I’m a big fan of Starbucks, and I’m guessing you might be too. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered about the unique size system at Starbucks. With names like “tall” for small and “venti” for large, it can be a bit confusing.
Well, I’m here to break it down for you and help you navigate those Starbucks cup sizes like a pro.
The Story Behind Starbucks Sizes
The Starbucks size system isn’t just a random quirk—it actually has a history rooted in European coffee culture. When Starbucks founder Howard Schultz first traveled to Italy, he fell in love with the Italian coffee experience. In an effort to bring that same vibe to the U.S., he chose to use Italian-inspired names for Starbucks cup sizes. And that’s how we got the unique Starbucks size system we know today!
Starbucks Cup Sizes Explained
Here’s a handy breakdown of all the Starbucks cup sizes:
Hot Sizes
| Size | Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demi | 3 ounces | Perfect for espresso shots |
| Short | 8 ounces | Smallest size for hot beverages, comes with one espresso shot |
| Tall | 12 ounces | Equivalent to a small, comes with one espresso shot |
| Grande | 16 ounces | Equivalent to a medium, comes with two espresso shots |
| Venti | 20 ounces | Equivalent to a large, comes with two espresso shots |
Cold Sizes
| Size | Volume | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tall | 12 ounces | Smallest size for cold beverages, comes with one espresso shot |
| Grande | 16 ounces | Equivalent to a medium, comes with two espresso shots |
| Venti | 24 ounces | Equivalent to a large, comes with three espresso shots |
| Trenta | 30 ounces | Only for iced teas and coffees |
As you can see, the Starbucks cold cup sizes vary a bit from their hot drink counterparts. The cold Venti size is 24 fluid ounces, four ounces more than the hot Venti, to accommodate the addition of ice in the cold drink. This ensures you get 20 ounces of pure Starbucks drink instead of receiving less drink in the iced edition.
Espresso and Caffeine in Starbucks Sizes
When you’re ordering at Starbucks, it’s not just about the size of the cup—you might also be curious about the amount of espresso in each drink. Here’s a quick rundown of espresso shots in different Starbucks sizes:
Hot Drinks
- Short: 1 espresso shot
- Tall: 1 espresso shot (2 shots for Americanos and shaken espressos)
- Grande: 2 espresso shots (3 shots for Americanos and shaken espressos)
- Venti: 2 espresso shots (4 shots for Americanos)
Cold Drinks
- Tall: 1 espresso shot (2 shots for shaken espressos, flat whites, and Americanos)
- Grande: 2 espresso shots
- Venti: 3 espresso shots (4 shots for shaken espressos)
- Trenta: Espresso shots vary depending on the drink
If you’re looking for the most caffeine, Americanos and shaken espressos seem to be the way to go!
How to Order at Starbucks
Now that you’re familiar with Starbucks sizes, here are a few tips for ordering:
- Remember that “tall” is small, “grande” is medium, and “venti” is large.
- Don’t hesitate to ask your barista if you’re unsure about the size or number of espresso shots in a specific drink.
- If you want extra ice in your cold drink, you can ask for a larger cup size without extra cost.
Starbucks Cup Size Trivia and Fun Facts
Did you know that the “short” size was originally the smallest size at Starbucks? When they introduced the “venti” size, they decided to shift everything down, making “tall” the new small and “grande” the new medium.
Starbucks Secret Menu Sizes and More
Starbucks offers a couple of secret menu sizes that you might not be aware of. Let’s dive into the lesser-known sizes and some additional information about Starbucks cup sizes.
Short (8 fl oz.)
The Short cup is the smallest of the Starbucks cup sizes, and it’s part of their secret menu. This size was one of the first sizes available, fitting with Howard Schultz’s Italian inspiration. All hot coffee drinks are available in this size. However, if you’re ordering a Cortado coffee, this is the only size it comes in.
Venti Cold (24 fl oz.)
The cold Venti is about three cups of coffee and is the largest cup size for cold drinks. It’s the largest size you can order a Frappuccino in. However, you can order larger sizes in other cold drinks like the refreshers or Teavana products. This size and up are ideal for sharing with those around you.
Trenta (31 fl oz.)
The Starbucks Trenta size is the absolute largest drink you can order at a Starbucks, but it’s available only for a limited range of cold drinks, including Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, Starbucks Refreshers, and the Teavana range. It’s also part of the secret menu, so it may not be listed on the menu board.
