Lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites are made from the same two ingredients: espresso and steamed milk. What separates them is how much milk goes in, how much air is whipped into it, and the size of the cup. Those small changes make a big difference in how each drink tastes and feels, so here is how to tell them apart and which one to order.
Latte vs Cappuccino vs Flat White at a Glance
| Latte | Cappuccino | Flat white | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cup size | 8–12 oz (240–350 ml) | 5–6 oz (150–180 ml) | 5–6 oz (150–180 ml) |
| Espresso | 1–2 shots | 1–2 shots | Usually a double, often ristretto |
| Milk | Lots of steamed milk | About equal parts milk and foam | Less milk than a latte |
| Foam | Thin layer, about 1 cm | Thick, airy, 2 cm or more | Very thin, glossy microfoam |
| Texture | Creamy and smooth | Light and frothy | Silky and dense |
| Coffee strength | Mildest | Medium | Strongest |
Latte vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?
The difference between a latte and a cappuccino comes down to milk and foam. A latte is mostly steamed milk with a thin layer of foam on top, served in a larger cup, so it tastes creamy and mild. A cappuccino uses less milk and much more foam, traditionally in roughly equal thirds of espresso, steamed milk and foam, so the coffee flavor comes through more clearly and the drink feels lighter. If you lift both cups, the cappuccino will feel surprisingly light for its size; that is all the air in the foam.
Cappuccino vs Flat White
A cappuccino and a flat white are often served in the same size cup, which is why people mix them up. The difference is the milk texture. A cappuccino has a thick cap of airy foam, while a flat white is made with milk steamed to a thin, glossy microfoam that blends into the espresso instead of sitting on top. The result is a flat white that tastes stronger and feels silkier, while a cappuccino is lighter and frothier. The flat white comes from Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s; Melbourne’s even stronger version is the magic coffee.
Flat White vs Latte
A flat white and a latte both use smooth, lightly foamed milk, but a flat white is smaller and has a higher ratio of espresso to milk. In a latte, the milk leads; in a flat white, the coffee does. If you like the texture of a latte but find it too milky, a flat white is the drink to try.
How to Order: Wet, Dry and Bone Dry
Baristas can adjust the milk-to-foam balance on request. A wet cappuccino has more steamed milk and less foam, which makes it closer to a latte. A dry cappuccino has more foam and less milk. A bone dry cappuccino skips the steamed milk entirely and is just espresso topped with foam. If you want a richer latte, ask for a breve, made with half-and-half instead of milk.
How to Make Each at Home
- Pull a double shot of espresso into your cup. For a flat white, a shorter ristretto shot gives a sweeter, more intense base.
- Steam cold milk to 140–150°F (60–65°C). Hotter milk tastes flat and loses its sweetness.
- Control the air. For a cappuccino, keep the steam wand near the surface longer to build thick foam. For a latte, add a little air. For a flat white, add just enough air for a thin, glossy texture.
- Tap and swirl the pitcher to pop large bubbles and keep the milk smooth.
- Pour. Fill a 10–12 oz cup for a latte, a 6 oz cup for a cappuccino (spooning foam on top), or a 5–6 oz cup for a flat white, pouring low and steady.
No espresso machine? A strong moka pot or AeroPress concentrate works as the base, and a handheld frother or a French press pumped up and down will foam warm milk.
Which Should You Order?
You want a mild, creamy, comforting drink, or a base for flavors like vanilla or a pumpkin spice latte.
You like a balanced cup with clear coffee flavor and a light, foamy texture.
You want the coffee to lead, with a smooth, silky texture and less milk.
For more espresso drinks and how they compare, see our guide to all types of coffee drinks.
Former roastery owner and coffee tour operator. Steve spent five years roasting coffee for his own shop and wholesale customers. More about Steve