Choosing between 11oz and 15oz sublimation mugs is one of the first decisions Canadian crafters face when stocking up on blanks. Both sizes sell well, but they serve different markets and customers. This guide breaks down the differences — size, print area, pricing, customer preference, and which one makes more sense for craft fairs, Etsy shops, and custom orders in Canada.
Size and Capacity Comparison
The 11oz sublimation mug is the standard coffee mug size — it is what most people picture when they think "mug." It is the size you will find in nearly every Canadian household, office break room, and coffee shop drive-through order. The 15oz mug holds about 40% more liquid, putting it closer to what you would get at a large coffee shop. For customers who like a generous pour or tend to add lots of cream, the 15oz feels just right.
In terms of physical dimensions, the 11oz mug is shorter and lighter, making it easier to package and ship. The 15oz is taller and slightly wider, which gives it a more substantial feel in hand. Despite the size difference, both mugs use the same standard mug press attachment on most heat presses, so you do not need separate equipment to press either size.
Print Area Differences
One of the biggest practical differences between the two sublimation mug sizes is the printable area. The 15oz mug has a noticeably larger print area, giving you more space for detailed designs, larger images, and more text. If you create photo mugs, wrap-around designs, or mugs with longer quotes, the extra real estate on a 15oz makes a real difference in how your finished product looks.
The 11oz print area works perfectly for logos, names, short quotes, and simple graphics. Most Canadian crafters find that the majority of their bestselling designs — names, monograms, short funny phrases — display beautifully on an 11oz mug without feeling cramped. If your designs are text-based or use simple graphics, the 11oz displays them just fine. Save the 15oz for your more complex or image-heavy creations.
Which Size Sells Better?
The answer depends on where and how you sell. At craft fairs across Canada, the 11oz mug is the safer bet. Its lower price point means more impulse buys from shoppers browsing your booth. It is lighter for customers to carry around the market, and people recognise the size as a familiar "standard mug." If you are setting up at craft fairs in Canada for the first time, 11oz should be your primary stock.
On Etsy and for online custom orders, the 15oz mug tends to be more popular for gifts because it feels more premium. Customers ordering personalized mugs for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays often want the bigger size — it feels like a more substantial gift. If you run a Canadian Etsy shop focused on custom mugs, expect a higher percentage of 15oz orders than you would see at a craft fair.
For corporate and bulk orders, the 11oz tends to win for volume purchases like staff appreciation gifts, event giveaways, and promotional items. The lower per-unit cost makes it easier for businesses to order in quantity. Many Canadian businesses ordering branded mugs default to the standard 11oz size.
The real answer? Stock both. Many successful Canadian crafters keep a 70/30 split — 70% 11oz and 30% 15oz — and adjust based on what sells at their specific markets. Browse both sizes in our sublimation mugs collection to compare options and find what works for your business.
Pricing and Profit Margins
The 15oz blanks cost slightly more than 11oz, but you can charge a higher retail price to match. Typical retail markup for both sizes runs in the 3-4x range over your blank cost. The profit margin percentage is usually comparable between the two sizes, but the dollar margin per mug is slightly higher on 15oz because of the higher retail price. Use the WCC pricing calculator in our sublimation guide to run the numbers for your specific pricing strategy.
One factor Canadian sellers often overlook is shipping. The 15oz mugs are heavier, which can affect your shipping costs if you sell online. If you offer free shipping, that extra weight eats into your margin. Factor shipping into your pricing when deciding how much 15oz inventory to carry, especially if most of your sales happen through your online store rather than in person at Canadian markets.
Press Settings — Are They Different?
Good news here: both 11oz and 15oz sublimation mugs use the same temperature and time settings on most mug presses. The key difference is positioning in the press — the 15oz mug is taller, so make sure your mug press accommodates the height before ordering a large batch. Always test with one mug before committing to a full production run. For complete time and temperature settings for both sizes, check our sublimation printing guide for Canadian crafters.
The Verdict — Which Size to Start With
If you are brand new to sublimation mugs, start with 11oz. It is the standard size, carries the lowest risk, and is the easiest to sell at any price point whether you are at a Canadian craft fair, selling on Etsy, or taking custom orders from friends and family. Building your confidence and workflow on 11oz mugs sets you up for success.
Once you are comfortable with your process and want to expand, add 15oz as a premium option. Offering both sublimation mug sizes lets customers choose and increases your average order value. And do not stop at white mugs — consider adding colour-changing mugs and enamel camping mugs to differentiate your product line and stand out at craft fairs across Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 11oz and 15oz sublimation mugs?
The 11oz is the standard coffee mug size most Canadians are familiar with, while the 15oz holds about 40% more liquid and has a larger print area. Both sizes use the same sublimation process and press settings, so there is no difference in how you produce them — just in the final size and how much design space you have to work with.
Which sublimation mug size sells better at craft fairs?
The 11oz mug is the most popular at Canadian craft fairs because of its lower price point and familiar size. Shoppers are more likely to make impulse purchases at a lower price. That said, many successful vendors stock both sizes and let customers choose, which can increase your average sale.
Is the print area bigger on a 15oz sublimation mug?
Yes. The 15oz sublimation mug has a noticeably larger printable area, making it the better choice for detailed designs, larger photographs, wrap-around artwork, and longer text. If your designs need room to breathe, the 15oz gives you that extra space.
Can I use the same mug press for 11oz and 15oz?
Most standard mug presses accommodate both 11oz and 15oz sublimation mugs without any modifications. The main thing to check is that your press fits the taller 15oz height comfortably. Temperature and time settings are the same for both sizes on most presses.
Where can I buy 11oz and 15oz sublimation mugs in Canada?
West Coast Craft carries both 11oz and 15oz sublimation mugs shipped from Langley, BC with free shipping across Canada. There is no minimum order, so you can buy a few of each size to test what sells best at your local markets before committing to larger quantities.
Ready to Stock Up?
West Coast Craft carries both 11oz and 15oz sublimation mugs with no minimums and free shipping across Canada. Whether you are just starting out or restocking your bestsellers, shop our full sublimation mug collection and grab both sizes to give your customers the choice they want.
