Starbucks vs Dunkin Sizes: Full Comparison by Ounces, Caffeine & Value

Last updated on July 22nd, 2025 at 10:58 pm

Starbucks vs Dunkin Sizes — it’s not just about names, it’s about how much coffee you’re really getting.

Ordering a grande or a medium might sound straightforward, but the actual ounce difference could surprise you.

If you’ve ever wondered which chain gives you more bang for your buck — or more caffeine for your cup — you’re not alone.

Most coffee lovers think they know what they’re ordering. The truth? Cup sizes across Starbucks and Dunkin aren’t as interchangeable as they seem.

This guide breaks it all down: hot vs iced, ounce-by-ounce comparisons, and even which drink delivers the best value.

Whether you’re chasing a caffeine kick or stretching your budget, knowing the real size makes all the difference.

Let’s clear the confusion — and help you order smarter, every time.

Starbucks Cup Sizes (Hot & Cold)

Ever ordered a “tall” and felt shortchanged? You’re not alone.

Starbucks names can be confusing — especially when you’re expecting a large and get a 12 oz cup.

Let’s break down what those fancy labels really mean.

Hot Drink Sizes

Short (8 oz) — The smallest size on the menu, perfect for espresso-based drinks or a light sip.
Tall (12 oz) — Don’t let the name fool you. It’s the smallest size most people see on the regular menu.
Grande (16 oz) — The sweet spot for most drinks. Bigger than a tall, but not overwhelming.
Venti (20 oz) — For hot drinks, this is as big as it gets. Ideal if you want a long-lasting latte or drip coffee.

Still wondering about Starbucks tall vs grande? A grande gives you 33% more coffee than a tall — a significant difference if you’re counting ounces.

These sizes are standard for most hot beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, and brewed coffee.

Knowing these Starbucks hot coffee sizes helps you order more intentionally — whether you want just a taste or your full caffeine fix.

Cold Drink Sizes

Cold drinks at Starbucks play by different rules.

Venti Iced (26 oz) — Yes, iced venti is actually larger than hot venti. That extra space? It’s there to accommodate ice — and often, extra caffeine.
Trenta (30 oz) — The ultimate size for iced tea, refreshers, or cold brew lovers. But don’t expect to get a trenta latte — this one’s only for select cold drinks.

If you’ve ever Googled “Starbucks venti iced vs hot” or searched for a “Starbucks trenta size guide,” this is why. The naming overlaps, but the ounces don’t.

And yes — that 30 oz Trenta is bigger than most bottled water. It’s for serious sippers.

Dunkin Cup Sizes – Hot vs Iced

Dunkin keeps it simple — small, medium, large, and extra-large. But the ounces might still surprise you.

Let’s dig into what those labels really mean and how they compare to Starbucks.

Hot Drink Sizes

Small (10 oz) — A bit bigger than Starbucks’ “short.” Great for a quick morning fix.
Medium (14 oz) — A solid middle ground that gives you more than a tall, but not quite a grande.
Large (20 oz) — On par with Starbucks’ venti hot. Ideal for regular coffee drinkers.
XL (24 oz) — Dunkin’s largest hot cup. You won’t find anything this big for hot drinks at Starbucks.

For those comparing a Dunkin medium coffee size to Starbucks, Dunkin wins in volume at nearly every level.

Looking at pure ounce counts, the Dunkin hot coffee oz advantage becomes clear.

Iced Drink Sizes

Small (16 oz) — Equal to a Starbucks grande.
Medium (24 oz) — Nearly the size of Starbucks’ iced venti.
Large (32 oz) — Bigger than a Starbucks trenta. Yes — you read that right.

The sugar-to-ice ratio also plays a role here. With Dunkin’s larger iced sizes, you’ll get more drink — not just more ice.

According to sources like Eat This Not That and SELF, Dunkin’s iced lineup offers more volume for your dollar — especially if you’re fueling up for a long day.

When size matters, Dunkin doesn’t hold back.

Side‑by‑Side Size Comparison Table

Confused by coffee cup sizes? You’re not alone.

Starbucks and Dunkin both offer multiple size options — but their names and ounces don’t always match up.

This quick coffee cup size comparison clears things up.

Starbucks vs Dunkin Oz Chart

Practical Takeaways

• A Dunkin medium iced coffee gives you 50% more than a Starbucks grande (24 oz vs 16 oz).

• A Dunkin large iced beats even Starbucks’ Trenta (32 oz vs 30 oz).

• If you care about ounces, Dunkin wins in raw volume almost every time.

Volume for Your Money – Value Analysis

Bigger size doesn’t always mean better value — unless you’re comparing Starbucks and Dunkin.

Let’s break down which brand gives you the most coffee per dollar.

Price-Per-Ounce Breakdown (Estimated)

Prices are ballpark averages and may vary by location.

What It Means for You

• Dunkin gives more coffee for less money.

• On average, Starbucks costs up to 2X more per ounce — especially for iced drinks.

• Customization comes at a premium. Starbucks includes more flavor options, milk types, and fancy drink builds — which adds to cost.

