- Topics 1514
- Industrial 59
- Troubleshooting Guides 30
- Restaurant Management 136
- Bar Management 65
- Catering Tips 38
- Bakery Management 48
- Food Trucks & Concessions 50
- Advertising & Marketing 40
- Eco-Friendly Tips 12
- Facility Layout & Design 49
- Coffee Shop Tips 32
- Installation & Maintenance 59
- Janitorial & Pest Control 32
- Safety & Sanitation 107
- Startup Tips 112
- Menu Design 11
- Kitchen & Cooking Tips 100
- Hospitality Management 25
- Pizza & Sandwich Shop Tips 32
- Smallwares 39
- Food Prep 97
- Tabletop Items 19
- Disposables 26
- Calculators & Tools 8
- Consumables 69
- Warewashing & Laundry 20
- Cooking Equipment 102
- Food Storage & Refrigeration 53
- Beverage Equipment 39
- Office Supplies 5
Choosing the right coffee cup sizes for your business is as much of a strategic decision as it is a logistical one. Whether you're opening a cafe, maintaining a client-facing lobby, or supplying your office break room, your cup sizes should reflect the drinks you serve, enhance your customer or employee experience, and help you manage inventory and costs effectively. The right sizing simplifies service, reduces waste, and reinforces the quality of your offerings. This guide walks you through the most common cup sizes, what they're best used for, and how to select the right options for your business.
Shop All Disposable Hot Coffee Cups
Standard Coffee Cup Sizes
If you're stocking only a few sizes, focus on the industry standards: 8 oz., 12 oz., and 16 oz. These sizes are widely recognized as small, medium, and large, and they accommodate the vast majority of hot coffee drinks. They're ideal for streamlining operations, ensuring consistency in portion sizes, and meeting most customer expectations.
- 8 oz. coffee cup: Great for small lattes, cappuccinos, or drip coffee.
- 12 oz. coffee cup: Perfect for drip coffees, pourovers, and specialty drinks.
- 16 oz. coffee cup: Ideal for larger coffee orders and flavored lattes.
Coffee Cup Size Breakdown
Each cup size serves a different purpose and customer need. Below, we break down the six most common sizes and what types of coffee businesses or environments benefit most from them.
4 oz. Coffee Cup
The 4 oz. coffee cup's petite size makes it ideal for serving straight espresso shots, rich macchiatos, or curated coffee sample flights. Frequently used in specialty coffee shops and by artisan roasters, this cup plays a vital role in espresso tastings, barista training, and quality control checks. It's a practical, dependable choice for any coffee operation that regularly prepares or tests small-format beverages.
- Milliliters: 118 mL
- Standard Top Rim Diameter: 2 1/2"
- Standard Bottom Rim Diameter: 1 3/4"
- Standard Height: 2 3/8"
8 oz. Coffee Cup
An essential in any cafe that prioritizes quality and precision, the 8 oz. coffee cup is the go-to choice for classic cappuccinos, flat whites, and smaller lattes. Its size supports the perfect milk-to-espresso ratio, allowing baristas to craft drinks with optimal texture, flavor balance, and presentation. Ideal for customers who want to savor a specialty beverage or single-origin coffee without committing to a larger portion, the 8 oz. cup offers just the right amount of indulgence.
- Milliliters: 237 mL
- Standard Top Rim Diameter: 3 1/8"
- Standard Bottom Rim Diameter: 2 1/4"
- Standard Height: 3 1/2"
12 oz. Coffee Cup
The 12 oz. coffee cup is the perfect all-purpose solution for serving a classic drip coffee, a creamy latte, or a flavored specialty drink. This size strikes the right balance between portion control and beverage satisfaction, providing ample room for milk, cream, and syrups while still keeping the portion moderate. Ideal for cafes, breakrooms, office lobbies, and self-serve coffee stations, the 12 oz. cup's practicality and popularity make it a staple in any coffee service setup. It's a smart choice for businesses looking to streamline their inventory with a single, go-to size.
- Milliliters: 355 mL
- Standard Top Rim Diameter: 3 1/2"
- Standard Bottom Rim Diameter: 2 3/8"
- Standard Height: 4 1/2"
16 oz. Coffee Cup
A customer favorite for generous coffee servings, the 16 oz. coffee cup is a must-have in any high-volume beverage setting. Perfectly sized for large lattes, rich mochas, and bold brewed coffees, this cup delivers value and satisfaction with every pour. Its versatile capacity makes it ideal for coffee shops, convenience stores, office breakrooms, and hotel continental breakfast stations.
- Milliliters: 473 mL
- Standard Top Rim Diameter: 3 1/2"
- Standard Bottom Rim Diameter: 2 3/8"
- Standard Height: 5 1/4"
20 oz. Coffee Cup
Perfect for customers who prefer a larger serving, the 20 oz. cup is ideal for “super-sized” drinks like flavored lattes, brewed teas, and other all-day sippers. Its generous capacity makes it a favorite for those who enjoy a slow-paced drinking experience or want more value in a single cup. Commonly used in drive-thrus, high-volume cafes, and large coffee chains, this size supports fast service and customer satisfaction in busy environments.
