Cigars come in many different shapes and sizes, also known as 'vitolas'. These include the familiar straight-sided cylindrical sticks, box-pressed cigars with a square profile, and 'figurados' such as the pointy-tipped Torpedo.
Even aficionados can find it difficult to choose, especially when you buy boutique cigars from a brand that uses unique names for its cigar sizes. With so much choice in stock at Cigars.com, we're here to help.
Two of the most important measurements when working out the overall size of a stick are cigar length and ring size. In this cigar size guide, we'll look at what they mean for your smoking experience and how they relate to names like Corona, Toro, and Churchill.
We'll also pick out some of our favorite cigars of different lengths and thicknesses, so you have somewhere to start when trying a new vitola.
How cigar lengths and ring gauges affect the smoking experience
First of all, it's important to understand the size of a cigar does not affect its strength or body. In other words, a small steak can be just as juicy as a large one.
Flavor comes from the master tobacconist's choice of tobaccos, the way they're blended, and the leaves used for the binder and wrapper. So, what do cigar length and ring size change about the smoking experience?
Cigar length is quite straightforward. A longer cigar will burn longer than a short cigar, as long as they’re the same ring size (width). A Robusto or Petit Corona might last around an hour, whereas a Churchill or Gran Corona could give you double that time.
Ring size, also known as the cigar ring gauge, affects both the burn time and the temperature. Thinner cigars burn fast and hot. Thicker cigars burn slower and may feel less hot, delivering a less concentrated draw.
Common cigar lengths
In this cigar size guide, we'll look at the cigar length and ring size separately. Similarly named vitolas will usually be similar in both the length and the cigar ring gauge, but there are exceptions.
Look out for words like Petit, Gran, and Gordo. These indicate that the cigar is a smaller (Petit) or larger (Gran/Gordo) variation of the standard size.
Corona
Corona is considered the standard for cigar lengths, at about 5.5" long and a typical ring size of 42-44. This is the size that is often used by tobacconists when creating a new cigar.
The balance of filler, binder and wrapper in a Corona has long been considered optimal to experience the flavor profile, and other sizes are then created by adjusting the binder and wrapper to suit.
If you’re interested in trying a Corona cigar, we’d recommend the H. Upmann Original Corona. This premium stick gives off a classic Cuban-style aroma and delivers a wonderful flavor profile. Expect delicious nutty notes with an earthy undertone.
Robusto
Robusto means 'sturdy,' so you might expect this to be a larger size, but it actually measures in at about 4.8". However, it is usually thicker than a Corona, with a ring gauge of 50.
It's a great option if you prefer slower-burning cigars. If you want your total smoking time to be under an hour, a Robusto is a perfect lunchtime smoke.
Try the Romeo y Julieta 1875 Bully to enjoy a classic Robusto. It’s a 5" x 50 smoke with flavors of cedar and almonds.
Toro
Toro is the go-to option if you want something with the balance of a Corona but a longer smoke time. At 6" long and with a ring gauge of 50, it should burn like a Robusto but last 25% longer.
A good-quality Toro cigar is always a crowd-pleaser, and there are some great-value Toros if you want something to hand out at your next cookout.
The Padron Special Releases No. 90 Tubo a luxury Toro cigar worth every cent, and is available to buy at great prices in boxes of 10 at cigars.com.
Lancero
Whereas Robusto cigars are short and thick, Lancero cigars are the opposite: over 7" long but with a ring gauge of just 38.
It's one of the skinniest of the standard vitolas and burns fast and hot. But if you want the wrapper’s flavor further forward in the profile, it’s a perfect choice.
We’d recommend picking up a Cohiba Riviera Lancero. It offers smokers a sophisticated experience with flavors of coffee and leather from a dark San Andres Mexican wrapper.
Churchill
Churchill cigars are some of the big boys of the cigar world, at about 7" long and with a chunky ring gauge of between 48 and 50.
They're named after the British wartime leader Sir Winston Churchill and Romeo y Julieta Cigars are credited with the first use of his name. They describe a long and thick vitola, like the ones Churchill was known to prefer.
The Romeo y Julieta Aniversario Churchill is an oversized 7 x 54 Churchill beast that is always sure to wow smokers.
Less common cigars
While we picked out some of the most common cigar lengths you’ll come across as you shop around, there’s plenty more we feel you should be aware of:
- Cigarillo – 28 x 3
- Petite – 32 x4
- Petite Figurado – 42 x 4
- Petite Corona – 44 x 4.5
- Bullet – 60 x 4.5
- Campana – 60 x 5
- Gordo: 60 x 6
- Perfecto: 50 x 6.5
- Culebra: (3) 42 x 6.5
- Panatela: 38 x 7
- Figurado: 42-48 x 7
- Pyramide: 44-54 x 7
- Toro Grande: 52 x 7
Common cigar ring gauges
Cigar ring gauge is measured in 1/64ths of an inch and describes the diameter of a cigar. A Corona, with a ring size of 42-44, is about 2/3 of an inch thick. Robusto, Toro, and Churchill cigars, at a ring size of 50, are just over 3/4 of an inch across.
Remember, cigar length and ring size are not closely linked, but they do combine to tell you how fast, how hot, and for how long the stick will burn.
Ring size 42 (0.65"/16.7mm)
The 'standard' ring gauge used on Coronas, Petit Coronas, and Corona Grandes. You might also see 6.5 x 42 cigars referred to as Lonsdales or Cervantes.
If you want to experience the true flavor profile of a new cigar, go for a 42 ring size. It's likely this is how the cigar was originally designed to be smoked, with thicker/thinner sizes made later.
A good example of a cigar with this ring gauge is the Casa Blanca Lonsdale. It’s packed with Dominican filler tobaccos and encased in a mellow Connecticut Shade wrapper.
Ring size 38 (0.59"/15.1mm)
There are a few narrow ring gauges, but 38 is the go-to for 6" Panatela and 7.5" Lancero cigars.
If you're exploring different wrapper types, look for a ring size of 38 or less. This reduces the ratio of filler tobacco and should bring the wrapper flavor through.
Ring size 38 cigar to try: Plasencia Alma Del Fuego Flama Panatela, 6.5 x 38 with a box-pressed shape and a reddish Nicaraguan wrapper.
Ring size 50 (0.78"/19.8mm)
Another popular thickness, ring gauge 50 is usually linked with Robusto, Toro, Churchill, and Presidente cigars.
At nearly 0.8"/2cm thick, these cigars burn more slowly and allow you to savor the filler tobaccos. It can take upward of two hours to smoke a 7-8" long Churchill or Presidente.
Ring size 50 cigar to try: Don Tomas Clasico Presidente, a 7.5 x 50 delight available from Cigars.com in boxes of 25.
Choosing what’s right for you
The best way to find out which cigar length or ring gauge best suits your smoking style is to experiment with the different sizes. Refer back to this guide when you’re next picking out a new size and browse our vast selection of choices here at cigars.com.