2. Short (the smallest latte)

Volume: 8fl oz

The short size was one of Starbucks’ original sizes. But it fell off the menu a while ago to save space.

However, it’s still an option for a hot drink!

The short size is the smallest option for most drinks (besides just a shot of espresso).

Because it’s only 8fl oz, it’s a great size for kids or for when you want a really small drink.

Only used for hot drinks, the short size is great for lattes, mochas, or hot chocolates.

Personally, I like getting a short latte after lunch because it only uses one shot of espresso.

BEST FOR
Kid’s drinks, or for when you want only a tiny bit of hot coffee.

3. Tall (the true medium)

Volume: 12fl oz

The tall cup is the smallest cup on the standard menu. That means it’s the smallest one listed behind the counter.

It used to be the biggest size that Starbucks served, which is why it’s called “tall.” But even when it was the biggest size, it only ever held 12fl oz.

The tall is the smallest cup available for a cold drink. 

Generally, tall drinks are made with only a single shot of espresso. If you like your lattes with a little extra milk, getting a tall latte is a good choice.

The Americano and flat white are made with two shots in a tall cup.

But don’t forget that you can always ask for an extra espresso shot in a tall size.

BEST FOR
A more traditional latte, small iced drinks, or if you want less sugar.

4. Grande (the most popular)

Volume: 16fl oz

“Grande” means “big” in Italian. So you can imagine that the grande size used to be the biggest size on the menu. Until the Venti was added, which comes in an even larger size.

Grande is the most popular drink size at Starbucks.

They have two shots of espresso, though some drinks like the Americano and flat white come with three.

Like the tall size, Grande drinks can be hot or iced.

Some drinks on the menu only come in the Grande size.

BEST FOR
Standard Starbucks drinks or when you want a medium size. It’s my preferred size for Frappuccinos.

5. Venti Hot (the biggest hot size)

Volume: 20fl oz

Starbucks Venti size is actually split into two sizes depending on if your drink is hot or iced.

If you get a hot Venti, then you’ll get a cup that’s 20fl oz. “Venti” is 20 in Italian, after all.

The biggest size of Starbucks hot cup sizes is the Venti. You’ll get two shots of espresso in this size.

But you can always customize your drinks!

I’d choose a Venti if I wanted a big drink with a little extra milk and syrup instead of a stronger coffee flavor.

BEST FOR
When you want more milk to dilute the espresso taste, or when you want a lot of coffee.

6. Venti Cold (the biggest cold espresso size)

Volume: 24fl oz

Okay, so even though “Venti” means 20 in Italian, the Venti cold size is actually 24 oz. Maybe to account for the ice.

The Venti cold is the biggest Starbucks size you can get for espresso-based iced drinks such as iced shaken espresso. They’ll come with three shots of espresso.

If you’re looking for the most espresso in a standard drink, you’re going to have to go with the Venti cold.

While this drink is huge, it’s actually not the biggest drink on the menu. Just the biggest size for espresso drinks.

BEST FOR
A lot of espresso in an iced drink.

7. Trenta Cold (the biggest iced drink)

Volume: 31fl oz

Technically, the Trenta Cold is the biggest size on the menu. But it’s only available for a handful of iced drinks.

It was introduced in 2011. And keeping with the Italian naming scheme, “Trenta” means 30.

No espresso-based drinks are served in the Trenta size.

You can get an iced coffee or cold brew in a Trenta cup. You can also get iced teas, lemonades, and Starbucks Refreshers.

Not every Starbucks will carry the Trenta size, but most do.

If you need a lot of coffee for a meeting or a group gathering, you can order coffee traveler from Starbucks in a big, 96 oz coffee box.

BEST FOR
Refreshing iced drinks, a lot of iced coffee, or a drink to last a whole summer’s afternoon.

FAQ

Let’s answer a few burning questions about the Starbucks menu.

How many Shots of Espresso are in Each Starbucks cup?

The easiest way is to look at a chart:

These are the standards for Starbucks drinks. But you can always ask for more espresso shots in your drink!

What is the cheapest thing at Starbucks?

The cheapest drink at Starbucks is either a short brewed coffee or short hot tea. Each one is just over $2.00.

A single shot of espresso is just a few cents more expensive than a short brewed tea.

What is the famous TikTok Starbucks drink?

Besides the standard offer, there is the Starbucks secret menu. The most popular drink from this menu is the so-called TikTok drink or Strawberry Acai Refresher.

You’ll need to order this in a Grande size and ask for three scoops of strawberries, three scoops of blackberries, and extra ice.

Final Thoughts

It can be intimidating to order at Starbucks. Especially if you don’t go often and you are not familiar with Starbucks drink sizes.

But now, you should be equipped with the knowledge to walk up to the counter and order confidently!

Just remember: you can customize any drink in many sizes. And your Starbucks barista is there to help you find the right size and drink!

Happy sipping!

Want to make a Starbucks drink at home? Check out our article on the best Frappuccino copycat recipe!