Know Your Smoke!

One of the pleasures of enjoying a cigar from time to time is the great variety of options at your disposal. Different tobaccos, different flavors, and of course, many different shapes and sizes.

In fact, if you're just starting to smoke cigars, the massive amount of information can feel extremely overwhelming.

That's why we created this guide. Let's get straight to the point.

The Two Primary Cigar Measurements1

• Length
• Ring Gauge or Diameter

In the United States, we measure the length of a cigar in inches. However, in other countries, you may find lengths listed in centimeters. The ring gauge of a cigar is measured in 64ths of an inch.

What Do Cigar Size and Shape Affect?

The length and ring gauge of a cigar affect how long it will take to smoke. However, we believe it's important to clarify that there are other factors involved in smoking time—not just length and ring gauge.

Among the other factors that influence smoking time are the way the cigar is rolled and the tobacco itself. The tighter the roll, the longer it will take to smoke. So when choosing a cigar, pay attention not only to length and ring gauge but also to how tight (or loose) the stick is rolled.

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Are All Possible Cigar Sizes Included Here?

Today there are countless variations in cigar sizes and many brands often have their own names for them. Trying to gather everything and stay updated would be nearly impossible and a huge headache. Instead, we chose to highlight the 13 most common and traditional sizes.

Notably absent from our list are the Cigarillo, a short and often very thin cigar, as well as the Culebra, an exotic size consisting of three cigars (usually Panatelas) twisted together.

How Are Cigars Grouped on This List?

We grouped cigars into two shape categories: parejo and figurado. A parejo is a cigar with straight sides and a rounded cap (cigars 1 to 9 here). Figurado refers to any cigar with a non-standard shape (cigars 10-13).

Parejo Cigars

01 - Petit Corona

Length: 4¾–5 inches
Ring Gauge: 39–42
Smoking Time: 30 minutes

The Petit Corona is a smaller version of the Corona.

02 - Corona

Length: 5–5½ inches
Ring Gauge: 42–44
Smoking Time: 45 minutes

The Corona is the standard bearer of cigar size. It is the size on which all other cigars are based. It is said that Corona is the size cigar blenders use to test their tobacco blends, offering the “truest” flavor of the cigar.

03 - Corona Gorda

Length: 5½ inches
Ring Gauge: 46
Smoking Time: 60 minutes

The Corona Gorda, or “Fat” Corona, is a wider version of the Corona. You may also see it called the Corona Extra.

04 - Double Corona

Length: 6½–7¾ inches
Ring Gauge: 48–49
Smoking Time: 90–120 minutes

The Double Corona (also known as the Prominente) is essentially the “big daddy” of cigars. It's a longer and wider Corona, or simply a longer and slightly wider Corona Gorda.

05 - Lonsdale

Length: 6–6½ inches
Ring Gauge: 42
Smoking Time: 45 minutes

The Lonsdale (also known as Cervantes) is not very common. It’s a longer Corona with an elegant profile.

06 - Robusto

Length: 5 inches
Ring Gauge: 50–54
Smoking Time: 45–60 minutes

The Robusto gained popularity relatively recently and is now one of the most popular cigar sizes on the market.

07 - Toro

Length: 6 inches
Ring Gauge: 50–54
Smoking Time: 60–75 minutes

Also known as a “Double Robusto.” Not literally two Robustos put together, but a slightly longer and wider one.

08 - Churchill

Length: 7 inches
Ring Gauge: 47–54
Smoking Time: 90 minutes

The Churchill (also known as Juliet No.2) is a classic and elegant size, especially with a smaller ring gauge. Great for celebrations.

09 - Lancero

Length: 7–7½ inches
Ring Gauge: 38–39
Smoking Time: 60 minutes

The Lancero is the most elegant of all sizes. They can be hard to find, but they’re gaining popularity among cigar enthusiasts.

Figurado Cigars

10 - Torpedo

Length: 6½–7½ inches
Ring Gauge: 50–54
Smoking Time: 60–75 minutes

Very similar to a Toro, except with a pointed head.

11 - Pyramid

Length: 7 inches
Ring Gauge: 52–56
Smoking Time: 75–90 minutes

Wider than the Torpedo, the Pyramid grows in width from head to foot. Also a rare size.

12 - Belicoso

Length: 5½ inches
Ring Gauge: 50
Smoking Time: 45 minutes

A Belicoso is essentially a short Torpedo.

13 - Perfecto

Length: varies
Ring Gauge: varies
Smoking Time: 45–60 minutes

The Perfecto is a unique shape. It narrows at both the foot and the head and has no standard size pattern.

HSS Cigar Size Chart