Starbucks’ smallest cup size, available for some hot drinks, is called Short.
Short holds 8 U.S. fluid ounces, making it smaller than the 12-ounce Tall size. It is commonly available for hot brewed coffee and some espresso beverages, although it is not always displayed on Starbucks’ main menu boards.
Starbucks’ named sizes are unusual because they use Italian-inspired terms alongside the more familiar Tall. Grande means “large” in Italian, while Venti means “twenty,” referring to its approximate 20-ounce capacity for hot drinks.
A common mix-up is treating Tall as the smallest Starbucks size. Tall is the smallest size most prominently listed on standard menus, but Short remains a recognized smaller option for eligible beverages. Availability can vary by drink, country, and store.