The height of a coffee mug would be about

Get the coffee cup size wrong and your favourite caffeinated beverage may feel off. In fact, there are different coffee mug sizes for each type of coffee. For example, the Italian Espresso Institute has defined clear requirements for a perfect espresso cup size. Other standards are not that stringent, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know about them.

This article provides a detailed overview of the standard and specialized coffee cup sizes. By the end of it, you’ll be able to make a more educated choice in terms of size for any type of coffee or occasion.

Standard Coffee Cup Size

In general, the standard cup sizes are between 30ml and 295ml, which works great for drip coffee. On the other hand, cups can go all the way up to 15oz or more to accommodate those who really need to fill up on caffeine. As indicated, there is also a cup size for every coffee type. Depending on what type of coffee you like, the cup may be bigger or smaller than the standard.

In the following sections, we’ll discuss the standard coffee cup size for popular coffee types. The list starts with the smallest of them and also includes a rundown of oversized models.

Espresso

Espresso cups are usually between 60ml and 88ml, but there are 103ml and 118ml models as well. These cups are also known as demitasses and are designed to accentuate the espresso flavour. They feature a wide rim and a narrow base which brings all the aromas closer to your nose and palate. (1)

Cappuccino

These are usually twice the size of an espresso cup and come at 147ml to 177ml. The rim can be quite wide, but the base still remains narrow. Usually, cappuccino cups/mugs come with a saucer plate. See our favourites here.

Latte

A latte cup looks more like a bowl than a cup, and it can hold up to 443ml of coffee. Essentially, this cup allows you to add all the extras that make latte special. The wide shape is perfectly designed for pouring steam milk and creating some picture-worthy latte art. (2)

Oversized Cups

Oversized cups may fall into one of the two categories – oversized classic and oversized latte. As for the classic model, it usually holds between 590ml and 740ml of coffee. An oversized latte might be even a bit bigger than that. Due to the ample capacity, oversized latte cups are often used as snack or even soup bowls.

Travel Mugs

This type of coffee container belongs in a category of its own and you can either choose a tumbler or a classic travel mug (see our top pick for the best travel coffee mug). When it comes to capacity, both tumblers and classic travel mugs hold between 15oz and 20oz of coffee.

A tumbler is designed to fit a car cup holder and it’s an excellent gift for a coffee lover who is always on the go. But if you need additional stability and a handle, classic travel mug would be a better option. The best thing about these is that they come in a variety of colours and styles, plus there are shops that can customize the mug for you.

Starbucks Coffee Cup Sizes

Starbucks uses a cute naming system to indicate different cup sizes. The options you are presented with are tall, short, venti, and grande. Of course, each name signifies a specific quantity. Short is 230ml, tall is 354ml, grande holds 473ml, and venti (Italian for twenty) is the biggest at 590ml.

In addition, there is the trenta cold, which holds 916ml and is available for some cold caffeinated beverages. (3)

Final Thoughts

Choosing between different coffee mug sizes depends on your lifestyle and coffee preferences. In other words, you wouldn’t put a shot of espresso in an oversized travel mug, but you also wouldn’t put an espresso cup in your car’s cup holder even if it would fit in there. Each type of coffee is best enjoyed from a cup that’s specially designed for it.

And if you are a real connoisseur, why not get a special cup/mug for all your favourite coffee types?

Top 15 the height of a coffee mug would be about