Cigar Sizes
Choosing a cigar is about more than its size. The length, ring gauge, shape, tobacco blend, and the pace at which you smoke can all influence the experience.
The guide below is simply a reference to help you choose a cigar based on the time you have and the type of occasion you have in mind.
Understanding Cigar Size
Cigar size is generally described using two measurements:
Length: The length of the cigar, measured in inches or millimeters.
Ring Gauge: The diameter of the cigar, measured in 64ths of an inch.
For example, a 50 ring gauge cigar measures 50/64 of an inch in diameter.
A longer cigar will generally provide a longer smoking experience, while a thicker cigar can offer a larger tobacco blend and a slower, cooler burn.
Size does not determine strength. A small cigar can be bold and full-bodied, while a large cigar can be smooth and mild. The blend and tobacco itself determine the character of the cigar.
Parejos
Parejos are straight-sided cigars with a consistent diameter from the foot to the head. They are among the most traditional and recognizable cigar shapes.
Petit Corona
- Typical Size:
- 4–5 inches × 40–44 ring gauge
- Approximate Smoking Time:
- 20–30 minutes
Small, elegant, and easy to enjoy when time is limited. The Petit Corona gives you a shorter smoking experience without sacrificing the character of a well-made cigar.
Ideal For: Morning coffee, a lunch break, a quick afternoon smoke, or whenever you want something shorter.
Corona
- Typical Size:
- 5–6 inches × 42–44 ring gauge
- Approximate Smoking Time:
- 30–45 minutes
The Corona is a classic cigar size with balanced proportions. It offers enough time to experience the development of the tobacco while remaining relatively easy to fit into a busy day.
Ideal For: Afternoon coffee, after a meal, a relaxed conversation, or a casual everyday smoke.
Robusto
- Typical Size:
- 4–5 inches × 48–52 ring gauge
- Approximate Smoking Time:
- 25–30 minutes
Short, thick, and satisfying, the Robusto is one of the most popular cigar formats. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice when you want a fuller cigar experience without committing to a long smoking session.
Ideal For: After dinner, a drink with friends, a quick evening smoke, or a relaxed afternoon.
Toro
- Typical Size:
- 5–6 inches × 50–54 ring gauge
- Approximate Smoking Time:
- 45–60 minutes
The Toro offers a longer experience while remaining versatile and comfortable. Its additional length gives the tobacco more time to develop as you smoke.
Ideal For: An evening drink, dinner, a cigar lounge, time with friends, or a relaxed night out.
Churchill
- Typical Size:
- 7 inches × 47–50 ring gauge
- Approximate Smoking Time:
- 60–90 minutes
The Churchill is a cigar for slowing down. Its longer format allows you to spend more time with the blend and experience its progression from beginning to end.
Ideal For: A relaxed evening, a special occasion, a long conversation, or an evening when you have time to enjoy the moment.
Figurados
Figurados are shaped cigars that differ from the traditional straight-sided parejo. Their tapered heads, feet, or changing diameters can influence the draw and the way the cigar develops throughout the smoke.
Torpedo
- Typical Size:
- Varies
- Approximate Smoking Time:
- 45–60 minutes
The Torpedo tapers toward the head, creating a concentrated draw and allowing the smoker to control the size of the opening when cutting the cigar.
Ideal For: An evening smoke, a special occasion, or anyone looking for a more distinctive cigar shape.
Belicoso
- Typical Size:
- 5–6 inches × 50–54 ring gauge
- Approximate Smoking Time:
- 40–60 minutes
The Belicoso has a shorter, more rounded taper than a traditional Torpedo. It combines the feel of a larger cigar with a distinctive shaped head.
Ideal For: An evening drink, dinner, a cigar lounge, or a relaxed weekend smoke.
Perfecto
- Typical Size:
- Varies
- Approximate Smoking Time:
- 30–60+ minutes
The Perfecto tapers at both ends and is generally wider through the middle. Its changing shape can create a different experience as the cigar progresses.
Ideal For: A relaxed afternoon, an evening smoke, a special occasion, or when you want to try something outside the traditional cigar shapes.
Choosing the Right Cigar for the Moment
Your time can be one of the easiest ways to choose your cigar.
Short on time?
A Petit Corona or Robusto can give you a satisfying experience in a shorter window.
Looking for something balanced?
A Corona is a classic choice for an everyday smoke or a relaxed afternoon.
Have some time to unwind?
A Toro gives you more time to enjoy the cigar without requiring an entire evening.
Want to slow things down?
A Churchill is made for a longer, unhurried experience.
Looking for something different?
Try a Figurado such as a Torpedo, Belicoso, or Perfecto.
A Guide, Not a Rule
These smoking times and occasions are simply guidelines.
Every cigar is unique. Tobacco blend, construction, ring gauge, humidity, and smoking pace can all change the experience.
Choose the cigar that fits the moment, take your time, and enjoy the experience.