Why Venti Hot and Venti Cold Drinks Are Different Sizes
The cold Venti (24 fl oz) is four ounces larger than the hot Venti (20 fl oz) to accommodate for the addition of ice in the cold drink. This ensures you get 20 ounces of pure Starbucks drink instead of receiving less drink in the iced edition.
FAQ – Starbucks Cup Sizes
What is a Small at Starbucks?
When you visit a Starbucks and want a small-sized coffee drink, you should order a Tall. While it might seem confusing at first, the naming convention makes more sense when you realize that larger drink sizes use Italian words.
What is a Medium at Starbucks?
At Starbucks, a medium-sized drink is called a Grande. This is also the standard size used for describing drink recipes on the Starbucks website.
What is a Large at Starbucks?
Generally, a large-size drink at Starbucks is called a Venti, which is the largest size available for a hot drink. However, if you’re really thirsty, cold drinks can come in an even larger size called Trenta.
How Big is a Starbucks Venti?
The Venti size at Starbucks comes in two different sizes, depending on whether you want a hot or cold drink. The hot Venti at Starbucks is a 20-ounce cup, while the cold Venti holds 24 ounces. If you order a cold espresso drink in a Venti, you’ll get three shots of espresso, providing even more value.
What is a Venti Hot (20 fl. oz.)?
A hot Venti at Starbucks holds 20 fluid ounces, 2.37 cups, 586 milliliters, or a British Pint (in the US, this is more than a standard 16-ounce pint). Many coffee drinkers choose to add an additional shot of espresso to their Venti, reducing the amount of milk and giving the drink a more robust coffee flavor.
What is a Venti Cold (24 fl. oz.)?
When you order a cold drink at Starbucks, such as a coffee-based drink, frappuccino, or a cold tea or Refresher, you’ll get 24 fluid ounces, 3 cups, or 709 milliliters. Cold coffee-based Venti drinks at Starbucks use three shots of espresso, compared to the two shots in a hot Venti.
Why Is A Cold Venti Bigger Than a Hot Venti?
The cold Venti is larger than the hot Venti to accommodate the addition of ice. By making the cold drink cup slightly larger, Starbucks ensures that you get the same amount of drink even with the added ice.
What is the Biggest Drink at Starbucks?
The largest size at some Starbucks locations is a Trenta, holding 31 fluid ounces, almost 4 cups, or 916 milliliters. The Trenta is not available at every Starbucks store and is only an option for certain drinks, including Teavana iced tea or lemonades, iced coffee, cold brew, and refreshers. You cannot order hot drinks or frappuccinos in a Trenta.
Can I get any drink in any size at Starbucks?
Most drinks at Starbucks can be ordered in any of the available sizes. However, some drinks, such as Frappuccinos, may only be available in certain sizes. You can ask your barista for more information about the sizes available for a particular drink.
Are the sizes the same at all Starbucks locations?
Yes, the sizes at Starbucks are consistent across all locations. You can expect to find the same sizes at any Starbucks location around the world.
Can I customize the size of my drink at Starbucks?
While Starbucks does not allow customers to customize the sizes of their drinks, you can ask your barista to adjust the number of ingredients in your drink to your liking. For example, if you want a little extra foam on your latte, you can ask your barista to add a little extra when making your drink.
Is the Trenta size available for hot drinks at Starbucks?
No, the Trenta size is only available for iced drinks. If you want a hot drink that is larger than a Venti, you can ask your barista for a second cup.
How many ounces are in a Tall, Grande, Venti, and Trenta at Starbucks?
A Tall size at Starbucks is 12 ounces, a Grande size is 16 ounces, a Venti size is 20 ounces for hot drinks and 24 ounces for cold drinks, and a Trenta size is 31 ounces.
Can I get a caffeine-free version of my drink in any size?
Most drinks at Starbucks can be made with decaffeinated espresso or coffee. You can order a decaffeinated version of any drink in any of the available sizes. Just let your barista know that you want a decaffeinated version of your drink.
What sizes are available for Frappuccinos at Starbucks?
Frappuccinos at Starbucks are available in three sizes: Tall, Grande, and Venti. The Tall size is 12 ounces, the Grande size is 16 ounces, and the Venti size is 24 ounces.
Starbucks Cup Sizes: My Final Thougts
So there you have it, the complete guide to Starbucks cup sizes! Now that you’re in the know, you can confidently order your favorite drinks and enjoy that perfect coffee experience.
