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Understanding Common Cigar Shapes and Sizes

Any enthusiast'shumidor is likely to be stocked with a number of cigars of different shapes and sizes. Usually, cigar enthusiasts tend to favor one vitola (a Spanish term that’s become a catchall phrase for different cigar shapes and sizes)—but you’ll find plenty of others as well. And whether you’re new to cigars or an old pro, we’ve all wondered at one point, “why are there so many cigar shapes and sizes?”

Physical dimensions–length, width, and shape–are how cigars are grouped. Length is measured in inches, width is measured in ring gauge. Cigar shapes fall into two main categories: Parejos and Figurados. But before we discuss these two types of cigars, we should talk about ring gauge first.

How Cigar Ring Gauge is Measured

Ring gauge measures a cigar's thickness in increments of 1/64th of an inch. Meaning, a cigar with a ring gauge of 64 is one inch in diameter, while a 32-ring gauge measures in at 1/2 inch. Cigar sizes don't stop at 64, though: you can easily find cigars with ring gauges as large as 70, 80, or even 90.

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It's reasonable to wonder whethercigar thickness enhances a blend's strength. The short answer is no—it’s actually the opposite. Because body is often perceived as strength, the same cigar is hardly ever stronger in a larger ring gauge. Instead, larger ring cigars deliver more flavors (complexity) because they contain more premium long-filler leaf. They also smoke more smoothly. So, if you love the flavors in a cigar like the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Robusto, try the blend in a Toro Gordo or Super Gordo for more of that rich Maduro goodness.

If you enjoy cigars for their exceptionally flavorful wrappers, such as the Oliva Serie V, try it in a smaller ring gauge like a Lancero. Thinner cigars have a greater ratio of wrapper to binder and long filler, which really brings out the essence of that valued leaf.

Parejos vs. Figurados

When it comes to cigar shapes, most fall into one of two categories: Parejos or Figurados. If you imagine a cigar, you're likely picturing a Parejo. The Parejo—Spanish for "even"—is a cigar with straight, parallel sides. Parejos can be round like a tube or box-pressed with straight sides that are flat as opposed to rounded.

Figurados are the type of cigars you see that usually taper at one end, such as Torpedoes. You might notice that some figurados’ ring gauge is expressed as two numbers with a slash separating them (e.g., 40/54). These two numbers indicate the cigar starts at a 40-ring and progresses to a 54. And then there are Perfectos, which are Figurados that taper at both ends.

There are a few cigar types that fall outside the standard Parejo or Figurado categories. The most common of these unusual shapes is the Culebra: three thin cigars that are intertwined, almost braided–then tied at the ends by ribbon or string. They are meant to be untied and shared, but are more often kept as a rarity or conversation piece . Through the years, makers have released limited cigars in other novelty shapes like eggs, tobacco pipes, footballs, saxophones, and more.

Cigar Size Chart

For an overview of the various cigar lengths and their smoke times, check out this cigar size chart. This resource will help you understand the dimensions and characteristics of different types of cigars, making it easier to select the perfect one for your smoking experience.

The Most Common Parejo Cigar Shapes and Sizes

Here are the most common Parejo cigar shapes and sizes with their measurements in parentheses. To be accurate, I've listed the approximate ranges for each size, as cigar factories differ in their exact dimensions.

Box-Pressed Cigars

Many enthusiasts love box-pressed cigars because they’re easier to stack in a humidor. They’re among the best sellers in the industry, and you’ll commonly find them in sizes like Robustos and Toros. Many brands make box-pressed cigars, but you can’t go wrong with this under-the-radar My Father Le Bijou 1922–a true Nicaraguan masterpiece.

Handmade Cigarillos

Usually considered comparable to a cigarette, premium handmade cigarillos couldn't be more different than their machine-made counterparts. Small premium cigars like the Cohiba Nicaragua are perfect for those moments–like a commute or cold weather–when your time to enjoy a cigar is limited.

Lanceros

The Lancero is a cigar size that originated in Cuba during the 1960s and was initially made exclusively for Fidel Castro. Now, with a rabid and growing fanbase, long and thin Lanceros (7.5 - 7.6 inches, 38 - 40 ring gauge), like this Villiger Miami, are having their moment. Villiger Miami Lancero cigars, a limited edition project blended with tobaccos harvested in 2015 and 2016, are an excellent choice for a well-balanced, mellow-to-medium smoke.

