Cigar World’s Guide to Cigar Ring Gauges

When it comes to cigars, size matters. 

The shape, length, and width of a cigar all affect the composition of the blend and, ultimately, how it tastes. Today, we’ll focus on the width of the cigar — known in the industry as its “ring gauge” — and explain everything you need to know about cigar sizes.

What is a Ring Gauge?

A ring gauge is a measurement of the diameter of a cigar based on 64ths of an inch. Why 64ths of an inch? Because that’s the same way jewelers measure a finger for ring fittings. (Thus, the term ring gauge.)

Let’s simplify things with an example. A cigar exactly an inch thick across has a 64 ring gauge (64/64). A 52 ring gauge cigar, then, is almost an inch thick (52/64), and a skinny 32 ring gauge cigar is half an inch thick (32/64). 

Cigar makers list out their cigars by length, then width. So the Macanudo Inspirado White Robusto (5 X 50) is five inches long and has a ring gauge of 50. Meanwhile, the Partagas Black Label Gigante (6 X 60) is six inches long and has a ring gauge of 60. 

Cigar brands often produce multiple versions of the same blend, and these size listings let consumers know the size of the individual cigar in question.

Why does Ring Gauge Matter?

Simply put, the thicker a cigar is, the longer it will take you to smoke it! But that’s not the only way that ring gauge affects the cigar-smoking experience. Remember that cigars include three distinct layers — an outer wrapper leaf, a secondary binder leaf just beneath the wrapper, and filler tobaccos that make up the interior of the cigar.

The bigger a cigar’s ring gauge, the more filler tobacco is in the blend. This means that cigars with bigger ring gauges offer a fuller version of the cigar’s filler tobacco. It also means that you can smoke the same cigar in two different sizes and likely experience two similar but slightly varied flavor profiles.

Quick Guide to Common Cigar Sizes

As mentioned above, cigar brands list their cigars by length and width. This is important because cigar manufacturers tend not to use a uniform size guide. For example, the Punch Golden Era Churchill clocks in at a (near) traditional 7 X 48. On the other hand, the H. Upmann Nicaragua AJ Fernandez Heritage Churchill is a little bit thicker at 7 X 54. If you’re unsure about a cigar’s size based on its name, check the length and width listing. 

Nevertheless, cigar sizes tend to fall into a few popular vitolas. Here they are for your reference, with a “typical” length and ring gauge. 

• Petit Corona 4.5 X 40

• Robusto 5 X 50

• Corona 5.5 X 44

• Toro 6 X 50

• Churchill 7 X 47

Ring Gauge Wrap-Up

Once upon a time, thick cigars were almost unheard of. Cigars rarely crossed the 50-ring gauge threshold, but now 60+ ring gauges are reasonably common. The truth is that while cigar size does affect the smoking experience, there’s no universal rule that translates to big cigars performing better than little cigars — or vice versa. Instead, different blends offer various flavor profiles; sometimes, those flavor profiles are best expressed with a thick (or thin) vitola. 

And, of course, bigger cigars are generally better suited for occasions when you have lots of time to enjoy them, while smaller cigars offer more convenience and take less time to smoke. 

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