Cheers to a better understanding of Starbucks sizes and making the most of it!
Mattias
Welcome to Mattias’ Coffee Corner! Mattias, a coffee lover for over 23 years, shares his experiences and discoveries. Join him for unique recipes, expert tips, and insightful reviews that cater to all coffee fans. Explore the fascinating world of coffee with Mattias and elevate your brewing game!
FAQs
Starbucks Cup Sizes: The Ultimate Guide to Sizing Up Your Coffee Experience - intermezzocoffeeco.com? ›
Fact-checking website Snopes investigated the video and debunked it as a prank. According to Snopes, the creator probably used a glass with a false bottom or edited the video deceptively to give the impression that different sized cups held the same amount of liquid.
What is the Starbucks size theory? ›Fact-checking website Snopes investigated the video and debunked it as a prank. According to Snopes, the creator probably used a glass with a false bottom or edited the video deceptively to give the impression that different sized cups held the same amount of liquid.
What are the sizes of coffee cups at Starbucks? ›First of all, here are the size options traditionally offered at Starbucks: tall (12 ounces), grande (16 ounces), venti (24 ounces), and trenta (31 ounces). Let's briefly address tall.
What do the cup sizes at Starbucks translate to? ›Today, only four sizes are listed on the menu board: short (8 ounces), tall (12 ounces), grande (16 ounces), and venti (20 ounces for hot drinks, 24 ounces for cold drinks). Demi (3 ounces) is also available for espresso, although it is now called a quad.
What size is most worth it at Starbucks? ›Buying a small drink at Starbucks may help you save money in the short term, but if you find yourself going back for seconds, bumping up your cup size may be more economical in the long run. "Everyone should skip buying a tall size, because the grande and venti sizes are a better value," Beach said.
Why is Starbucks sizing different? ›Small, medium and large sizes used to be sold at the mega chain, but because of CEO Howard Shultz and a trip over seas, we now use totally different names when ordering at Starbucks.
What are the four fundamentals are Starbucks? ›The recipe for a great cup of coffee includes four basic fundamentals: proportion, grind, water and freshness. Understanding and following the guidelines for each of them will ensure a great cup of coffee every time.
What are the list of sizes at Starbucks? ›The sizes available to you are Short, Tall, Grande, Venti Hot, Venti Cold, and Trenta.
How do you order Starbucks coffee sizes? ›- Short: 8 oz.
- Tall: 12 oz.
- Grande: 16 oz.
- Venti (Hot): 20 oz.
- Venti (Cold): 24 oz. (The extra room is to accommodate the ice.)
- Trenta: 31 oz.
It turns out, it all comes down to space on the Starbucks price board. When the firm started out, the cup sizes presented more familiar names; a small coffee was called short, the medium size was tall, and the biggest one was known as a grande.
What do the cup sizes mean? ›
Bras are sized using two measurements – the band, which is the measurement around your ribcage, where the bra underband sits, and is a number (like 34 or 36). Then the cup, which is a letter, and represents the difference between the underbust measurement and the one around the fullest part of your bust.
What size to order for free Starbucks cup? ›Our gift to you
On Nov. 17, order a handcrafted holiday (or fall) beverage at a participating U.S. Starbucks store and receive your free 2022 limited-edition reusable red cup (16 oz). Quantities are limited, while supplies last.
Grande (16 fl oz or 473 ml) is the most popular size drink ordered at Starbucks. Most drinks on the menu can be ordered in the Starbucks cup size Grande, but some menu drinks are only offered in the Grande size, like smoothies.
What is the secret large size at Starbucks? ›| Availability: | Most Locations |
|---|---|
| The Secret: | A Larger 31 oz. Cup for Cold Drinks |
| Popularity: | Medium |
| Secret Size: Trenta Price: | Price varies by drink |
| Secret Size: Trenta - How to Order: | When ordering your favorite cold drink, ask if you can get it in the larger Trenta sized cup. |
The hot Venti at Starbucks is a 20 ounce cup. Many people consider this the best value on the menu, as it comes with two shots of espresso. The Venti is also the largest cup size at Starbucks that comfortably fits in most standard car cup holders. The cold drink Venti, is actually a bit larger in volume.
Why are Starbucks sizes so small? ›"Starbucks decided that there wasn't room for four sizes. So short got the boot and tall became the new short, or small."