- Milliliters: 591 mL
- Standard Top Rim Diameter: 3 1/2"
- Standard Bottom Rim Diameter: 3/8"
- Standard Height: 5 7/8"
24 oz. Coffee Cup
Although 24 oz. coffee orders are more commonly served iced, stocking 24 oz. hot cups can be a smart move in high-demand environments where maximum volume matters. Ideal for gas stations, convenience stores, and busy self-serve stations, this size meets the needs of customers who prefer a large, steaming cup of drip coffee to fuel their day. It’s also a great option for coffee shops offering oversized or specialty novelty drinks that go beyond the standard menu.
- Milliliters: 710 mL
- Standard Top Rim Diameter: 3 1/2"
- Standard Bottom Rim Diameter: 2 1/2"
- Standard Height: 7"
How to Choose the Right Coffee Cup for Your Business
Selecting cup sizes is just one piece of the puzzle. The style and material of your cups can affect heat retention, drink quality, and customer experience. Here are key factors to consider when sourcing hot coffee cups for your business.
Custom Branding
Custom-printed cups are one of the most effective ways to promote your brand. A well-designed logo on a cup can increase brand recognition and make your business appear more professional and trustworthy. Consider branded sleeves if you're working with stock cups but still want a personal touch.
Eco-Friendly Options
More consumers are paying attention to the environmental impact of disposable products. Compostable cups, recyclable liners, and plastic-free lids can all help reduce your footprint. If your business promotes sustainability, don't overlook the messaging power of eco-friendly cup choices.
Single vs Double Wall
Single-wall cups are more cost-effective but require sleeves for hot drinks. Double-wall cups provide built-in insulation, making them ideal for takeout-focused businesses and enhancing customer comfort. For higher-end service or to-go models, double-wall is usually worth the investment.
Poly vs PLA Lining
Poly-lined cups are traditional and moisture-resistant but not compostable. PLA-lined cups (made from plant-based material) are compostable in commercial settings and align with sustainable values. If eco-credibility is part of your brand, PLA-lined cups are worth the extra cost.
Squat vs Tall Cups
While some customers like the aesthetic of a taller cup, squat cups offer more stability and can be easier to carry, making them ideal for lobbies, break rooms, and room service applications. Consider how customers will use the cup, especially in grab-and-go settings.
Offering a range of coffee cup sizes helps you cater to a wider customer base while maintaining portion control and cost efficiency. For most businesses, sticking with the 8 oz., 12 oz., and 16 oz. sizes will meet the majority of your needs. From there, consider how construction, lining, and branding can elevate the coffee experience and enhance your reputation.
Looking to outfit your business with cold drinkware as well? Read our Plastic Cup Sizing Guide for iced beverages, smoothies, and frappes.
Related Resources
Coffee Shop Equipment List
You have a business plan for opening your coffee shop, a great location, and the perfect name with an awesome logo to go with it. Now that it's time to set up the shop, you might be unsure where to start. Even though specific requirements will vary from business to business, there are essential items new coffee shops require. If you're ready to take your coffee shop from a dream to a reality , check out our coffee shop equipment list below. Shop All Coffee Shop Supplies Use the following links to explore different types of coffee shop equipment: Coffee, Espresso, and Beverage Equipment Barista Tools Coffee Shop Accessories Coffee Shop Ingredients Disposable Coffee Shop Supplies Coffee Equipment Cleaning Tools Miscellaneous Barista Supplies
Best Coffee Makers
Choosing the right commercial coffee maker is essential for any foodservice establishment aiming to deliver consistently high-quality coffee to its customers. Whether prioritizing speed, affordability, or versatility, the best coffee makers cater to various brewing needs and business sizes. From reliable drip machines to innovative cold brew systems, each category highlights equipment designed to optimize performance and enhance customer satisfaction. Selecting a coffee maker tailored to your specific operation helps you streamline service, reduce downtime, and provide an exceptional coffee experience that keeps customers returning. Shop All Commercial Coffee Makers Check out our top choices for the best coffee makers: Best Coffee Maker Ove
Coffee Shop Interior
A visit to a local coffee shop is a daily part of many people's lives. Designing a cafe theme that resonates with your guests goes a long way in winning customer loyalty. Whether you're just opening a coffee shop or looking to upgrade your decor and design, explore our coffee shop ideas below to glean the inspiration you need to create an alluring space. Shop All Coffee Shop Supplies Coffee Shop Design Ideas Your coffee shop interior sets the tone of your space and should be consistent with your brand. Consider the following themes to bring your brand, concept, and values to light. 1. Rustic Coffee Shop Interior A rustic interior design features a range of organic, natural features that are reminiscent of the outdoors. It may utilize farmho
Join Our Mailing List
Receive coupon codes and more right to your inbox.
