Two Key Numbers
Beginners looking at a cigar lounge menu may see "Robusto 50×125", "Churchill 47×178", "Lancero 38×192" -- and not understand any of it.
This article teaches you the two key numbers in cigar size: Ring Gauge + Length.
Two Key Numbers
Number 1: Ring Gauge
Ring gauge = the thickness of a cigar, measured in 1/64 of an inch.
For example, a cigar with a ring gauge of 50:
- 50/64 inch thick
- about 19.8 mm in diameter
Conversion reference:
| Ring | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 38 | 15.1 |
| 42 | 16.7 |
| 46 | 18.3 |
| 50 | 19.8 |
| 52 | 20.6 |
| 54 | 21.4 |
| 56 | 22.2 |
| 60 | 23.8 |
A larger ring gauge = a thicker cigar = more filler space = a richer layering of the blend. But it is also harder to light and harder to finish.
Number 2: Length
Length is usually shown in mm or inches.
Conversions:
- 1 inch = 25.4 mm
- 5 inches = 127 mm
- 6 inches = 152 mm
- 7 inches = 178 mm
- 8 inches = 203 mm
Classic Size Reference Table
| Size Name | Ring × Length (mm) | Approx. Smoking Time | Strength Impression |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Corona | 42×129 | 30-40 minutes | Lighter |
| Corona | 42×142 | 40-50 minutes | Medium |
| Lonsdale | 42×165 | 50-60 minutes | Medium |
| Lancero | 38×192 | 50-60 minutes | Slim, lower intensity |
| Robusto | 50×127 | 45-55 minutes | Concentrated, strong |
| Toro | 52×152 | 55-70 minutes | Balanced |
| Churchill | 47×178 | 70-90 minutes | Classic, long |
| Double Corona | 49×194 | 80-100 minutes | Heavy |
| Sublime | 54×164 | 60-75 minutes | Full |
| Gigante / Gordo | 60+×150+ | 90+ minutes | Extra large |
Size Examples of Famous Cigars
- Cohiba Espléndidos = Churchill (47×178), launched in 1989, a classic Cohiba size
- Cohiba Robustos = Robusto (50×124), launched in 1989, the most popular Cohiba
- Cohiba Lanceros = Lancero (38×192), part of the original 1966 lineup, personally favored by Castro
- Cohiba Behike BHK 56 = Sublime (56×165), 2010 flagship, the holy grail of cigars
- Padrón 1964 Anniversary = Maduro Imperial (54×152), among other sizes
Which Size Should Beginners Choose?
Recommended for a first cigar:
- Robusto (50×127) -- 50-55 minutes, concentrated strength, beginners will not get bored
- Corona (42×142) -- moderate, a traditional middle ground, no burden
- Petit Corona (42×129) -- the shortest and most entry-level, suitable for those just starting to try
Avoid (for beginners):
- Churchill / Double Corona -- over 70 minutes, beginners may not finish it
- Gigante / Gordo (60+ ring gauge) -- extra large, hard to finish and hard to light
- Lancero -- slim and elegant, but burns quickly and easily overheats
Is a Larger Ring Gauge Better?
No. This is the biggest misunderstanding among beginners.
In the past 20 years, the U.S. market has seen the rise of the "Big ring gauge" trend (54-60 ring gauge), but Cuban tradition holds that:
- Ring gauges between 38-46 are the most elegant range
- Small ring gauge = higher wrapper proportion = more refined flavor
- Large ring gauge = more filler = concentrated strength, but the layering can easily become muddled
The Cigar Prince's personal preferences: Robusto (50×127) + Corona (42×142) + Lancero (38×192) -- these three sizes cover 95% of appreciation occasions.
Conclusion
Next time you come to W Cigar Bar Gentlemen's Cigar Lounge, you will no longer be confused when reading the menu -- "Cohiba Espléndidos" is the classic 47×178 Churchill size, and "Padrón 1964 Imperial" is a medium-thick 54×152.
Understanding sizes = the first step to understanding cigars.
W Cigar Bar Gentlemen's Cigar Lounge · Da'an District, Taipei · Cuban cigars from four official channels (PCC authorized distributor・Cuba official state-run store・Swiss general agent・Spanish general agent). Reservation: Da'an Main Store.
Warning: Smoking is harmful to health. Smoking cessation hotline: 0800-636363. This site is only for adults aged 20 and above.
