The 7 Starbucks Cup Sizes You Need To Know In 2025: A Complete Guide To Ounces, Names, And The 'Secret' Cups
Navigating the Starbucks menu can be an adventure, but understanding the cup sizes is often the first—and most confusing—hurdle. Forget small, medium, and large; the coffee giant operates on its own unique vocabulary of Short, Tall, Grande, Venti, and Trenta, each with specific measurements in both ounces and milliliters. As of late 2025, knowing these specific volumes is more important than ever, especially with the introduction of new sustainable cold cups and seasonal promotions like the Grande-sized Red Cup Day containers, ensuring you get exactly the amount of caffeine—or refreshment—you paid for.
This up-to-date 2025 guide cuts through the confusion, offering a definitive breakdown of every Starbucks cup size, from the smallest 'secret' option to the massive 31-ounce Trenta. Whether you're ordering a hot latte, a cold brew, or a blended Frappuccino, we detail the exact capacity, the beverages they are typically used for, and the crucial distinction between the hot and cold versions of the popular Venti size.
The Definitive Starbucks Cup Size Chart (2025)
The standard Starbucks menu features three main sizes—Tall, Grande, and Venti—but the full lineup includes five primary names, plus the critical hot/cold distinction for Venti. Here is the complete breakdown, designed to eliminate any ordering confusion:
- Short: 8 fl oz (237 mL)
- Tall: 12 fl oz (355 mL)
- Grande: 16 fl oz (473 mL)
- Venti (Hot): 20 fl oz (591 mL)
- Venti (Cold): 24 fl oz (710 mL)
- Trenta (Cold): 31 fl oz (917 mL)
The names themselves—Italian for "tall," "large," and "twenty"—were introduced to create a distinctive, upscale brand identity, moving away from generic sizing. However, this has led to the common misconception that a Tall is a small, when it is, in fact, the smallest size regularly displayed on the menu board.
1. Short (8 fl oz / 237 mL): The Original 'Secret' Size
The Short cup is a true insider's choice and the smallest size available at Starbucks. While it is not typically listed on the main menu board, it is a standard size for hot beverages.
- Common Use: Primarily for hot drinks like a Flat White, a classic Hot Chocolate, or a small, concentrated Latte.
- Why it Exists: This size aligns with traditional European espresso drink volumes and is perfect for a smaller, stronger coffee experience. It is the ideal choice for a drink that requires only a single shot of espresso and less milk.
2. Tall (12 fl oz / 355 mL): The Smallest Standard
The Tall cup is the smallest size you will see listed on the menu when you walk up to the counter. Despite its name, which implies height, it is the entry-level standard size for both hot and cold drinks.
- Common Use: The go-to for a small Iced Coffee, a basic Hot Tea, or an introductory-sized Frappuccino.
- Espresso: Tall espresso-based drinks typically contain one shot of espresso.
3. Grande (16 fl oz / 473 mL): The True 'Medium'
Grande, which means "large" in Italian, is the Starbucks equivalent of a medium cup. It is one of the most popular sizes, offering a substantial amount of beverage without the commitment of the larger Venti.
- Common Use: Everything from seasonal beverages like the Pumpkin Spice Latte to the standard Cold Brew. The 16-ounce size is often used for promotional items, such as the reusable Red Cup given out during Red Cup Day 2025.
- Espresso: Grande hot and cold espresso drinks contain two shots of espresso.
Venti and Trenta: Understanding the Volume Differences
The Venti size is where the most confusion lies for new customers. The volume of a Venti cup depends entirely on whether your beverage is hot or cold. This distinction is critical because it affects the total amount of liquid and the number of espresso shots or scoops of ice used.
4. Venti (Hot) (20 fl oz / 591 mL): The Hot Max
The hot Venti cup is the largest size available for any hot beverage, including lattes, cappuccinos, and hot teas.
- Common Use: Large hot beverages where you want a significant volume of drink.
- Espresso: Hot Venti espresso drinks also typically contain two shots of espresso, despite being larger than a Grande. However, many customers request a third shot for a stronger flavor, which is an extra charge.
5. Venti (Cold) (24 fl oz / 710 mL): The Cold Standard
The cold Venti cup is significantly larger than its hot counterpart, holding an extra 4 ounces. This extra space is essential to accommodate ice, which takes up a considerable portion of the cup’s volume, ensuring you still receive the full amount of liquid concentrate.
- Common Use: Iced Lattes, Iced Coffees, Refreshers, and Frappuccinos. Starbucks tumblers are often sold in this 24 fl oz Venti size.
- Espresso: Cold Venti drinks typically contain three shots of espresso, giving them a much-needed caffeine boost to match the volume.
6. Trenta (31 fl oz / 917 mL): The Largest Cup in the World
Trenta, which means "thirty" in Italian, is the largest cup size Starbucks offers, clocking in at a massive 31 ounces—nearly a full liter of liquid. This size is strictly limited to certain cold, non-blended beverages.
- Common Use: Only available for Iced Coffee, Cold Brew, Iced Tea, and Starbucks Refreshers. You cannot order a Trenta Frappuccino, Hot Coffee, or Hot Latte.
- Pro Tip: Ordering a Trenta Iced Coffee is the most cost-effective way to get the maximum amount of caffeine and liquid.
The Future of Starbucks Sizing: Sustainability and Reusable Cups
As the company moves toward more sustainable practices in 2025, the conversation around cup sizes is also shifting to reusable options and new materials.
The Rise of Reusable Cup Sizes
Starbucks strongly encourages the use of personal tumblers and reusable cups, which come in a variety of sizes that may not perfectly match the disposable paper cups. The most common sizes for reusable tumblers sold by Starbucks are:
- 12 fl oz (Tall): Ideal for hot drinks.
- 16 fl oz (Grande): A versatile size for both hot and cold.
- 24 fl oz (Venti Cold): The standard size for cold tumblers, accommodating ice.
When you bring your own cup, the barista will fill it to the nearest standard size volume, and you often receive a small discount for your contribution to sustainability. Furthermore, Starbucks has been rolling out new, more sustainable cold cups made with 10-20% less plastic, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility alongside their unique sizing system.
Ordering Tips for Maximum Value and Clarity
To ensure a perfect order every time, keep these key entities and tips in mind:
- Specify Hot or Cold: Always state "Hot Venti" or "Iced Venti" to avoid confusion and ensure you get the correct 20 oz or 24 oz size.
- Know Your Espresso Shots: Tall gets one shot, Grande and Hot Venti typically get two, and Cold Venti gets three. If you need more caffeine, ask for an extra shot (a common request).
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Short: If you want a small, concentrated drink, simply ask for a "Short" (8 oz) of your desired hot beverage.
- Trenta is for Refreshers and Tea: Reserve the Trenta size exclusively for the non-blended, non-espresso cold drinks.
Mastering the nomenclature of Short, Tall, Grande, Venti, and Trenta is the key to a seamless Starbucks experience. By knowing the exact ounces and milliliters, you can confidently order the perfect size, whether you’re seeking a quick 8-ounce espresso fix or a massive 31-ounce Iced Green Tea.
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