Why don t Starbucks sizes make sense? ›In the early years of Starbucks the main sizes were Short(8oz) and Tall(12oz) and Grande(16oz) was added as the largest size latter on. Because of the already existing sizes sounding like they are large the newer large size was called a Venti(20oz) simply meaning 20 came out later as a larger size.
Do all Starbucks coffee sizes hold the same amount of coffee? ›No, all Starbucks hot cup sizes do not hold the same amount of liquid.
What are the 5 enemies of coffee? ›Your beans' greatest enemies are air, moisture, heat, and light. To preserve your beans' fresh roasted flavor as long as possible, store them in an opaque, air-tight container at room temperature. Coffee beans can be beautiful, but avoid clear canisters which will allow light to compromise the taste of your coffee.
What are the 4 pillars of coffee? ›The recipe for a great cup of coffee includes four basic fundamentals: proportion, grind, water and freshness. Understanding and following the guidelines for each of them will ensure a great cup of coffee every time.
What are the 4 keys to coffee? ›
The "four fundamentals" of proportion, grind, water and freshness are even more important. Armed with a little coffee knowledge, you can create great coffee with a coffee press, home brewer or espresso machine.
What size is a latte? ›Lattes usually contain 1-2 ounces of espresso and 8-15 ounces of steamed milk. In the specialty coffee world, anything larger than 8 ounces is considered a latte.
How many Oz is a venti? ›Unsatisfied with existing sizes Short, (8 ounces), Tall (12 ounces), Grande (16 ounces), Venti (20 ounces), and Venti Iced (24 ounces), Starbucks is launching the 31-ounce Trenta.
How much is a tall Starbucks coffee? ›Short (8 oz): $2.55. Tall (12 oz): $2.65. Venti (20 oz): $3.25.
When ordering Starbucks do you say the size first? ›Your order should sound something like, “iced grande skinny vanilla latte” or tall hot chocolate with soy milk and no whip.” You start with the size and temperature of your drink, and everything else follows.
Did Starbucks change cup sizes? ›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).
What size is a grande at Starbucks? ›Grande. Grande is Italian for "large," but at 16 ounces, the "grande" cup at Starbucks is the loose equivalent of a medium-size coffee. Customers can order hot or cold beverages in this size.
What's the correct way to order at Starbucks? ›- Hot or iced.
- Size.
- Decaf.
- Number of shots (if any extra)
- Number of pumps of syrup (if you're that specific)
- Type of milk.
- Any extras (mo' whip, mo' deliciousness)
- Drink type (latte, Frappuccino, etc.)
Grande (16 ounces)
Grande means large in other languages like Spanish and Italian but it's Starbucks' medium. Pronounced GRAHN-DEH, both hot and cold drinks can be ordered in this size.
A short essentially correlated with a small, a tall was a medium, and a grande was a large. The introduction of the venti size demoted the tall—making it the new short—and removed the short size altogether.
Do larger Starbucks drinks have more coffee? ›
As a former Starbucks barista explained to Business Insider, both a Grande hot drink (16 oz.) and a Venti hot drink (20 oz.) contain two shots of espresso. Only Venti iced drinks, which are larger (24 oz.), get three shots.
What problems can a tight bra cause? ›Skin Abrasions and Chafing
A bra that is too tight can easily cause skin abrasions and chafing from the constant rubbing against your skin. You may see red lines anywhere the bra falls, including your overbust, underbust, back, or shoulders.
In 2020, over 50 percent of coffee drinkers in the United States drank a medium cup of coffee (about 12 to 16 ounces) for their past day consumption, making it the most common cup size for U.S. consumers that year.
What is considered the best cup size? ›It turns out, over half of women polled thought a C cup was the perfect fit. At the same time, close to 26 percent preferred a B cup. Nearly 2 percent said an A cup was their preferred breast proportion.
Is Starbucks coffee cheaper if you bring your own cup? ›When you bring a reusable cup to Starbucks, you'll always get a $0.10 discount on your order, and if you're a part of the Starbucks Rewards program, you'll get 25 Stars added to your account. You can get this discount even if you don't bring in a Starbucks reusable cup.
Can you get free Starbucks if you have a cup? ›If you bring in a 20 ounce cup (most baristas will fill it to the top) and you ordered tall (12 ounces) or grande (16 ounces), you're getting free coffee.
Do you get free refills with Starbucks cup? ›Free refills can only be applied at participating stores. Customers have to be in the store and stay there in order to get a new drink. So they are unable to leave and then come back. Refills are also not available at the drive-thru.
