Surely you’ve noticed by now that Starbucks operates by its own size parameters. You won’t find a small, medium or large system at your local ‘Bucks. Instead, the popular coffee conglomerate likes to complicate things (we say this in the most affectionate way possible) by switching up their sizing, making it unique to their brand. But it’s not just the sizing that’s confusing. The Starbucks cup you order may also impact your caffeine dosage… and it varies between hot and cold drinks, too. So, how’s a person in need of coffee supposed to navigate the menu? Keep reading for all of the Starbucks sizes explained—ounce by ounce. Love Starbucks? Don’t miss these Starbucks gifts for coffee lovers.
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. Part of that experience was delivering an almost fancy, European vibe, which is what prompted Schultz to give the cup sizes different names. Schultz wanted to move away from the way Americans viewed coffee as a casual cuppa joe. He wanted it to be an experience and conveying that meant a new image—a rebrand of sorts. In Italy, there were (and still are) very distinctive drink names: macchiato, latte, cappuccino, etc. Schultz’s coffee company (which eventually became Starbucks) began using Italian phrasing for its cup sizes: “grande” and “venti,” for example. Now, if you speak even the smallest bit of Italian, you may have noticed that “grande” does not mean “small” and “venti” does not mean large. So, what happened? Well, when the Starbucks brand eventually got bigger, it offered three coffee sizes: short, tall and grande. Grande was the largest option. But then, Starbucks added the “venti” size in the ’90s. “Venti” is Italian for “twenty,” as in 20 ounces. Once venti came into the fray, “short” no longer meant “small,” and Starbucks shifted everything down, basically. The “tall” size became “small,” the “grande” became “medium,” and “venti” was now the large, 20-ounce size (more on that later).
Starbucks sizes
Parade consulted Joel Irby, a former Starbucks barista and shift manager from Nashville, TN, for additional insight into Starbucks’ many sizes. As of right now, Starbucks offers six different cup sizes:
DemiShortTallGrandeVentiTrenta
Demi (3 ounces)
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.” “[A demi is] only hot,” Irby explains. “This cup is used for shots of espresso or small things like espresso con panna (espresso with a little whipped cream).”
Short (8 ounces)
Also only for hot drinks, Irby says that “short” is the “smallest size for hot beverages. Comes with one shot of espresso.”
Tall (12 ounces)
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.”
Grande (16 ounces)
Also available in either hot or iced coffee options, a 16-ounce cup is the next size up and called a “grande.” “This is what you would get if you order a medium,” Irby says. “Standard comes with two shots of espresso.”
Venti (20 ounces for hot drinks, 26 ounces for cold drinks)
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. “This is what you would get if you order a large,” Irby adds. “Standard comes with two shots. [It’s the] largest size for hot drinks.”
Trenta (31 ounces)
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. “This cup is only for iced teas and coffees,” Irby explains. “There are no trenta-sized lattes or Frappuccinos. But for example, you can order a venti iced latte in a trenta cup if you want extra ice.”
Which Starbucks drinks have the most espresso?
When finalizing your Starbucks order, do you consider how much espresso is included in each drink? That’s how you know you’re a true-blue coffee lover. As you can probably guess, the amount of espresso in each drink varies by size, hot versus cold and even drinks made with or without milk. So, which Starbucks drinks have the most espresso?
Short
As Irby explains, short drinks contain one shot of espresso. This includes short Americanos—as well as other drinks that are made with milk, like lattes.
Tall
Interestingly, Frappuccinos contain one shot of espresso no matter what size you order. Other tall-sized drinks made with milk contain the same, but if you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck with a tall drink, order an Americano or a shaken espresso—both of which actually contain two shots of espresso.
Grande
Most grande drinks come with two espresso shots. However, if you need more of a boost, try a grande Americano or shaken espresso (again). In a grande size, your local barista will likely give you a third shot for prosperity. To hack the system, you could also always order a “flatte white latte,” which comes with an additional ristretto shot—a shot of espresso from finely ground beans and less water.
Venti (Hot) vs. Venti (Cold)
A venti size actually has two shots of espresso as well. What you’re really getting (or paying for) when you order a venti is more of the milk and syrup. But as you’ve noticed, the Americano is old faithful for those looking for more caffeine. If you order a venti (hot) Americano, you’ll find yourself with four heavenly shots of espresso. With a cold venti, you’ll get a third shot of espresso with most drinks and a fourth for a shaken espresso. Next up, must-make Starbucks copycat recipes.
