Cigar Sizes & Common Vitolas
Posted on June 17 2025
Quick Summary: Cigar Sizes & Common Vitolas
- Size Format: length in inches × ring gauge (diameter in 64ths of an inch).
- Benchmarks: Petite Corona 4½×42 · Robusto 5×50 · Toro 6×52 · Churchill 7×47.
- Flavor Logic: Thick rings = cooler, filler-forward; thin rings = hotter, wrapper-forward.
- Shapes: Parejo = straight; Figurado = tapered or bulged for changing draw.
- Smoke Times: 25 min Petites → 90 min Salomons—helpful when planning a session.
What Does “5 × 50” Actually Mean?
The first number is length in inches; the second is ring gauge—the cigar’s diameter measured in 64ths of an inch. A 5 × 50 Robusto is five inches long and 50 ÷ 64 ″ thick (≈ 0.78″).
Quick Ring-Gauge Cheat Sheet
- 40 ring • 0.63″ • Classic Corona feel
- 50 ring • 0.78″ • Modern Robusto standard
- 60 ring • 0.94″ • Gordo “big-ring” experience
What Are the Most Popular Cigar Sizes and Smoke Times?
| Vitola | Dimensions | Shape | Avg. Smoke Time* | Tasting Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petite Corona | 4½ × 42 | Parejo | 25 min | Fast, wrapper-driven |
| Robusto | 5 × 50 | Parejo | 45 min | Balanced classic |
| Toro | 6 × 52 | Parejo | 60 min | Cooler, sweeter draw |
| Churchill | 7 × 47 | Parejo | 75 min | Long, gradual build |
| Gordo | 6 × 60 | Parejo | 80 min | Dense smoke output |
| Torpedo | 6 × 52 | Figurado | 60 min | Tapered—focused draw |
| Salomon | 7 × 57 | Figurado | 90 min | Evolving flavor arc |
*Times assume moderate pace; your mileage may vary.
How Do Parejo and Figurado Shapes Affect Flavor?
Parejo cigars are straight-sided—easy to cut and light, delivering a consistent draw. Figurados taper at one or both ends (Belicoso, Torpedo, Salomon). The taper restricts airflow at the start, intensifying wrapper flavor and creating a built-in “flavor progression.”
Which Size Is Right for Your Situation?
- Quick coffee break: Petite Corona or Robusto.
- After-dinner relaxation: Toro or Churchill.
- Show-off celebratory smoke: Figurado shapes like Torpedo or Salomon.
Explore more tobacco topics in our Tobacco Encyclopedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ring gauge change perceived strength?
Yes. Thicker gauges burn cooler, emphasizing filler; thin gauges burn hotter, pushing wrapper oils—often perceived as stronger.
Why do some factories list metric sizes?
Cuban and European makers use millimeters. A 124 mm × 50 cigar equals roughly a 4⅞″ × 50 Robusto.
How exact are vitola names?
They’re guidelines. A “Toro” might be 6 × 50 in one brand and 6 × 54 in another.
Are bigger cigars automatically better?
No—bigger = longer, cooler burn but can mute wrapper nuance. Choose size based on flavor goals and available time.
What’s the best cutter for Figurados?
A sharp straight guillotine or cigar scissors—punch cutters struggle with tapered tips.