Coronas

Common wisdom once held that the Corona was the best cigar size to taste the blender’s intent. While this no longer holds 100% true, Coronas remain popular. Their shorter stature and thinner ring gauge (5.5-6 inches, 42-44 ring gauge) make them an excellent choice for the time-pressed smoker. Check out Arturo Fuente Corona cigars for a rich, well-balanced, and satisfying feast for your senses.

Robustos

Robustos are hands down the most popular cigar size on the market today. Robustos are more of a middle-of-the-road size that most people gravitate towards without being an aficionado. Not too long, not too short. For many non-enthusiasts, the Robusto (4.5-5 inches, 50-54 ring gauge) is the perfect middle-of-the-road length–not too long, not too short. The Liga Undercrown Maduro by Drew Estate for a lush, smooth, sweet, and complex smoke.

Toros

The Toro (6 inches, 50 - 54 ring gauge) has replaced the Corona in master blenders' taste tests, as these longer and fatter cigars have a good proportion of wrapper to long filler to the length of the cigar. TheRomeo y Julieta House of Capulet exemplifies this with its flawless proportion of mild lavor and complexity.

Churchills

Named for Sir Winston, the Churchill (6 1/2 to 7 inches, 47 to 50 ring guage) size is renowned for delivering a longer and cooler smoking experience. The Churchill's length allows the smoke to cool on its way to your palate. TheBaccarat Churchill is a must-try cigar that shall be smoked on the beaches, smoked in the fields and the streets, smoked in the hills, and shall never surrender.

The Most Common Figurado Cigar Shapes and Sizes

Figurado cigars are known for their unique and often intricate shapes, which can enhance the smoking experience by altering airflow through the cigar to accentuate flavors in the tobacco’s profiles. Below are the most common Figurado cigar shapes and sizes.

Torpedos

Torpedo cigars (6-7 inches, 52-56 ring gauge) have parallel sides like a parejo but are categorized as figurados because they taper to a point at one end. Enthusiasts love them because even with a larger ring gauge, they're still easy to clench between your lips. The depth of the cut on the head of a Torpedo can significantly influence the intensity of the smoke. A shallow cut provides a concentrated draw, while a deeper cut offers a more open and airy draw.

An excellent Torpedo is the 10th Anniversary Champagne Cigar by Perdomo, a decadent and highly acclaimed humidor staple. This shape allows smokers to enjoy the nuanced flavors as they develop through the smoke.

Perfectos

The Perfecto shape (4.5-6 inches with varying ring gauges, often starting small and widening to 48-54 in the middle) reminds me of classic cigars favored by old-timey gangsters or Wall Street types. Tapered at both ends, this shape is less common today but highly prized for its complexity: as the cigar progresses, the Perfecto’s changing widths provide a progressively evolving flavor profile and smoking experience.

The Perfecto shape allows for a unique burn pattern, starting with a narrow draw that widens, adding depth and dimension to the flavors. Many enthusiasts consider theLunatic Hysteria by the masters at Aganorsa Leaf to be among the finest examples of Perfectos. These cigars are celebrated for their craftsmanship and the rich, dense flavors they deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cigar Sizes and Shapes

Want to learn more about cigar sizes and shapes? Check out the answers to some of our frequently asked questions below.

How Do I Choose the Right Cigar Size for My Preferences?

Choosing the right cigar size depends on your smoking preferences and the time you have available. A longer cigar will provide a more extended smoking session, while a thicker cigar (larger ring gauge) tends to have a cooler draw and richer flavors due to more filler tobacco. Experimenting with different sizes and shapes will help you discover which suits your taste and lifestyle best.

What Is the Best Cigar Shape for a Beginner?

The best cigar shape for a beginner is typically a robusto or corona. These shapes offer a manageable size and consistent draw, making them easier to smoke and enjoy without being overwhelming.

Why Are There So Many Different Cigar Shapes and Sizes?

The variety in cigar shapes and sizes allows for different smoking experiences. Each shape can influence the cigar's draw, burn rate, and flavor profile. This diversity enables cigar enthusiasts to find their preferred balance of these elements and enjoy a range of experiences from different cigars.

Shape Up Your Cigar Game: Try These Vitolas Today at Famous Smoke

By now, you've likely discovered that certain blends taste better to you in different shapes. We encourage you to keep experimenting with the various cigar shapes and sizes discussed in this article. Whether it's the robust complexity of a Torpedo, the classic elegance of a Perfecto, or the convenient size of a Robusto, there is always something new to explore.

Don't hesitate to try some of these cigar sizes and shapes for yourself. Who knows? You might find a few new vitolas to add to your collection.