Cigar sizes explained for beginners

What “size” means in cigars

Every cigar has two basic size numbers: length and ring gauge. Length is simple: it is the end-to-end measurement, usually listed in inches. Ring gauge is the thickness. It is measured in sixty-fourths of an inch. A 64 ring gauge cigar is one inch thick. A 50 ring gauge cigar is fifty sixty-fourths of an inch thick, which is just under 2 cm.

Size does not tell you strength or flavor by itself. It tells you how long the cigar may last and how much smoke you will get with each puff. The blend and the way the cigar is rolled still decide the taste. Think of size as the frame that holds the blend.

Why size matters to beginners

• Burn time: longer cigars and thicker cigars usually burn for more minutes.
• Heat: a wider ring gauge runs cooler at the same puff pace. A very thin cigar can run hotter if you puff fast.
• Smoke feel: larger rings move more smoke per draw. If you are new, a medium ring feels easy and calm.
• Comfort: very wide cigars can feel awkward to hold. Very thin cigars need a slow pace so they do not overheat.

There is no “best” size for everyone. Pick the one that fits your time, place, and mood.

Common straight shapes (parejos)

Most cigars are straight from end to end with a rounded cap. These are called parejos. Names are guides, not strict rules.

• Petite Corona — 4.5–5 in (114–127 mm), 40–42 ring gauge, about 30–45 min
• Corona — 5–5.5 in (127–140 mm), 42–44 ring gauge, about 40–60 min
• Robusto — 4.75–5.25 in (121–133 mm), 48–52 ring gauge, about 45–75 min
• Toro — 6 in (152 mm), 50–54 ring gauge, about 60–90 min
• Churchill — 7 in (178 mm), 47–50 ring gauge, about 80–110 min
• Lancero — 7–7.5 in (178–190 mm), 38 ring gauge, about 75–100 min

Note: Burn times are rough guides. Your pace, the blend, and wind can add or subtract minutes.

Shaped cigars (figurados)

Some cigars change shape along the body. These are called figurados. The shape changes air flow and how the wrapper meets the flame. Here are the common ones you will see.

• Torpedo: a pointed head you cut to the size you like. The taper can focus flavor and make the draw feel a touch tighter.
• Belicoso: shorter than a torpedo with a softer point. Easy to cut and good for thirty to sixty minutes.
• Pyramid: pointed head with a wider foot. It opens as you smoke, which can change the feel over time.
• Figurado (general): any shape that is not straight, including bulbs and tapers.
• Perfecto: both head and foot taper, with a bulb in the middle. You light a small foot at first and the draw opens as the cigar widens.

How size changes flavor and feel

Three parts of a cigar make the taste: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper. The wrapper leaf has strong aroma. When a cigar is thin, you taste more wrapper in each puff. When a cigar is thick, you taste more filler. This is why the same blend can feel different across sizes.

• Thinner ring gauge (36–44): more wrapper flavor, warmer draw if you puff hard, and a clean focus. Great when you want to study the wrapper or you have a calm indoor spot.
• Medium ring gauge (46–52): balanced wrapper and filler. Most beginners enjoy this range. Robusto and toro live here.
• Wider ring gauge (54–60+): cooler smoke at the same pace, lots of filler body, and long sessions. Good for patio time and slow talks.

Pick by time and place

Think about your plan before you cut and light. These simple paths help you choose fast:

• 30–45 minutes: petite corona or short robusto.
• 45–75 minutes: robusto.
• 60–90 minutes: toro.
• 90+ minutes: churchill or a wide-ring toro/“gordo”.

If you are not sure how long you have, start smaller. You can always light a second cigar later. It is better than rushing a long one.

Cutting tips by size

The cut decides how air flows through the cigar. Here is a quick guide.

• Small and thin cigars: use a sharp double-guillotine and take a tiny slice above the cap line. Keep the shoulder intact so the wrapper does not unravel.
• Medium rings (robusto/toro): double-guillotine or a straight cutter works for most people. A punch makes a tidy hole if you like a tighter draw.
• Torpedo/belicoso: cut in small steps. Start with 2–3 mm off the tip. Test the cold draw. Take a touch more if needed until it feels right.

