A lot of questions arise when ordering coffee. Will your barista correctly spell your name on your cup? What size should I order? And what does the difference between Venti, Trenta, and those other types really mean at Starbucks cup sizes?
How come Starbucks sizes are different?
The cup and drink sizes at Starbucks are different from just about every other place that goes by small, medium and large. It is what it is, sure, but surprisingly, there is an actual—albeit confusing—reason for it.
Starbucks was first founded by Howard Schultz in 1983 upon traveling to Italy. It was there that, according to the Starbucks website’s about page, Schultz became “captivated with Italian coffee bars and the romance of the coffee experience” and thus decided to bring it to the U.S.
6 different Starbucks cup sizes
- Demi
- Short
- Tall
- Grande
- Venti
- Trenta
1. Demi (3 ounces)
BEST FOR
Straight espresso drink, either single or double.
If you’ve never heard of the demi size at Starbucks, then you’re probably not an espresso drinker. Designed specifically for a single or double shot of espresso, “demi” is derived from demitasse, the French word for “half cup.”
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.
2. Short (8 ounces)
BEST FOR
Kid’s drinks, or for when you want only a tiny bit of hot coffee.
Also only for hot drinks, Irby says that “short” is the “smallest size for hot beverages. Comes with one shot of espresso.”
- 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.
3. Tall (12 ounces)
BEST FOR
A more traditional latte, small iced drinks, or if you want less sugar.
Available in either hot or iced, the tall size at Starbucks is a 12-ounce drink. “This is what you would get if you order a small,” Irby explains. “Standard comes with one shot of espresso. An iced espresso would also come in this cup since it’s the smallest ice cup.”
- 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.
4. Grande (16 ounces)
BEST FOR
Standard Starbucks drinks or when you want a medium size. It’s my preferred size for Frappuccinos. Also available in either hot or iced coffee options, a 16-ounce cup is the next size up and called a “grande.”
- 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.
5. Venti (20 ounces hot drinks)(26 ounces cold drinks)
BEST FOR
When you want more milk to dilute the espresso taste, or when you want a lot of coffee.
It’s the Starbucks size that changed everything! Though “venti” means “twenty” in Italian, how much beverage (and how much caffeine) you get when ordering a venti depends on if you order hot or cold. A venti hot drink will get you 20 ounces as the name suggests; a venti cold drink is actually 26 ounces.
- 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.
6. Trenta (31 ounces)
BEST FOR
A lot of espresso in an iced drink.
Only an option for iced drinks at Starbucks, the “trenta” is a whopping 31 ounces—significantly bigger than the capacity of the human stomach, according to Healthline.
How many Shots of Espresso are in Each Starbucks cup?
The easiest way is to look at a chart:
| Size | Number of Espresso Shots |
| Demi | 1-2 |
| Short | 1 |
| Tall | 1 |
| Grande | 2 |
| Venti Hot | 2 |
| Venti Cold | 3 |
| Trenta | None |
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.
Why Are Starbucks Cup Sizes in Italian?
As per the Starbucks website, Howard Schultz, former Starbucks CEO, traveled to Milan in 1983. It was then and there that he experienced Italian coffeehouses. There was something about how passionate Italians were about coffee. It was something more than a caffeine boost – it was a full-fledged drinking culture!
What Is The Smallest Starbucks Cup Size?
The smallest Starbucks cup size is the Short, which holds 8 oz or 236 mL.
What Is The Biggest Starbucks Cup Size?
The biggest cup size is the Trenta holding 31 oz or 918 mL of your favorite drink. Not all locations carry this size, so officially, the Venti is the largest size, holding 20 oz or 591 mL. It’s only limited to cold drinks such as Starbucks refreshers, or iced coffees and iced teas.
Does a Venti cup of coffee have more caffeine than a Grande cup?
Yes, the Venti cup is larger than the Grande cup and so it holds more coffee, which adds up to more caffeine. If you’re looking for caffeine free Starbucks drinks, then check out our article about them.
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!
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