Skip to content 
Whether it is a beverage brand or a food brand, paper cups hold great importance because they allow customers to be served their products in a professional and convenient way. Different factors affect the size of disposable paper cups, including customer demands, type of beverages, and cost management.
You can professionally offer your teas, coffees, French fries, and popcorn, as well as other snacks, in a right-sized paper cup or paper bucket to enhance the customer experience.
If you want to know which paper beverage and food cups are used for different volume beverages and food items, then, as packaging experts, we will guide you in detail.
The Right Way to Measure The Size of Paper Cups and Paper Buckets
Before going to the measuring guide, we should tell you some important instructions.
Important Note:
You must have a measuring tape, roller, and notebook to measure the accurate dimensions of any paper cup or food cups, and a paper bucket.
Process:
To measure the exact height of the buckets or paper cups, you should measure the distance from the top to the bottom with the measuring tools that you feel are convenient for you. Similarly, measure the top diameter and bottom diameter with available measuring tools to find the right dimensions.
How to Pick The Right Size of an Ice Cream Cup For the Desired Amount?
Small 3 Oz Gelatos/Ice Cream Cups
A 3-oz gelato or ice cream cup holds about 90 millilitres and is 2.04 inches tall. This cup has a top diameter of 2.13 inches and a bottom diameter of 1.53 inches. A 3-oz ice cream cup is perfect for sampling or serving small portions of gelato or ice cream. You can also choose these 3-oz gelato cups for tasting menus or children’s servings.
Small 4 Oz Ice Cream Cups
A 4-oz ice cream cup contains roughly 118 millilitres. This cup is 2.4 inches in height, with a top diameter of 2.5 inches and a bottom diameter of 1.8 inches. This size works well for single servings of ice cream or small dessert portions, offering a bit more volume than the 3-ounce cup.
Small 5 Oz Gelato/Ice Cream Cups
A 5-oz gelato or ice cream cup holds 147.5 millilitres. These size disposable paper cups are available with a height of 2.5 inches, and top diameter of 2.5 inches and 1.75 inches bottom diameter. This size is commonly used for slightly larger dessert servings or gelato presentations.
6 Oz Ice Cream Cups
The 6-oz ice cream cup, containing 177 millilitres, stands about 3.1 inches tall, with a top diameter of 2.9 inches and a bottom diameter of 1.9 inches. It is suitable for moderate single servings of ice cream or gelato, balancing portion size and presentation.
8 Oz Gelato/Ice Cream Cups
An 8-oz gelato or ice cream cup has the capacity to offer 237 millilitres of volume. They are available with a height of 3.7 inches, a top diameter of 3.1 inches, and a bottom diameter of 2.2 inches. This size is great for larger single servings or small sharing portions, often used in cafes or dessert shops.
9 Oz Ice Cream Cups
The 9-ounce ice cream cup holds 266 millilitres, standing 3.9 inches tall with a top diameter of 3.1 inches and a bottom diameter of 2.2 inches. It is ideal for generous single servings or small sundaes.
Medium 10 Oz Ice Cream Cups
A 10-ounce ice cream cup contains 296 millilitres, with a height of 4 inches, a top diameter of 3.1 inches, and a bottom diameter of 2.2 inches. This size is popular for medium dessert portions or ice cream treats.
Medium 12-Oz Ice Cream Cups
The 12-oz ice cream cup, holding 355 millilitres, measures about 4.4 inches in height with a top diameter of 3.5 inches and a bottom diameter of 2.3 inches. This medium-sized cup is perfect for substantial servings of gelato, ice cream, or frozen yoghurt.
16 Oz Ice Cream Cups
A 16-ounce ice cream cup offers 473 millilitres of volume and stands 5.3 inches tall, with a top diameter of 3.5 inches and a bottom diameter of 2.3 inches. This large cup is often used for big servings or sharing portions, ideal for indulgent treats or cold desserts.
18 Oz Ice Cream Cups
The 18-oz ice cream cup holds 532 millilitres, with a height of 3.65 inches, a top diameter of 3.8 inches, and a bottom diameter of 2.74 inches. This size suits extra-large servings or dessert creations.
20 Oz Ice Cream Cups
A 20-ounce ice cream cup contains 591 millilitres and stands 6.3 inches tall, with a top diameter of 3.9 inches and a bottom diameter of 2.6 inches. It is perfect for extra-large portions, such as smoothies, large drinks, or generous dessert servings.
Large 24 Oz Ice Cream Cups
The 24-ounce ice cream cup holds 710 millilitres. This cup is 6.9 inches in height, with a top diameter of 4.1 inches and a bottom diameter of 2.7 inches. This extra-large cup is ideal for big cold beverages or large dessert servings, offering ample volume for extended enjoyment.
Big 32 Oz Ice Cream Cups
Finally, the 32-ounce ice cream cup offers 945 millilitres of capacity, with a height of 4.44 inches, a top diameter of 4.63 inches, and a bottom diameter of 3.3 inches. This is the largest size commonly used for oversized servings, perfect for large smoothies, iced drinks, or family-sized dessert portions.
Different Sizes of Popcorn Buckets and Cups
The 24-oz popcorn cups have a bottom diameter of 3 inches and a height of 7.5 inches, with a capacity of 0.8 oz. These smaller cups are ideal for individual servings, perfect for kids or light snack portions at movie theatres or events. The 32 oz popcorn bucket features a bottom diameter of 4 inches and a height of 5.5 inches, holding a capacity of 1 oz. This size is great for moderate servings, suitable for casual snacking or small group sharing.
