A Simple Guide To Cigar Shapes And Sizes

Cigar shapes, also called vitolas, are divided into two categories: parejos and figurados. There's no industry standard when it comes to cigar shapes and sizes. You may find a 4.5" cigar labeled as a robusto, depending on the brand. Use this article as a rough guide.

What Is A Cigars Ring Gauge?

A cigars ring gauge is the diameter of a cigar, measured in 64ths of an inch. A cigar with a ring gauge of 48 can be viewed at as 48/64ths of an inch, or ¾ of an inch. Some figurado cigars aren't perfectly cylindrical. In these cases, the ring gauge is measured at the thickest part of the cigar.

How To Tell A Cigars Size 

If you see a cigar with a size of 5x50", you can quickly determine that the length of the cigar is 5" and the ring gauge is 50/64ths of an inch, or roughly just over ¾ of an inch. The length of a cigar is always measured in inches.

Does A Cigars Shape And Size Affect Flavour? 

Both size and shape of a cigar affect the flavour. Most of the cigar's flavour comes from the outer tobacco leaf, known as the wrapper. The ratio of wrapper to filler (the inside layers of tobacco) can drastically change the flavour of a cigar, even if it's the same blend.

Cigars with bigger ring gauges, like a gordo, will yield a milder smoke compared to the same blend rolled into a lancero, a smaller wrapper-to-filler ratio.

When it comes to similar sizes in parejos and figurados (like a robusto and a 5" torpedo), the flavour difference is debatable. Some smokers claim the tapered end of a torpedo increases the intensity of the flavour while others say it's all in how you cut and light the stick.

What Are Parejos?

Parejos are the most common cigar shape. These are your run-of-the-mill cylindrical sticks, typically with one flat, open end (called the foot) and one closed, and can have a flat or rounded end (called the cap or head).

CIGARILLO – Usually 3.5" but can be up to 6" in length, with a small ring gauge of usually 18-28. These cigars are sometimes sold in tins and typically come without bands.

CORONA – A popular size. Typically measures between 5.25"-5.75" with a ring gauge of 40-44.

PETIT CORONA – A smaller version of the corona, these cigars are normally 4.5"-5" long with a ring gauge of 38-42.

CHURCHILL – A longer cigar, measuring 7" in length with a ring gauge between 44 and 50. Named after Sir Winston Churchill.

DOUBLE CORONA – A 7.5" long cigar with a ring gauge between 46-52.

GORDITA – A short, fat cigar measuring in at 4.25"-4.5" with a large ring gauge of 60.

GORDITO – The most common size for Cuban cigars, these are 5.5" with a ring gauge of 50.

GORDO – The bigger brother of the toro, these sticks are 6" long with a 60 ring gauge.

LANCERO – A long, skinny cigar. Lanceros are usually 7"-7.5" in length and have a ring gauge of 38-42. They are commonly found in the box press shape.

LONSDALE – Like a lancero with a bigger ring gauge, Lonsdales are usually between 6"-7" long with a ring gauge usually between 42-44.

ROBUSTO – The most popular cigar size in North America, robustos measure in around 5" in length and usually have a ring gauge of 50.

PANETELA – These cigars vary from 5"-7" long with a ring gauge of 38. Longer varieties are sometimes referred to as Gran Panetelas.

SALOMON – An uncommon cigar due to the skill required to properly roll, these sticks measure in at 7.25-7.5" with a bulbous middle and a ring gauge around 60 at the thickest point.

TORO – A robusto with extra length measuring in at 6" with ring gauge 50-54.

What About Box Pressed Cigars? 

Box-pressed doesn't refer to a cigar size but is rather a different style of parejo. These cigars are squeezed into a cigar box shortly after being rolled, giving them four flat sides. Some cigar smokers claim box-pressed cigars burn more evenly and have a better draw than their round counterparts.

The origin of box-pressed cigars are murky and inconsistent, but one thing is for sure: they won't roll off the table or counter as easily as parejos! They can also be more uniformly stacked on shelves in your humidor or wineadors, saving space for more cigars.

What Are Figurados?

Figurados are basically any cigar that isn't a long cylinder. These cigars will typically cost more since they require more skill to create. Some brands utilize these shapes as a sign of craftsmanship and skill, a way to show the world that their rollers are the best.

BELICOSO – Similar in shape to a parejo, and very similar to a torpedo, but the cap is rounded instead of pointed.

CHEROOT – A rustic looking parejo without a cap (open at both ends).

CULEBRA – Three panetela cigars braided together, tied with a ribbon and a singular band.

PERFECTO – Tapered at both ends and usually wider in the middle.

PYRAMID – Pointed cap that flares out to a wide foot.

TORPEDO – Similar in shape to a parejo, but the cap is pointed.

WAFE – A unique, flat cigar shape that resembles a wafer cookie. These are very rare and only made by a small number of rollers.

Summary

Cigars come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Appreciating the craftsmanship, the affect that size and shape has on the flavour profile, and understanding how cigars are sized will help you when it comes to picking out the right stick.

Please bookmark this article and our Definitive Guide To Cigar Terms, Definitions, And Lingo for quick references at your fingertips.

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