A Beginner’s Guide to Cigar Sizes and Shapes

A Beginner’s Guide to Cigar Sizes and Shapes

The size and shape of a cigar are more than just aesthetic choices — they’re an essential part of the smoking experience.  From the initial light to the final draw, a cigar’s dimensions influence how it burns, how the flavors develop, and how long you can savor it.  A slim, tapered cigar may deliver an intense, focused profile, while a thick, lengthy stogie often provides a cooler, more gradual evolution of taste.  Even the feel of the cigar in your hand, the resistance of the draw, and the way the smoke rolls across your palate are all influenced by the cigar’s construction.  In this guide, we will explore the basics of cigar sizes and shapes to help you understand how the dimensions of each stick impact the smoking experience.

How is a Cigar Measured?

Cigars are measured in two ways:

  • Length – measured in inches

  • Ring Gauge – measures the cigar’s diameter in 64ths of an inch (i.e. a 46-ring cigar is 46/64 of an inch thick)

Shape + Size = Vitola: Why It Matters

The term vitola encapsulates a cigar’s shape and size—telling you length, width, and what the experience might be like.

Different vitolas impact:

  • Burn rate: Thinner cigars typically burn hotter and faster while thicker cigars burn cooler and slower.

  • Flavor development: More filler (wider rings) typically means deeper, cooler flavors, and longer cigars allow time for nuanced evolution.

  • Draw experience: Shapes like Torpedo or Belicoso change the airflow and feel, influencing burn and flavor development of the cigar.

Parejos vs. Figurados: The Two Primary Categories

Cigars are broadly classified into two shape families:

  • Parejos: These are straight-sided, cylindrical cigars with an open foot (end that you light) and a rounded head (end to be cut before smoking).  These cigars typically have a consistent ring gauge throughout.  Classic cigars like Coronas, Robustos, and Churchills all fall under this style.

  • Figurados: These are creatively crafted cigars with tapered, bulged, or artistic forms—designed not only for aesthetics but also for a distinct sensory experience.

There are a variety of cigar shapes and sizes, with most brands offering smokers their own unique creations.  Here is a general description of some of the most common and popular options:

Parejo Vitolas

  • Cigarillo
    ~3.5” to 4”, 20 to 30 ring gauge —a quick, concentrated smoke that delivers a bold flavor.

  • Petit Corona
    ~4.5″ length, 40 to 42 ring gauge — compact and approachable, the Petit Corona offers a classic cigar profile in a shorter session.

  • Gordito
    ~4.5″ length, 60 ring gauge — short and stout, the Gordito delivers the dense flavor of a larger alternative in a quicker timeframe.

  • Robusto
    ~5″ length, 48 to 52 ring gauge — balanced and reliable, this popular cigar type provides a rich flavor in a reasonable time frame.

  • Corona
    ~5.5″ length, 42 to 44 ring gauge — the traditional benchmark, this classic cigar type offers a enjoyable, medium-length smoking experience.

  • Toro
    ~6” length, 50-54 ring gauge — the Toro offers a fuller-bodied and longer-lasting cigar than a Robusto with more room for flavor transitions as the cigar develops.

  • Gordo
    ~6” length, 60 ring gauge — a thick, cool-burning cigar, the Gordo emphasizes smoothness and complexity over a long session.

  • Lonsdale
    ~6.5” length, 42 ring gauge — elegant and refined, this cigar delivers a nuanced flavor in a slender format that encourages a slower pace.

  • Panetela
    ~ 5” to 7.5″ length, 34 to 38 ring gauge — slim and sophisticated, the Panetela burns hotter than thicker cigars, intensifying the wrapper’s flavor.

  • Churchill
    ~7″ length, 47 to 50 ring gauge — a long, leisurely smoke designed for flavor evolution and contemplative enjoyment.

  • Double Corona
    ~7.5”, 49 to 52 ring gauge — an extended smoking experience, the Double Corona offers layered flavor transitions over the course of well over an hour.

  • Gran Corona (A)
    ~9.25”, 47 ring gauge — a rare, luxurious vitola meant for seasoned smokers that offers an epic, slow-burning journey of complexity.

Figurado Vitolas

  • Torpedo
    A Torpedo features a straight body with a distinctly pointed head. The tapered cap allows smokers to cut to their preferred draw size—narrower for a tighter, more concentrated pull or wider for an easier airflow. This control enhances flavor precision, focusing the smoke directly onto the palate.

  • Pyramid
    With a broad foot that gradually narrows to a pointed head, the Pyramid shape offers one of the most dynamic smoking experiences. The wider base allows for ample filler, producing a rich, cool smoke at first. As the cigar tapers, the draw tightens, concentrating the flavors and intensifying the profile toward the finish. This gradual evolution makes Pyramids ideal for smokers who enjoy complexity and a clear progression of taste throughout the cigar.

  • Belicoso
    The Belicoso resembles a shorter Robusto but with a gently tapered head. This design softens the feel on the lips while subtly changing the airflow, resulting in a smoother, refined draw. The taper highlights the wrapper’s influence, bringing forward more aroma and spice while still maintaining balance.

  • Perfecto
    Perfectos are among the most visually striking shapes, with both ends tapered and a bulging midsection. Traditionally, the foot is almost closed, requiring a careful light that quickly gives way to a fuller draw. The changing ring gauge alters the smoke density as you progress—starting tight and mild, swelling into richness at the center, and then tapering off toward the finish. This shifting intensity provides a truly theatrical journey, rewarding patience and attention.

  • Culebra
    One of the rarest shapes, the Culebra consists of three slim Panetelas braided together into a rope-like form. Traditionally, they are separated before smoking, with each cigar providing a slender, fast-burning experience heavy on wrapper flavor. The Culebra has its roots in Cuban factory culture—said to be given to rollers as their daily allotment. Today, it remains a playful, shareable novelty that sparks conversation and camaraderie.

Cigar sizes and shapes aren’t just technical details — they’re the blueprint of your smoking experience.  Whether you’re drawn to the quick intensity of a Cigarillo, the timeless balance of a Robusto, or the dramatic progression of a Pyramid, each vitola offers its own character, rhythm, and flavor journey.  Understanding these differences not only helps you select the right cigar for the occasion but also deepens your appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every hand-rolled stick.  At The Cigar Lounge at Chamberlain's, exploring these varieties is part of the experience.  Come join us, deepen your appreciation for the smoking experience, and find your perfect cigar amidst our premium cigar selection.  Make a reservation, come by for an event, or join our club today.

Sheryl Kirchner