Standard Coffee Cup Sizes: Everything You Need to Know

By Robert Parsons August 26, 2021

Have you ever noticed that each one of your coffee mugs seems to come in radically different sizes? Is there any rhyme and reason for this or are coffee mug companies just getting creative? Surprisingly, there is actually a guide on coffee mug size to match your drink of choice. Who knew? 

Don’t get us wrong. If there is a cute or punny mug, there is no shame in buying it regardless of what size it is. However, it is an interesting fact to know and can help your cup feel less empty rather than pouring an espresso shot into an extra-large mug. We are going to expand on the different coffee mug sizes and why certain sizes may suit your preferred drink options better.

Sizing

Coffee mugs are actually separated in size by drink types. Here are the most common drinks that have coffee mugs sized specifically attached to them: 

Espresso

The smallest of the bunch, an espresso coffee mug comes to only 3 to 4 ounces. This is the perfect amount for a morning espresso shot to really get you moving. As you know, espresso is small but mighty and it needs a proper mug to match. 

Cappuccino

Cappuccinos are the next in line. They come in at 5 to 6 ounces typically. Both this and espresso are pretty simple to understand since there is a set size for each in a cafe. It’s only logical that the coffee mug will fit that size. Cappuccinos use a shot of espresso mixed with steamed milk to create a small but warm morning beverage. 

Classic Coffee

This is most likely the majority of coffee mugs in any home. Rightfully so. Classic coffee also known as drip coffee is one of if not the most common forms of coffee drunk in the world. Drip coffee machines tend to be the cheapest and most simple to operate as well, making for a push for classic coffee-sized mugs. The coffee cup dimensions of the classic range for 8 to 15 ounces. 

There is less of a universally classic coffee size unlike espresso shots and cappuccinos, so the variety allows for personal preference to decide. 

Large Classic Coffee

If 15 ounces still isn’t doing it for ya, there is a large or jumbo classic coffee mug size. This comes in around 20 to 25 ounces. We are talking about a lot of coffee at this point. However, if you like to mix quite a bit of creamer with your coffee, this may be a good option. 

The last thing you want to do is overfill a coffee mug and spill your precious hot coffee all over you or your home. Take the safe route and choose the correct sizing. 

Latte

Lattes are one of the larger sized beverages due to the heavy amount of milk mixed in with the espresso shot. There also needs to be space for the milk foam at the very top that takes up more surface area than typical steamed milk. These mugs range from 11 to 15 ounces. 

Large Latte

Once again, if standard sizing isn’t enough for your caffeine addiction, there is a large latte option. To keep the portions equal, using this size of a latte cup would mean you can double or even triple the amount of espresso and rightfully so, the milk to match. The ratio for a latte is almost 2 to 1 on milk and espresso, so the large gives you more room in case you do like the extra morning kick. This ranges from 20 to 25 ounces. 

However, while the latte and large latte options may seem the same as the classic coffee, these mugs are larger around rather than tall. This allows for the milk foam to cover more ground while a classic coffee mug just grows in height, so make sure you are mindful of this when buying the option you want. 

Travel

Lastly, for the on the go type, there are travel mug options. These are relatively uniform in size: 15 to 20 ounces. There are options with handles or no handles, but the rule of thumb, travel mugs are meant for the larger drink options such as a classic coffee or latte. 

The overall assumption is that if you drink espresso or cappuccino, you most likely drink them before you head out the door since they are small. It can be more difficult to drink an entire 20 ounces of coffee before you need to run to work. 

Conclusion

There are obviously variations of each, but knowing these 7 main sizes can help narrow down which options you should have in your home depending on what you drink. For example, if you love cappuccinos and lattes, you don’t have much use for a classic coffee size. Maybe one for just in case. You’ll probably want to stock up on the other two options the most to have some on hand every morning. 

Play around with it and find the best solution for you. Now go to your coffee cabinet, purge what you don’t need, and possibly go buy what you’re missing!