Latte vs Cappuccino: What's the Difference?

Lattes and cappuccinos are the two most common espresso-based milk drinks. While they use the same two ingredients—espresso and milk—the way the milk is prepared and the amount used creates two different drinks. The choice mostly depends on whether you prefer a milky texture or a thicker foam layer.

	Latte	Cappuccino
Preparation	A shot of espresso topped with a large volume of steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam.	Equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and airy milk foam.
Flavor Profile	Mild and creamy — milk softens the espresso flavor	Balanced and espresso-forward — the foam creates a lighter texture
Strength	mild	medium
Texture	creamy	foamy
Best For	People who prefer a mild coffee flavor or enjoy adding syrups	People who enjoy a lighter, foamier texture and a more noticeable espresso flavor
JavaHatch Level	Seeker	Navigator

Proportions and Volume

The primary difference between a latte and a cappuccino is the ratio of milk to coffee.

A Latte is built to be a milk-forward drink. It typically uses one or two shots of espresso combined with 8oz to 12oz of steamed milk. The milk is integrated throughout the drink, with only a thin layer of microfoam (very fine milk foam with tiny bubbles) on the surface. Because of the high milk volume, lattes are among the largest espresso-based drinks on the menu.

A Cappuccino is smaller, usually served in a 6oz cup. It follows a traditional "rule of thirds": one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third airy foam. Because there is less total milk to dilute the espresso, the coffee flavor stands out more than in a latte, even though both might use the same amount of espresso.

The Texture of the Foam

Texture is the most distinctive feature of a cappuccino.

In a Latte, the milk is steamed to be wet and liquid. It has a smooth, liquid texture that pours easily. This is why lattes are the most common choice for latte art designs.

In a Cappuccino, the milk is stretched further during steaming to create dry foam. This foam is light and airy and sits on top of the drink. When you take a sip, you first encounter the foam layer before the liquid coffee and milk.

Good to Know: "Wet" vs. "Dry"

When ordering a cappuccino, you may hear people specify "wet" or "dry." This refers to the foam-to-milk ratio.

A Dry Cappuccino has more foam and less liquid steamed milk, which makes the espresso flavor stand out more.

A Wet Cappuccino has more steamed milk and less foam, bringing it closer to the texture of a small latte. If you are unsure, a standard cappuccino provides an equal balance of both.

Which to Order

If you are looking for a creamy drink that you can sip slowly, the Latte is a common choice. Its high milk content makes it easy to customize with different milk types or sweeteners.

If you prefer a drink where the espresso flavor stands out more while still having a frothy texture, the Cappuccino is a strong option.

Latte vs Cappuccino: What's the Difference?

Proportions and Volume

The Texture of the Foam

Good to Know: "Wet" vs. "Dry"

Which to Order

Choose Latte if:

Choose Cappuccino if: