Cortado vs Cappuccino: What’s the Difference?
Quick Answer: A cortado is equal parts espresso and steamed milk with little to no foam, served small (~4 oz). A cappuccino is espresso with steamed milk plus a thick layer of foam, served larger (~6 oz). The cortado is smoother and more coffee-forward; the cappuccino is foamier and lighter.
Both are espresso-and-milk drinks, both are small, and both get mixed up constantly. But a cortado and a cappuccino are genuinely different experiences — one is silky and balanced, the other airy and foam-topped. Here’s how to tell them apart and which to order. The cortado is my go-to afternoon order, and I get asked the difference constantly, so here’s my standard explanation.
This post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through these links support my research and writing at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! Please read my Disclosure for more details.
Cortado vs Cappuccino at a Glance
The key differences:
| Feature | Cortado | Cappuccino |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso | 1–2 shots | 1–2 shots |
| Milk | Equal to espresso, steamed | ~2× espresso, steamed |
| Foam | Little to none | Thick layer (~1 cm+) |
| Size | ~4 oz | ~6 oz |
| Texture | Smooth, balanced | Light, foamy |
What Is a Cortado?
A cortado ‘cuts’ espresso with an equal amount of warm steamed milk and barely any foam — silky and balanced, letting the espresso shine. It’s served small, usually in a glass. See our cortado recipe.
What Is a Cappuccino?
A cappuccino is the classic 1/3 espresso, 1/3 steamed milk, 1/3 foam — lighter and airier, with a signature thick foam cap. Learn it in our cappuccino guide.
Which Should You Choose?
Want a smooth, coffee-forward small drink? Cortado. Want something lighter with a foamy top? Cappuccino. Both need well-textured milk — a milk frother makes it easy at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cortado and a cappuccino?
A cortado is equal parts espresso and steamed milk with little foam (smooth, ~4 oz). A cappuccino has more milk plus a thick foam layer (airy, ~6 oz).
Is a cortado stronger than a cappuccino?
Per ounce, yes — a cortado has a higher espresso-to-milk ratio and less foam, so it tastes more coffee-forward and concentrated.
Does a cortado have foam?
Very little — just a thin layer, if any. The defining feature of a cortado is minimal foam, unlike a cappuccino’s thick cap.
Final Thoughts
Cortado = equal espresso and milk, barely any foam (smooth). Cappuccino = more milk plus a thick foam cap (airy). Pick by texture, and make both at home with a frother.