Espresso vs Flat White vs Cappuccino: Choosing the Right Cup Size

Grabbing whatever cup is nearest is fine most mornings. But if you're buying cups specifically, matching the size to the drink actually changes how it tastes — not just how it looks on the table.

Espresso: 56ml

A true espresso cup holds a single shot with almost no room to spare. That matters: too much extra space and the espresso cools quickly and loses its crema faster. Our espresso cups are built to exactly 56ml — not an approximation, a decision.

Flat White: 150–180ml

A flat white is espresso plus a small, dense layer of microfoam — the ratio is the whole point. Too large a cup and you're diluting that ratio, ending up with something closer to a weak latte than a proper flat white.

Cappuccino: 150–200ml

Slightly more room than a flat white, built to hold a thicker, taller layer of foam without drowning the coffee underneath. The extra headroom is intentional — cappuccino is meant to have more foam presence than a flat white.

Why the Size Difference Matters More Than People Think

Cup size affects heat retention, the coffee-to-milk ratio, and even how the crema or foam holds up while you drink. A cup that's the wrong size for the drink isn't just aesthetically off — it changes the drink itself.

Choosing for Your Own Habits

If you mostly drink espresso, a 56ml cup is worth having on its own. If you're a flat white or cappuccino drinker, sizing up matters more than the glaze colour. Many people end up with a small set covering more than one size, depending on the morning.

Browse by Size

See the full collection of handmade stoneware cups, each built to the correct volume for what it's meant to hold — or read our broader guide to choosing the perfect coffee cup.