Assuming you are talking about US use, you are correct; a “cup” typically measures 6 ounces. In the United States, the standard size of a “cup” of coffee is 6 ounces. Although no one drinks such small cups of coffee (12 to 20 ounces is more common). By the way, the size of a “cup” of tea can be 5 ounces or 6 ounces. When you define the number of “cups” a teapot contains; a “6 cup” teapot is only 32 ounces.
However, be careful how the word you use in American recipes. If a recipe calls for a “cup” of coffee, they’re more likely to ask for an 8-ounce cup rather than a 6-ounce cup.
I can’t really find a direct reference to where the ludicrous 6-oz cup of coffee measurement came from.
This was likely a federally validated cost-cutting episode, or maybe Mr. Coffee’s result. But we’re stuck with that as usual now.
Yet, while a 6-oz cup of coffee may be usual. Some coffee makers may use different measurements on different models, including cups as small as 4.2-oz. So don’t assume unless you’ve checked.
Oh, and also note that the 8-ounce mug is American, rather than Imperial measurement. An Imperial mug measures around 10 ounces, although you are unlikely to come across this measurement in a recipe released after WWI.
Are you still confused?
Page 1165 of The Professional Chef (published by The Culinary Institute of America):
1 measuring cup contains 8 fluid ounces (a coffee cup typically contains 6 fluid ounces)
This is because the “cup” unit differs from the standard “cup” of coffee. I’m not assuming that a coffee mug always weighs exactly 6 ounces. There could be variations from brand to brand. However, there should be no variation in the cup unit.
Coffee Mug: Standard Ounce
The 8-ounce cups are excellent standard coffee mug sizes. Perfect for making fresh filtered coffee or lattes. Most standard coffee mugs actually measure between 8 and 10 ounces. This will be the best size for enjoying a cup of coffee.
Although the cup is 8 ounces, the average coffee cup is just 6 ounces. Cups are usually larger because you need some space at the top of the cup to keep it from spilling!
12-ounce cups can make great iced coffee. You will need a bunch of ice to fill the large space. But a large cup may ensure that you will still get enough coffee!
16-ounce cups are the big league for serious caffeine users!
As stated earlier, the most famous coffee mugs are 8 ounces (227 ml). To find out how big your favorite mug is, just fill it up completely and pour the water into a measuring cup.
Lee Denney explains this in his article:
One thing is for sure: a” cup ” of coffee won’t fill a typical 12-ounce cup. You will find a coffee mug in most American homes.
Ounces per cup of popular brands of coffee makers
| Drinks | Cup Sizes |
|---|---|
| Bann | 5 oz |
| Bodum (Vacuum) | 5.7 oz |
| Espresso | 5 oz |
| Kona | 5. 5 oz to 5.7 oz |
| Kitchen | 5 oz |
| Croup | 5 oz |
| Proctor Silex | 4.5 oz |
| Technivorm | 4.2 oz |
| Jojirushi | 5.1 oz |
People’s Reaction about Ounce Measurement
- Perhaps the 6-ounce measurement started at a time when Americans were still drinking coffee in that measurement. AFAIK, the trend for ridiculously large drink sizes has been going on for decades
- The meaning of” cup of coffee” varies by country. I have a Technivorm coffee maker that is made in the Netherlands. The water fill label corresponds to 4 ounces per “cup of coffee”.
- Also note that the “ounce” changes. The imperial fluid ounce is 28.413 ml, while the US fluid ounce is 29.573 ml. For sure, if I want to make one cup of coffee, I will add more water to the machine than the “1 cup” level.
- I just bought a 3-cup French press. I brewed it according to 3 cups of coffee grounds for a 6-ounce cup, and it turned out that the press considered a 4-ounce coffee cup! Today’s coffee was particularly strong. So the press produces 3 4-ounce cups, 2 6-ounce cups, and 1.5 cups by imperial standards. Ugh!Our A “cup” of coffee is frequently mentioned in our coffee machine instructions. You can find these cups marked on the side of the coffee maker. That will state how much water is in the tank. The instructions never determine what the “cup “actually refers to. Looks like about 6 ounces. The old coffee maker, it seems, also had this definition of “cup”. The coffee beans we got from a local coffee shop also have instructions. This indicates one spoonful of beans per 6-ounce cup.