The 44 oz popcorn paper cups measure 5 inches in bottom diameter and 6.75 inches in height, with a capacity of 1.5 oz. These cups are commonly used for medium-sized portions, offering a balance between convenience and quantity for moviegoers or concession stands. The 85 oz popcorn cup has a bottom diameter of 5.5 inches and a height of 8 inches, with a capacity of 2.5 oz. This larger cup is designed for those who want a generous serving, ideal for families or individuals with a bigger appetite.
Finally, the 130 oz custom popcorn buckets come with a bottom diameter of 7.5 inches and a height of 7.5 inches, providing a capacity of 4 oz. These large buckets are perfect for sharing among groups or parties, commonly used at cinemas, fairs, and sporting events where large quantities of popcorn are enjoyed.
Various Sizes of Coffee and Tea Cups That You Can Choose
Here are the detailed dimensions of various disposable coffee cups by volume:
- 2 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 5 cm, bottom diameter 3.5 cm, height 4.8 cm.
- 3 oz disposable coffee cups: Top diameter 5.5 cm, bottom diameter 3.7 cm, height 5.6 cm.
- 4 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 6.2 cm, bottom diameter 4.6 cm, height 6 cm.
- 5 oz double-walled coffee cups: Top diameter 6.9 cm, bottom diameter 5.2 cm, height 7.1 cm.
- 6 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 7 cm, bottom diameter 4.9 cm, height 8 cm.
- 7 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 7.3 cm, bottom diameter 5.3 cm, height 7.9 cm.
- 8 oz coffee cups with lid: Top diameter 8 cm, bottom diameter 5.6 cm, height 9.2 cm.
- 9 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 7.6 cm, bottom diameter 5.3 cm, height 9.5 cm.
- 10 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 9 cm, bottom diameter 5.8 cm, height 9.9 cm.
- 12 oz paper coffee cups: Top diameter 9 cm, bottom diameter 5.9 cm, height 11 cm.
- 16 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 9 cm, bottom diameter 6.1 cm, height 13.5 cm.
- 20 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 9 cm, bottom diameter 6 cm, height 15.8 cm.
- 24 oz coffee cups: Top diameter 9 cm, bottom diameter 6 cm, height 18.3 cm.
Use of the Right-Size Hot Beverage Cup
Choosing the right size cup depends on the type of beverage and the serving context:
- Small sizes (2-4 oz) are ideal for espresso shots or small tasting portions.
- Medium sizes (5-10 oz) suit standard coffee servings, cappuccinos, or lattes.
- Larger sizes (12-24 oz) are appropriate for larger coffee drinks, iced beverages, or when customers want more volume.
Food Paper Bucket and Cup Dimensions
As compared to hot and cold beverage cups, the food container cups or buckets have a smaller height but larger top and bottom diameters.
| Container Type | Capacity | Height (mm) | Top Diameter (mm | Bottom Diameter (mm) |
| Food Bucket | 8 oz / 280 ml | 52.5 | 114 | 98 |
| Food Container Cup | 16 oz / 440 ml | 72 | 114 | 95.5 |
| Food Bucket | 20 oz / 500 ml | 86 | 114 | 92 |
| Paper Bucket | 25 oz / 600 ml | 98.5 | 114 | 90 |
| Food Paper Container Cup | 30 oz / 700 ml | 113 | 114 | 88 |
| Hot Chip Cup | (not specified) | 96 | 93 | 67 |
Hot Chip Cup Dimensions
Why Selecting the Ideal Cup Size Matters for Your Business?
For brands, it is essential to choose disposable paper cups or food container cups in the right size. Here, we will guide you on the factors that make it necessary to select the ideal paper cups, ranging from custom ice cream cups to paper popcorn cups. Whether you are a restaurant, ice cream parlor, food brand, or beverage brand owner, or if you want to get custom paper cups for them, this information will guide you significantly.
Cost Control
For cost control and sustainable growth, to reduce labour costs and ingredient costs, it is essential to pack your beverage and food items in ideal-sized paper cups.
Offering a smaller quantity of product at a higher price in small cups does not justify your brand’s services. On the other hand, a large-sized cup of good quality justifies your rates. In this way, sales in small cups are low, while brands earn better profits from larger cups.
Customer Needs
Customers’ experience and needs play a key role in the success of any brand. When brands offer a sound amount of beverages, ice cream, smoothies, and food items in large-sized cups, it can help them to win their customers’ trust. In this case, brands can enhance the customer experience by providing them with next-level satisfaction about the cost they have paid.
When any beverage brand meets the expectations of the customers, it helps to increase sales in less time and get more profit.
Preservation of Product Quality
The right cup size also helps maintain the ideal temperature and quality of your offerings. Very large cups for hot beverages can cause drinks to cool too quickly, diminishing the experience. Similarly, using oversized cups for cold drinks with ice can accelerate melting, affecting taste and presentation. Selecting the appropriate size ensures your products are enjoyed as intended.
After understanding why the right cup size is essential, you can easily decide which cup size is ideal for your products. Stay tuned with us to learn about more details, the most important are how to measure the size of cups and their various dimensions according to the quantity of products.
Final Thoughts
Whatever beverages and food items you want to serve in paper disposable cups, the right size of the paper cups is vital to enhance not only the customer experience but also help you to professionally offer your products. In short, the balance between the size of the coffees, custom ice cream cup boxes, popcorn buckets, and food buckets, and the quality of the inside products is highly important for the long-term growth of the business.
Do you want to purchase premium-quality, sustainable, and food-grade paper cups in various sizes at affordable rates? Join hands with us. We will satisfy your needs per your specifications and with an easy ordering process.
