Starbucks Coffee Sizes, Explained
Updated: Oct. 05, 2022
Here's everything you need to know about Starbucks coffee sizes, including how many espresso shots come in each size.
Starbucks’ coffee sizes can be confusing. Are cold Starbucks drinks bigger than hot drinks? Is a tall really the smallest size you can get? And does ordering a larger size mean getting more caffeine? Here’s everything you need to know (and here’s a list of the most popular items off the secret menu).
Why Starbucks Coffee Sizes Aren’t Small, Medium and Large
Like most of us, you’ve probably wondered why Starbucks doesn’t use regular sizes like every other store. The story starts in 1983, when Howard Schultz, who founded the brand that eventually became Starbucks, visited Italy. He modeled his new American coffee shop on Italian coffee bars, using terms such as macchiato, latte and grande. When the Starbucks franchise expanded in the ’90s, the coffee sizes were short, tall and grande.
Starbucks Coffee Sizes at a Glance
- Demi (3 ounces)
- Short (8 ounces)
- Tall (12 ounces)
- Grande (16 ounces)
- Venti (20 ounces for hot drinks, 24 ounces for cold drinks)
- Trenta (31 ounces)
What Each Starbucks Coffee Size Really Means
Demi
This tiny cup holds only 3 ounces and is made solely for espresso shots. Demi comes from the French word “demitasse,” which means half-cup in French. The history of the little cup goes all the way back to Italy in 1906!
Short
The smallest Starbucks drink around, a short contains 8 ounces. This li’l cup is available for hot drinks only, including brewed coffee and espresso drinks.
Tall
Confusingly, the second smallest size at Starbucks is called “tall.” It clocks in at 12 ounces, or 50% larger than the short. You can order both hot and cold drinks in a tall cup.
Grande
In Spanish, “grande” means large, but since more’s better when it comes to coffee, it’s actually a medium option at Starbucks. Grande coffees hold 16 ounces, both for cold and hot beverages.
Venti
The venti option is tricky, since it’s actually two different sizes. A hot venti beverage contains 20 ounces of coffee—in fact, the word venti means 20 in Italian. The cold venti is slightly larger, at 24 ounces. Both cups are noticeably tall and a bit more ungainly to carry around, something to bear in mind if you’re on the go.
Trenta Cold
The newest Starbucks size caused a stir when it came out in 2011. As Eater reported, the 31-ounce Trenta is actually larger than most human stomachs. You can only order cold drinks in this gargantuan size.
Psst: Here’s what to order from the Starbucks secret menu.
The Shots of Espresso in Each Size
Here’s another layer of complexity. The number of espresso shots used in each size varies. Both hot and cold drinks contain different quantities of espresso, as do drinks with milk versus without. Here’s a quick explainer:
Demi
The demi, as we said, is only used for espresso shots, each of which come in at about an ounce. This size is perfect for a single or even a double shot of espresso (commonly known as a doppio), which is 2 ounces.
Short
Short drinks made with milk, like lattes and cappuccinos, contain one shot of espresso. A short Americano, made with water, also has a single shot.
Tall
Tall drinks made with milk also have one shot of espresso. The tall Americano and shaken espresso contain two shots.
Grande
Grande espresso drinks have two shots. As usual, the Americano and shaken espresso have an extra shot, giving you a nice boost with three shots of espresso.
Venti Hot
Surprisingly, a venti hot drink has the same amount of espresso as a grande: two shots. The extra volume is mostly milk and syrup. However, a venti Americano has a whopping four shots of espresso.
Venti Cold
The slightly larger capacity of the venti cold drink includes an extra shot: three shots for milky drinks, and an extra shot for a shaken espresso. Find more secrets from Starbucks employees.
Exceptions
Of course, there are always a couple of exceptions: flat white lattes, made with a special ristretto shot, always include one more shot than traditional lattes. And blended drinks, like Frappuccinos, contain a single shot, regardless of size.
Confused? Don’t worry too much. If you’re unclear about sizing options or need to watch your caffeine intake, chat with your barista about the Starbucks menu; they’ll know the details!