Everything you need to know
If you choose the wrong size of a coffee cup, it may seem that your favorite caffeinated drink does not fit. In fact, there are different sizes of coffee mugs for each type of coffee. For example, the Italian Espresso Institute has formulated clear requirements for the ideal size of an espresso cup. Other standards aren’t as strict, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know about them.
This page takes an in-depth overview of the standard cup sizes. Plus you will finally have specialty coffee cup sizes. By the end of it, you’ll be able to make better choices about the size for any type of coffee or occasion.
1 Standard Coffee Cup Size
Typically, standard cup sizes range from 30 ml to 295 ml, which is great for drip coffee. So, cups can reach up to 15 ounces or more to accommodate those who really need caffeine. As indicated, there is also a cup size for each type of coffee. Depending on what kind of coffee you like, the cup can be larger or smaller than the standard one.
Some cups fall under the barista’s standard. This means that they perfectly fit the head of a group of coffee machines.
In the following sections, we will discuss the standard coffee cup size for popular coffee varieties. The list starts with the smallest of them and also includes a summary of oversized models.
2 Espresso Cups
They usually have a volume of 60 to 88 ml, but there are also models for 103 and 118 ml. These cups are also known as demitasses and are designed to emphasize the taste of espresso. They have a wide rim and a narrow base that brings all the scents closer to your nose and palate.
The ideal cup for Italian espresso is a white porcelain cup without any internal decorations, elliptical in shape, with a capacity of 50-100 ml.
3 Cappuccino
They are usually twice the size of an espresso cup and range from 147 ml to 177 ml. The rim can be quite wide, but the base is still narrow. Usually, cappuccino cups/mugs come with a saucer. See our favorites here.
4 Latte
A latte cup is more like a bowl than a cup and holds up to 433ml of coffee. Basically, this cup allows you to add all the extra ingredients that make a latte special. The wide shape is perfect for pouring steamed milk. You can create latte art worthy of paintings.
Irwin Kwek Sue Lhek from Malaysia is the winner of the 2018 World Latte Art Championship.
5 Oversized Cups
Large cups can fall into one of two categories — classic oversized ones and large lattes. As for the classic model, it usually holds from 590 ml to 740 ml of coffee. A large latte can be even slightly larger. You can use the large capacity, oversized latte cups often as plates for appetizers or even soups.
6 Travel Mugs
This type of coffee container belongs to a separate category, and you can choose a glass or a classic travel mug. (Have a look at our top pick for the best travel mug). When it comes to capacity, both tumblers and classic travel mugs hold 15 to 20 ounces of coffee.
The glass is suitable for a car cup holder and is a great gift for the coffee lover who is always on the go. But if you need extra stability and a handle, a classic travel mug is better suited. The best thing about them is that they come in a variety of colors and styles. Plus there are stores that can customize the mug for you.
Starbucks uses a cute naming system to refer to different cup sizes. Starbucks offers options: high, short, ventilated, and large. Of course, each name means a certain amount.
- Short — 230 ml,
- High — 354 ml,
- Grande — 473 ml, and
- Venti (Italian for twenty) — the largest, 590 ml.
In addition, there is a 916ml cold Trenta that you can use with some cold caffeinated beverages.
Last Thoughts
The choice of coffee mugs of different sizes depends on your lifestyle and coffee preferences. In other words, you wouldn’t pour a shot of espresso into a large travel mug. But you also wouldn’t put an espresso cup in the cup holder of your car, even if it would fit there. Each type of coffee is the best drunk from a cup specially designed for it.
And if you are a real connoisseur, why not buy a special cup/mug for all your favorite types of coffee?
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