Cigar sizes and shapes
Updated November 2026
How cigar size is measured
Cigars are measured by length (in inches in the US) and ring gauge, the diameter in 64ths of an inch. A 6 × 50 cigar is six inches long and 50/64 of an inch across, about 19.8 mm.
Size names (vitolas) aren't standardised: one maker's toro can be another's robusto extra. Use the numbers, not just the name.
Watch
Cigar size chart
| Size | Typical length (in) | Typical ring gauge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit corona | 4½ | 40–42 | A short, classic smoke, around 30–40 minutes. |
| Corona | 5½ | 42–44 | The traditional benchmark size. |
| Corona gorda | 5⅝ | 46 | A slightly thicker corona. |
| Robusto | 5 | 50 | Short and thick; one of the most popular sizes in the US. |
| Toro | 6 | 50–54 | A longer robusto; another best-seller. |
| Lonsdale | 6½ | 42–44 | Long and slender. |
| Churchill | 7 | 47–50 | Long and generous, named after Sir Winston Churchill. |
| Double corona | 7½ | 49–52 | Very long; a big commitment. |
| Lancero | 7–7½ | 38–40 | Long and thin; loved by many enthusiasts for wrapper flavour. |
| Panatela | 6 | 34–38 | Slim and elegant. |
| Gordo | 6 | 60 | Very thick; smokes cool and long. |
| Torpedo / belicoso | 5–6½ | 50–54 | Tapered, pointed head (a figurado). |
| Perfecto | 4½–6 | varies | Tapered at both ends (a figurado). |
Parejo vs figurado
Parejos are straight-sided cigars with a rounded head, which is most cigars. Figurados are shaped: torpedos and belicosos taper to a point, perfectos taper at both ends.
Does size change the taste?
Yes. A thinner cigar has proportionally more wrapper, so the wrapper's flavour stands out. A thicker cigar holds more filler, burns cooler and slower, and often feels smoother. Longer cigars simply last longer: see our smoke time calculator.
Common questions
What is the most popular cigar size?
In the US, the robusto (about 5 × 50) and toro (about 6 × 50–54) are among the most popular sizes.
What does 6 x 50 mean on a cigar?
Six inches long with a 50 ring gauge, meaning 50/64 of an inch (about 19.8 mm) in diameter.
What size is a Churchill cigar?
Usually about 7 inches long with a ring gauge of 47 to 50.