Do all 3 Starbucks cups hold the same amount? ›No, all Starbucks hot cup sizes do not hold the same amount of liquid.
How much does a big Starbucks cup hold? ›Cold To-Go Cup - 24 fl oz.
How much does a large Starbucks tumbler hold? ›Starbucks Venti Custom Cold Cup Tumbler now holds 24oz. sturdy, 24-fl oz clear plastic Cold Cup with double wall construction, updated Siren logo and reusable straw. The iconic Starbucks Cold Cup.
What does Starbucks secret menu mean? ›
The secret menu items are drinks customers and baristas have created on their own by modifying the regular menu. The drinks are off-the-menu, meaning Starbucks baristas aren't trained to learn how to make them.
Does 150 stars at Starbucks get you any size drink? ›Currently, 150 stars will earn even the most expensive drink: any size drink with any add-ons — like syrups and extra espresso shots.
What is the difference between a grande and a venti? ›What do grande, venti, and trenta mean at Starbucks? First of all, here are the size options traditionally offered at Starbucks: tall (12 ounces), grande (16 ounces), venti (24 ounces), and trenta (31 ounces). Let's briefly address tall.
What size coffee cup should I get? ›5 – 6 Oz mugs for Caffe Americano and Cappuccinos. 8 Oz Mugs for Lattes and flavored lattes. 11 – 15 Oz for larger coffees. 15 Oz to 20 Oz for Travel mugs.
What is Starbucks business theory? ›According to the theory, Starbucks operates in a competitive and profitable industry. The coffee shop industry is characterised by companies that can innovate and produce superior beverages for their customers. Starbucks uses its resources to drive performance and support the changing needs of targeted customers.
What theory does Starbucks use? ›If people don't put effort on business, they will get less paid or they will loss their jobs. On the other way people do more work and when they meet the target then they will get more money. His idea is to maximize the profit for business and to get more pay for employment. Starbucks has implemented Taylor's theory.
What is Starbucks Organisational theory? ›Starbucks utilizes a matrix organizational structure that combines several functional and product-based divisions. This means there are multiple overlapping divisions and reporting structures within the overall organization, which makes sense considering its sheer size and global presence.
What is the Starbucks paradox? ›The Paradox – Choice Overload
The effects can be observed in the Starbucks predicament I presented earlier; these include lack of motivation to choose, increase in stress and anxiety and the potential for regret. This behavioural phenomenon is referred to as “choice overload”.
The three pillars of Starbucks' social responsibility strategy are community, ethical sourcing, and the environment. Starbucks is committed to giving back to the community and supports various causes such as environmental sustainability, education, and health.
What is Starbucks ethical philosophy? ›Starbucks Ethics & Compliance supports our mission and values and helps protect our culture and our reputation by fostering a culture that is committed to ethical leadership and conducting business with integrity by providing resources that help partners make ethical decisions at work.
What does Starbucks make the most money from? ›
Starbucks made over 61% of its revenue, in 2022, from beverages, followed by other revenue, which accounted for 21% of the total revenue (that comprises packaged and single-serve coffees and teas, plus royalty and licensing revenues, beverage-related ingredients, serve ware, and ready-to-drink beverages, among other ...
What is Starbucks main focus? ›To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.
What leadership style does Starbucks use? ›He uses motivation, influence and referent power to overcome business obstacles and achieve shared success. Evidence of Howard Schultz transformational leadership qualities are a key component of the Starbucks operation.
What are the 4 Organisational theories? ›Organizational theory is the study of the structures of organizations. Four major theories contribute to this study – classical organizational theory, human relations or neo-classical theory, contingency or decision theory and modern systems theory.
What are the three organizational theories? ›There are three different types of organizational theory: Classical Organization Theory, Neo-Classical Organizational Theory, and Modern Organizational Theory.
What is Starbucks secret to success? ›Product: High-quality products justify the premium pricing. They ensure that the coffee tastes better than its competitors. Their Barista Promise of fixing your drink if you don't like it has attracted the masses. Price: Starbucks sells their coffee at least 25% higher than other brands.
What is the enemy of coffee Starbucks? ›Freshness. Coffee's biggest enemies are oxygen and moisture. Always store coffee in an airtight container at room temperature. Storing coffee in the refrigerator or freezer can result in moisture from condensation and is not recommended for daily use.