When to Choose Each:

• Choose Dunkin if:

  • You want more coffee for less money

  • You drink iced coffee regularly

  • You care more about volume than aesthetics

• Choose Starbucks if:

  • You love customization and drink variety

  • You’re okay paying more for the experience and extras

  • You prioritize consistency across locations

If value is your priority, Dunkin delivers more ounces per dollar — plain and simple.

But if you love dialing in your drink with syrups, foam, and milk alternatives, Starbucks offers unmatched customization.

Either way, now you know exactly what you’re paying for — and how much you’re getting.

Caffeine Content by Size & Type

More ounces doesn’t always mean more caffeine.

If you want to feel your coffee, you need to know which drinks — and which sizes — pack the biggest punch.

Starbucks Caffeine Per Ounce

Starbucks tends to serve stronger coffee per ounce, especially in brewed and espresso-based drinks.

• Tall Hot Coffee (12 oz) – ~235 mg

• Grande (16 oz) – ~310 mg

• Venti Hot (20 oz) – ~410 mg

• Trenta Cold Brew (30 oz) – ~360 mg

That’s about 15–20 mg per ounce, depending on the drink.

Cold brew is slightly lower per ounce, but comes in larger sizes — so it still hits hard overall.

LSI terms used: Starbucks caffeine per ounce, Starbucks cold brew caffeine.

Dunkin Iced Coffee Caffeine

Dunkin brews lighter than Starbucks — but compensates with larger sizes.

• Medium Iced Coffee (24 oz) – ~297 mg

• Large Iced (32 oz) – ~372 mg

That’s about 12–13 mg per ounce — less potent per sip, but still highly effective in larger cups.

According to SELF and No Cheat Day Needed, Dunkin iced coffee caffeine content holds up surprisingly well due to volume alone.

Caffeine Winners by Size

• Strongest per oz: Starbucks hot brewed coffee or espresso-based drinks

• Most caffeine overall: Dunkin large iced (372 mg in 32 oz)

• Best combo of strength & volume: Starbucks Venti Hot or Dunkin Large Iced

If your goal is a high caffeine-to-ounce ratio, go Starbucks.

If you want maximum total caffeine per cup, Dunkin’s iced lineup delivers.

Choosing the Right Size for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your lifestyle, caffeine needs, and flavor preferences.

On‑the‑Go vs Sit‑Down

Dunkin’s large iced (32 oz) is ideal for long commutes, road trips, or anyone who needs a coffee to last.

Starbucks Venti Hot (20 oz) is better suited for those sipping at a desk or café.

Choose the size that fits your schedule, not just your thirst.

Caffeine Need: Morning Boost vs Afternoon Sip

Need a serious wake-up? Go with a Starbucks Grande Hot (310 mg) or Dunkin Large Iced (372 mg).

For a light afternoon sip, a Tall or Dunkin Small Iced keeps things mellow without overloading your system.

Match your size to your energy level — and time of day.

Customization vs Speed & Price

Starbucks offers full drink control: extra shots, flavor pumps, milk alternatives, cold foam — you name it.

The good news? Non-dairy options like almond and oat milk are now free at many locations (People.com).

Dunkin, on the other hand, focuses on value. Their drinks come out fast, and non-dairy milk is typically free by default.

If you want your drink your way, Starbucks leads.

If you want it fast and affordable, Dunkin is your go-to.

Interactive Size–Converter Tool (or Visual Infographic)

Still not sure how a Dunkin 24 oz iced coffee stacks up against a Starbucks grande?

Use our interactive coffee size converter to see real-time equivalents between cup sizes — plus caffeine content per drink.

Just plug in your usual order — like “Dunkin Medium Iced, 24 oz” — and the tool instantly shows the Starbucks match, estimated caffeine, and price-per-ounce.

Prefer visuals? We’ve also included a Starbucks vs Dunkin size infographic to make the comparison crystal clear.

This tool encourages longer site visits, social sharing, and makes your next coffee run smarter — not just stronger.

Conclusion & Recommendations

If you love cold coffee in big cups, Dunkin is the clear winner — more volume, better price-per-ounce, and plenty of caffeine.

If you care about drink customization, espresso variety, or cozy sit-down vibes, Starbucks wins with flexible options and higher caffeine per ounce.

Want the best value? The Dunkin Medium Iced (24 oz) offers the perfect balance of size, price, and caffeine.

Use our coffee size converter tool to find the right match — then order smarter, not just bigger.

FAQ 

Q: Is Dunkin medium bigger than Starbucks grande?

Yes. A Dunkin medium iced coffee is 24 oz, while a Starbucks grande is 16 oz. That’s 50% more volume.

Q: Which has more caffeine, Dunkin iced large or Starbucks venti?

Dunkin large iced (32 oz) has slightly more total caffeine (~372 mg) than a Starbucks venti iced (26 oz), though Starbucks has more per ounce.

Q: Why did Starbucks add Trenta?

To meet demand for larger cold drinks. The Trenta (30 oz) was introduced for iced teas, refreshers, and cold brews — not available for lattes or hot drinks.

Q: Which chain charges for non-dairy milk?

Starbucks used to, but as of recent changes, many locations no longer charge for almond or oat milk.
Dunkin generally offers non-dairy options at no extra cost.