Inspired by: Starbucks Chai Tea Latte
My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
You can make Starbucks cranberry bliss bars any time you please with this step-by-step copycat recipe. It makes an entire pan of bars that taste just like the real deal. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Egg Bites
You can substitute Gruyere cheese for the Swiss and ham for the bacon, or add in small-cut veggies to these copycat Starbucks egg bites. I also like to bake these in small Mason jars for fun single-portion presentations. Serve with avocado slices and fresh fruit for a healthy breakfast. —Maria Morelli, West Kelowna, British Columbia
Inspired by: Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
I love caramel frappuccinos from Starbucks, but they get too expensive. I now make my own, and they are just as good. If you blend the milk with all the other ingredients, it gets too foamy—instead stir it in with a spoon after all the ice is crushed. —Heather Egger, Davenport, Iowa
Inspired by: Starbucks Roasted Ham, Swiss and Egg Sandwich
On a busy morning, these freezer breakfast sandwiches save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena, Taste of Home Senior Editor
Inspired by: Starbucks Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brewing reduces the acidity of coffee, which enhances its natural sweetness and complex flavors. Even those who take hot coffee with sugar and cream might find themselves sipping cold brew plain. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Or if you rather buy it at the store, our Test Kitchen team found the very best options to kick start your mornings.
Inspired by: Starbucks Everything Bagel
Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha
You can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
I created a copycat Starbucks gingerbread loaf that’s the perfect addition to my holiday baking. Served with a thick layer of frosting, it’s delicious with a cup of coffee. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Coffee
When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Lemon Loaf
My family always asks for this love-me-tender lemon loaf cake. Sometimes, I shake things up and make cupcakes with the batter. So awesome for brunch! —Lola Baxter, Winnebago, Minnesota
Inspired by: Starbucks Honey Oatmilk Latte
We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Berry Trio Parfait
Homemade granola layered with fresh fruit and yogurt makes a superb breakfast. Sometimes I skip the parfait step to enjoy it on a hikes or picnics.—Donna Speirs, Kennebunk, ME
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte
Each sip of this spiced-just-right beverage from our very own baristas tastes like a piece of pumpkin pie! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownie
Coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor in these amazingly fudgy brownies. Add chocolate chips to the batter and you’ve got some seriously irresistible treats. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Inspired by: Starbucks Caffe Mocha
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel like I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Inspired by: Starbucks Cheese Danish
The flaky layers of laminated dough and a sweet, cheese filling in the center make this Danish a natural to pair with hot coffee or tea. It’s as delicious for breakfast as it is for a late-night snack. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
Inspired by: Starbucks Toasted Coconut Cold Brew
Cold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Skip the line and bake Starbucks pumpkin bread in your own kitchen. This copycat recipe may be even better than the original! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired by: Starbucks Hot Chocolate
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Inspired by: Starbucks Banana Walnut & Pecan Loaf
This quick bread is a family favorite, so I always try to have ripe bananas on hand for this recipe. I'm sure your family will love this tasty, nutty bread as much as mine does. —Susan Jones, La Grange Park, Illinois
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint Mocha
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Black Tea Lemonade
I have always loved iced tea with lemon, and this irresistible thirst-quencher takes it one step further. The lemonade gives this refreshing drink a nice color, too. —Gail Buss, New Bern, North Carolina
Inspired by: Starbucks Blueberry Scone
I love serving this blueberry scone recipe to visiting friends and family. I always make sure a have a few in the freezer. Just pop a frozen scone in the microwave for 20 seconds or so. —Joan Francis, Spring Lake, New Jersey
Inspired by: Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso
Skip the drive-thru and head straight to your kitchen to shake up this coffee drink. You only need four ingredients!
Inspired by: Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin
I first made this recipe back in 1987 and have since made it many times over the years because it's my children's favorite muffin recipe. —Wendy Stenman
Inspired by: Starbucks Peppermint White Hot Chocolate
My soothing white hot chocolate is a great warm-up after a wintry day spent sledding or ice skating. Or include it as a festive addition to brunch or an afternoon tea party. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Inspired by: Starbucks Chocolate Chip Cookie
My take on the classic cookie is inspired by a bakery in California called Hungry Bear. It's big, thick and chewy—truly the best chocolate chip cookie recipe. —Irene Yeh, Mequon, Wisconsin
