Yeast Starter Question

When people say what the volume of their starter is (like "I used a half gallon starter"), does that mean they pitched their yeast (smacky or vial) into a half gallon of wort (1.040 usually, right?)? Or do they mean the step up the starter to where they had half a gallon of yeast?

Like if I use: http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html
And it says "# liters of starter"

I think I know the answer (a half gallon of yeast is a lot), but just wanted to make sure

Thanks

You are correct Sir! (cheesy Ed Mcmahon voice) It is the starter liquid and all.

I made my first larger size starter for a batch today, about 1/2 liter. Fermentation took off in 2 hours!