Uh, What’s a Demi? A Breakdown of Starbucks Sizes, According to a Former Starbucks Barista

Unless you’re a regular doppio drinker, you likely don’t know this Starbucks size exists. Named after the French word for half-cup, “demitasse,” this teeny-tiny vessel holds three ounces. It’s designed to accommodate single or double shots of espresso. You may also see this cup if you order an espresso con panna, or an espresso with whipped cream.

You won’t need a translation for this one. An 8-ounce cup, the short is used for hot, single-shot drinks that contain milk but not a ton of it. For instance, if you order a regular macchiato (which is unsweetened and mostly espresso, unlike the ever-popular caramel macchiato) or a cortado, it’ll come in this cup. I also recall using these cups for milk steamers for little kids. (Just FYI, you can also order hot drinks at kids’ temperature, so you don’t burn your tongue. The more you know.)

I remember so many first-time customers getting tripped up by this one. It’s the Starbucks equivalent of a standard small, but the name makes it sound big. The 12-ounce cup can be used for both hot and cold drinks. Most milk-heavy espresso drinks (think lattes and cappuccinos) only get one shot in this size. Tall shaken espressos and Americanos get two.

Meaning “large” in Spanish, this is Starbucks’s medium counterpart. (See how that’s confusing?) You can order 16-ounce hot or cold drinks in this cup. Drinks like lattes and cappuccinos get two shots of espresso by default, while Americanos come with a third. I don’t have the stats to prove it, but I’m betting this is the most commonly ordered Starbucks size.

Meaning “twenty” in Italian, the venti is Starbucks’s large. You can order hot and iced drinks alike in this size. Many customers don’t realize that nearly all hot Venti and Grande espresso drinks get two shots; some people assume a third comes in the larger size. That said, a milk-based iced venti, which clocks in at 24 ounces instead of 20, does include a third shot.

I remember people genuinely freaking out when this 30-ounce behemoth hit stores. Only available for iced drinks—like Refreshers, iced coffee, cold brew, iced tea and Frappuccinos—the Trenta is sure to quench your thirst for the long haul.

Howard Schultz, the former director of retail operations and marketing at Starbucks, emulated Italian cafés at his first storefront, Il Giornale. Once he acquired Starbucks in 1987, he applied the same Euro-inspired sizing to the menu there.

So, Which Starbucks Size Gives You the Best Bang for Your Buck?

It depends what you’re ordering and prioritizing. Let’s say you want a latte. A tall comes with one shot, but a grande comes with two…along with more milk. If it’s caffeine you’re after, you might just want to go with the cheaper size and pay for an extra shot.

If you’re a fan of flat whites, Americanos or shaken espressos, these come with one more shot than other espresso drinks on the menu, so you may be getting all the caffeine you need in a smaller size (or more than you bargained for in a larger size). It never hurts to confirm the number of shots with your barista before ordering.

If it’s money you’re thinking about, some folks order a size up when they get iced coffee, cold brew or drip. (For instance, ask for a grande coffee with room when you really want a tall; that way, you get the full 16 ounces of joe in a grande without sacrificing any for milk or cream.) Of course, you’re paying for the larger size, but at least you aren’t getting shorted.

Another hack that I like for latte lovers is ordering a caffè misto (aka a 50/50 split of drip coffee and steamed milk) instead of a latte. It’s cheaper than an espresso-based latte, but still caffeinated and creamy in texture. Also, if you like your drinks sweet, Classic syrup is typically free, unlike most of the other flavors.

But the TLDR? If you’re already splurging at Starbucks, don’t sweat a few extra cents or stress over sizing.