Lighting tips by size

Large rings need more toasting time to warm the rim evenly. Thin cigars need a gentle touch so the wrapper does not scorch. No matter the size, keep the flame just below the foot and rotate slowly. Aim for an even, glowing ring before your first full puffs.

Draw pace by size

• Thin cigars: puff every 45–60 seconds. Short puffs keep heat steady and taste clear.
• Medium rings: a puff every 45 seconds works for most blends. If the smoke feels hot, slow down.
• Wide rings: you can puff a touch more often, but still give the cigar time to rest. The cool draw is a perk; do not push it.

What those “numbers” on boxes mean

Many boxes list a size as two numbers, for example “5 × 50” or “6 × 52”. The first is length in inches, the second is ring gauge. A “5 × 50 robusto” is five inches long and fifty sixty-fourths of an inch thick. If a third number appears, it is sometimes the metric length in millimetres.

Beginner picks that rarely miss

Here are easy starting points when you stand at the counter.

• Robusto (5 × 50): friendly size, steady burn, and a clear sense of the blend. Great for your first box.
• Toro (6 × 52): longer time and a calm, slightly cooler draw. Nice when you have an hour or more.
• Belicoso: same length as a robusto with a tapered head. You can fine-tune the draw with your cut.
• Petite corona: short and classic. Good for quick coffee breaks or cold winter walks.

How size pairs with drinks

You do not need a strict pairing chart. Use these plain matches to avoid clashes.

• Petite corona / corona: light coffee, tea, or a lager. The smaller body keeps the drink in balance.
• Robusto: cappuccino, amber ale, or a light whisky pour. Steady and flexible.
• Toro / churchill: espresso, dark roast, stout, or a richer whisky. The longer time fits slow sips.

Storage notes by size

All sizes like stable humidity. If you keep cigars at home, aim for a steady range around 65–70% relative humidity and room-like temperature. Very thin cigars can dry faster if left out. Wide rings can swell if moisture swings a lot. A small travel case with a humidity pack is an easy fix for road days or winter walks.

What to ask at the counter

Tell staff three things and you will get a good size on the first try:

1. 1
   How long you plan to smoke (30, 60, 90 minutes).
2. 2
   Draw feel you like (tight, medium, or more open).
3. 3
   Flavor lane you prefer (mild/creamy, medium/nutty, full/cocoa and spice).

They can point you to the right size in a blend that fits your taste. If you are unsure, start with a robusto. It gives a clear read on the blend without a long time commitment.

Troubleshooting by size

• Hot, bitter start on a thin cigar: slow down. Take shorter puffs and let the cherry cool. A soft purge (blow gently through the cigar) can clean the taste.
• Uneven burn on a wide ring: touch up the low side with a lighter for one second while you rotate. Keep the flame away from the high side.
• Tight draw on a torpedo: take a little more off the tip and test again. Small cuts make a big change.
• Going out often: rest less than a minute between puffs, or choose a smaller size next time if you plan to talk more than smoke.

Plan your first sampler

A good way to learn is to buy a small mix that covers the main sizes. Try this simple set:

1. 1
   One petite corona for a short session.
2. 2
   One robusto for a balanced read on a blend.
3. 3
   One toro for a longer sit-down.
4. 4
   One belicoso or torpedo to test a tapered head.

Smoke them on different days with the same drink so the size is the only big change. Take a few notes in your phone about draw feel, burn time, and flavors you noticed. In two weeks you will know your lane.

Quick glossary

• Cap: the rounded end you cut.
• Foot: the end you light.
• Band: the small ring of paper with the maker’s name. Slide it off once the burn line nears it.
• Wrapper: the outer leaf you see.
• Binder: the leaf under the wrapper that holds the filler.
• Filler: the leaves in the center that make up most of the blend.

Simple chooser you can screenshot

• Short coffee break: petite corona or short robusto.
• After work on the patio: robusto.
• Weekend sit-down: toro.
• Slow evening with friends: churchill or a wide-ring toro.
• Want a focused wrapper taste: lancero or corona.
• Want a cool, easy draw: toro or any 52–54 ring gauge.

For adults of legal age only. Follow local rules on where smoking is allowed. Handle cutters, lighters, and ash with care. Store cigars away from children and pets.