Cigar Sizes Guide

Cigar sizes can vary slightly from brand to brand. The names chosen by brands for the same cigar sizes vary greatly and can be highly confusing. It is also essential to consider shapes. Learn more about cigar shapes by browsing cigars by shape. Cigars are measured by two factors: ring gauge, a designation of a cigar’s diameter given in 64ths of an inch, and length, measured in inches. A traditional Churchill cigar with a 48 ring gauge, for example, is 48/64 equivalent to 3/4 of an inch in diameter x 7” in length. When we say that cigar sizes vary slightly from brand to brand, we mean approximately +/- 2 ring gauge units and +/- 1/2” in length. For example, a Romeo y Julieta 1875 Churchill is 50 x 7” while a La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial Churchill is 49 x 6 7/8”.

There is no correlation between the size of a cigar and its strength. A cigar’s strength is determined by the tobacco it is made with. Nevertheless, thin cigars have a tendency to burn hotter than girthy ones. There is a relation between length and smoking time. The longer the cigar, the more time it will take you to smoke it. There is also a relation between ring gauge and flavor. The thicker or higher the ring gauge, the more smoke will smother your palate.

Whatever the shape, cigars are given different names based on their size – a combination of length and diameter. The size, though, isn’t indicative of quality or enjoyment potential. Make sure you choose a cigar size to suit your preferences or occasions. Short cigars are ideal for a cup of coffee, while longer ones are great for hanging out after dinner with plenty of time to spare.

The most popular parejo cigar sizes in the world are Cigarillo, Corona, Robusto, and Toro. The rest are variations in size and shape of these classics.