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Starbucks Cup Sizes Explained: Tall, Grande, Venti & More

4 min read · Updated 2026-05-13 · Independent, fan-made guide

Quick Reference

Starbucks uses five cup sizes: Short (8 oz, hot only, not on menu boards), Tall (12 oz), Grande (16 oz), Venti (20 oz hot / 24 oz cold), and Trenta(30 oz, cold drinks only). Grande is the “medium” equivalent and the most popular size. Venti cold drinks are larger than Venti hot drinks because the extra volume accounts for ice. Trenta is only available for Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, Refreshers, and select iced teas.

Starbucks Size Chart

Name	Ounces	Available For	Notes
Short	8 oz	Hot drinks only	Not on menu boards; ask for it
Tall	12 oz	Hot & cold	Equivalent to "small"
Grande	16 oz	Hot & cold	Most popular; equivalent to "medium"
Venti (hot)	20 oz	Hot drinks	Equivalent to "large"
Venti (cold)	24 oz	Cold & iced drinks	Larger to account for ice
Trenta	30 oz	Cold drinks only	Cold Brew, Refreshers, iced tea

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ounces is a Starbucks Grande?

A Starbucks Grande is 16 fluid ounces for both hot and cold drinks. It is the most commonly ordered size and equivalent to a "medium" at most coffee shops.

What is the difference between Venti hot and Venti cold?

A Venti hot drink is 20 fluid ounces. A Venti cold drink is 24 fluid ounces — the extra 4 ounces accounts for ice. Both are called "Venti" on the menu.

What is a Trenta at Starbucks?

Trenta is Starbucks's largest size at 30 fluid ounces. It is only available for cold drinks — specifically Cold Brew, Iced Coffee, Refreshers, and some iced teas. It is not available for hot drinks or Frappuccinos.

What does "Short" mean at Starbucks?

Short is Starbucks's smallest size at 8 fluid ounces. It is not listed on most menu boards but can be ordered at any location. It is available for hot espresso drinks and some hot teas.

Why does Starbucks use Italian size names?

Starbucks introduced Italian-inspired sizing in the 1980s as part of Howard Schultz's vision to create an Italian coffeehouse experience in the U.S. Tall, Grande, and Venti mean 'large,' 'big,' and 'twenty' in Italian respectively.

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