A standard "cup" of coffee in the United States is typically 4 fluid ounces (118 ml).
Understanding the "Cup" Measurement
It's important to distinguish the "cup" measurement used in coffee making from the standard measuring cup used in cooking, which is 8 fluid ounces. Coffee makers often use the smaller 4-ounce "cup" measurement to indicate serving sizes.
Coffee Maker Carfes
Many drip coffee makers, like those from Black and Decker, have carafes with markings for both water and brewed coffee. These markings acknowledge the difference between the water you add and the resulting volume of brewed coffee. The carafe is designed to measure water prior to brewing, and the coffee markings account for the slight volume difference after brewing.
Coffee Serving Sizes
While a "cup" according to coffee maker standards is 4 ounces, actual serving sizes at coffee shops are much larger. Consider these common sizes:
- Small/Short: Typically 8 ounces
- Medium/Grande: Typically 12-16 ounces
- Large/Venti: Typically 20 ounces or more
Therefore, when someone asks for "a cup of coffee," their expectation may depend on the context (e.g., home brewing vs. a coffee shop order). The standard definition refers to the coffee maker "cup" of 4 ounces.
