2 min read

Oz and ml: a paper cup size guide

From a 4 oz espresso cup to a 16 oz takeaway cup: what each size holds, where it’s used and which lid fits.

Oz and ml: a paper cup size guide

Paper cups are named in ounces (oz), but when you order, the real question is how much the cup holds. This guide puts each size’s volume, dimensions, typical use and matching lid in one place.

Why oz isn’t exactly ml

One fluid ounce is about 29.6 ml. On cups, though, oz is a trade size: cups sold as “8 oz” can differ slightly in volume from one maker to another. When comparing, look at the volume and rim diameter rather than the oz name.

The cc values in the table below are catalogue volumes. The drink actually served usually sits a little below that, since space is left at the top.

Size table

SizeVolumeTop ØHeightTypical useLid
4 oz 100 cc 62 mm 60 mm Espresso, tasting Ø62
7 oz 150 cc 70 mm 80 mm Vending, tea Ø70
7.5 oz 180 cc 70 mm 90 mm Vending Ø70
8 oz 250 cc 80 mm 92 mm Standard coffee and tea Ø80
12 oz 300 cc 80 mm 117 mm Latte, takeaway Ø80
14 oz 350 cc 90 mm 110 mm Large Ø90
16 oz 450 cc 90 mm 132 mm Large, cold drinks Ø90

Which size to choose

  • 4 oz is enough for espresso and tastings.
  • Vending machines use 7 or 7.5 oz, to suit the machine’s cup holder.
  • 8 oz is the most common size for standard coffee and tea.
  • 12 oz suits lattes and takeaway drinks.
  • 14–16 oz works for large and cold drinks.

Lid fit

Lids are chosen by rim diameter, not by the cup’s name. The Ø62 lid fits 4 oz, Ø70 fits 7 and 7.5 oz, Ø80 fits 8 and 12 oz, and Ø90 fits 14, 16, 20 and 22 oz. The 3 and 5 oz cups have no lid. Sizes that share a rim share a lid, so ordering 8 and 12 oz together needs just one lid type.

Sizes are taken from the 4S Pack product catalogue. Name your products and sizes in the quote form and we’ll send the technical details with the quote.

Let’s make your cups on this line.

Product, quantity and delivery country are enough; the form takes two minutes.