A Guide to Coffee Sizes in Australia: What You Need to Know
If you've ever found yourself in line at an Australian café, staring at the menu and unsure what size to order, you're not alone. Coffee sizes in Australia can differ from those overseas, and depending on your location, you might receive a different pour for the same order.
So, what's the scoop on coffee sizes in Australia? How much coffee is in each cup? Does the size vary by state? Let's break it down.
Understanding Coffee Sizes in Australia
Unlike the large takeaway cups typical in the U.S., Australian coffee culture emphasizes espresso-based drinks served in more modest sizes.
Most cafés in Australia adhere to a reasonably standard sizing system:
4oz (120ml) – Perfect for espresso, macchiato, or piccolo. It's a quick, strong hit.
6oz (180ml) – Commonly used for flat whites, cappuccinos, and lattes in specialty cafés.
8oz (240ml) – The standard small takeaway size. A typical choice for flat whites, lattes, and cappuccinos.
12oz (355ml) – The classic large coffee, often chosen for lattes and cappuccinos.
16oz (475ml) – Mostly found in chains or for iced coffees.
While these sizes are prevalent, some cafés have variations—especially regarding espresso strength, milk ratios, and regional preferences.
Do Coffee Sizes Vary by State?
Yes, coffee sizes do vary by state. These variations are not arbitrary but are influenced by factors such as weather, regional preferences, and the café's approach to coffee strength.
Melbourne and Sydney - are specialty coffee hubs where smaller 6oz and 8oz cups are standard to preserve espresso strength and flavour.
Brisbane & Queensland – warmer weather leads to larger iced coffee servings and more 12oz+ takeaway orders.
Perth & Adelaide – a blend of traditional espresso culture and modern café trends, with 8oz and 12oz cups being the norm.
Regional & Coastal Areas - larger cup sizes are more common, catering to road-trippers and tourists.
So, if you order a "small" coffee in Melbourne, you might get a 6oz cup, while the same order in Brisbane could be an 8oz cup.
How Many Espresso Shots Are in Each Size?
Here's where things get interesting. The number of espresso shots in your coffee isn't solely determined by cup size—it also reflects the café's approach to coffee strength.
4oz (120ml) cups: Usually contain one shot (30ml) of espresso.
6oz (180ml) cups: Generally have 1 to 1.5 shots, maintaining a balanced ratio.
8oz (240ml) cups: Often include 1.5 to 2 shots for a bolder flavour.
12oz (355ml) cups: Typically feature two shots of espresso.
16oz (475ml) cups: These may contain two or even three shots, depending on the café's preference.
If you enjoy a robust coffee flavour, it's a good idea to ask if a second shot is included in your drink.
Why Are Australian Coffee Cups Smaller Than American Ones? If you've ever visited the U.S., you'll notice that a "small" coffee is often 12oz or larger. So why does Australia prefer smaller cup sizes? It all comes down to the quality of the coffee. Australian cafés emphasize espresso-based drinks, meaning every coffee begins with a rich, concentrated shot. Adding too much milk or water can weaken the flavour, so smaller cups help maintain the right balance. In contrast, American coffee culture traditionally favours filter coffee, brewed in larger quantities and served in much bigger cups.
The Sustainable Side of Coffee Cup Sizes In Australia, over a billion disposable coffee cups are used yearly, making cup size a significant factor in waste and sustainability. Larger cups increase material usage, landfill, and unnecessary waste. That's why many cafés now provide discounts for customers who bring their reusable coffee cups, like our UpperCup. Whether you prefer a piccolo or a large latte, switching to a reusable cup is a simple change that can significantly impact. You can make a difference by choosing the right cup size and considering the environment.
So, what's the right size for you? Selecting the correct coffee size comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy the bold flavour of espresso, a 4oz piccolo might be just right. For a smoother experience, an 8oz flat white is an excellent everyday option. A 12oz or 16oz cup could be ideal for long morning coffees or iced beverages. What's your favourite coffee size?
Please share with us in the comments!