What Are Starbucks Sizes? Explained
Are you confused about the different Starbucks Sizes and which cup is right for your drink? Wondering why the Starbucks Sizes menu doesn’t use the usual small, medium, and large? Navigating Starbucks cup sizes can be tricky, with names like Tall, Grande, Venti, and Trenta thrown into the mix.
This guide will help you understand Starbucks cup sizes, such as Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), Venti (20 oz hot/24 oz cold), and Trenta (30-31 oz cold only), as well as some lesser-known options like Short and Demi for specific drinks.

Whether you’re trying to get the perfect amount of coffee or just want to know what each size means for hot and cold drinks, this post gives you clear details and tips, making sure you choose the best Starbucks size for your next order. If you’ve ever found the Starbucks size names confusing, you’ll find all the easy explanations you need right here.
Various 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 (30 ounces)
You Might Like This Post
What Do Starbucks Drink Sizes Actually Mean?
Demi
Size: The Demi is a very small 3-ounce cup.
Use: It’s only used for serving espresso—either a single shot (1 oz) or a double shot (2 oz).
Name Meaning: “Demi” comes from the French word “demitasse,” which means “half-cup,” often used for espresso.
Where You’ll See It: You won’t find it listed on the regular menu, but it’s the cup you’ll get if you order a double shot of espresso (called a “Doppio”).
Short
The Short is the smallest Starbucks size at 8 oz and only for hot drinks. It usually has one shot of espresso, making it a good choice if you want less caffeine.
Hot Drinks Only: The Short size is only for hot drinks like coffee, espresso drinks, or hot chocolate. You can’t get cold or iced drinks in this size.
One Shot of Espresso: Most espresso drinks in this size, like a latte or cappuccino, have one shot of espresso. It’s good if you want less caffeine.
Small and Quick: This size is perfect if you want a small, warm drink. It’s also a good choice for kids, especially for hot chocolate.
Tall
The Tall size at Starbucks is 12 oz and works for both hot and cold drinks. Most milk drinks have one espresso shot, while Americanos and shaken espressos have two.
The name “Tall” sounds big, but it’s actually the smallest size for most drinks on the menu. This can be confusing for new customers because it doesn’t follow the usual small, medium, and large names.
Grande
At Starbucks, a Grande is the medium size at 16 oz for both hot and cold drinks. It has two espresso shots, but Americanos and shaken espressos have three.
Venti
The word “Venti” means “twenty” in Italian. A hot Venti drink at Starbucks is 20 oz, while a cold Venti drink is 24 oz. The extra space in cold drinks is for ice, so you still get 20 oz of liquid.
Trenta
The Trenta size came out in 2011 and is 30 oz—bigger than most people’s stomachs! You can only get cold drinks in this size, like iced tea, cold brew, and Starbucks Refreshers.
FAQs
Keep in mind: The details provided are from publicly accessible sources and might not be entirely precise. For the most accurate nutritional information, it’s recommended to visit the Starbucks website or reach out to them directly.
The price can vary based on your location. It’s best to check the specific price through the Starbucks website or app for delivery to your area.