Cigar Ring Gauge Explained: The Short Answer
Short answer: a cigar's ring gauge is its thickness, measured in 64ths of an inch. A 50 ring gauge cigar is 50/64 of an inch, about 19.8 mm, thick. To convert any ring gauge to millimetres, multiply by 25.4 and divide by 64; to get inches, divide by 64.
What Is Ring Gauge?
Every cigar is described by two numbers: length and ring gauge. Length is given in inches or millimetres, and ring gauge is the diameter. Together they define the cigar's vitola, the name of its shape and size, such as Robusto, Corona or Churchill. When a box says “5 x 50”, that means 5 inches long with a 50 ring gauge.
Ring Gauge Converter
Type a ring gauge to see its diameter in millimetres, centimetres and inches.
Ring Gauge to MM and Inches Chart
A ring gauge of 64 is exactly one inch (25.4 mm). Habanos, the Cuban cigar authority, lists Cuban ring gauges from 26 to 57.
| Ring gauge | Inches | Millimetres | Centimetres | Typical Cuban vitola |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 0.47 in | 11.9 mm | 1.19 cm | — |
| 32 | 0.50 in | 12.7 mm | 1.27 cm | — |
| 34 | 0.53 in | 13.5 mm | 1.35 cm | — |
| 36 | 0.56 in | 14.3 mm | 1.43 cm | — |
| 38 | 0.59 in | 15.1 mm | 1.51 cm | Lancero (Laguito No. 1) |
| 40 | 0.63 in | 15.9 mm | 1.59 cm | Perla |
| 42 | 0.66 in | 16.7 mm | 1.67 cm | Petit Corona, Corona |
| 44 | 0.69 in | 17.5 mm | 1.75 cm | — |
| 46 | 0.72 in | 18.3 mm | 1.83 cm | Exquisito |
| 47 | 0.73 in | 18.7 mm | 1.87 cm | Churchill (Julieta No. 2) |
| 48 | 0.75 in | 19.0 mm | 1.90 cm | — |
| 49 | 0.77 in | 19.4 mm | 1.94 cm | Double Corona (Prominente) |
| 50 | 0.78 in | 19.8 mm | 1.98 cm | Robusto |
| 52 | 0.81 in | 20.6 mm | 2.06 cm | Pirámide, Edmundo, Siglo VI (Cañonazo) |
| 54 | 0.84 in | 21.4 mm | 2.14 cm | — |
| 56 | 0.88 in | 22.2 mm | 2.22 cm | — |
| 58 | 0.91 in | 23.0 mm | 2.30 cm | — |
| 60 | 0.94 in | 23.8 mm | 2.38 cm | Gordo (non-Cuban) |
| 64 | 1.00 in | 25.4 mm | 2.54 cm | Exactly 1 inch |
Cigar Size Chart: Cuban Vitolas
These are the official dimensions published by Habanos S.A. for common Cuban vitolas. Non-Cuban cigars use similar names, but sizes vary by brand.
| Vitola | Length | Ring gauge | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perla (Tres Petit Corona) | 4 in (102 mm) | 40 | 15.9 mm |
| Petit Corona (Mareva) | 5 1/8 in (129 mm) | 42 | 16.7 mm |
| Corona | 5 5/8 in (142 mm) | 42 | 16.7 mm |
| Robusto | 4 7/8 in (124 mm) | 50 | 19.8 mm |
| Churchill (Julieta No. 2) | 7 in (178 mm) | 47 | 18.7 mm |
| Double Corona (Prominente) | 7 5/8 in (194 mm) | 49 | 19.4 mm |
| Pirámide (Torpedo) | 6 1/8 in (156 mm) | 52 | 20.6 mm |
| Edmundo | 5 1/3 in (135 mm) | 52 | 20.6 mm |
| Siglo VI (Cañonazo) | 5 7/8 in (150 mm) | 52 | 20.6 mm |
| Lancero (Laguito No. 1) | 7 1/2 in (192 mm) | 38 | 15.1 mm |
Outside Cuba you will also see the Toro (about 6 inches, 50 to 52 ring gauge) and the Gordo (about 6 inches, 60 ring gauge); both vary by brand.
Vitola vs Ring Gauge: What Is the Difference?
Ring gauge is only the thickness. A vitola is a named combination of length and ring gauge. Two cigars can share a ring gauge and still smoke very differently because one is much longer. That is why a Robusto (4 7/8 inches, 50) and a Churchill (7 inches, 47) feel so different even though their diameters are close.
How Long Does Each Size Take to Smoke?
Smoke time depends on your pace, but typical estimates are: Petit Corona 30 to 45 minutes, Corona and Robusto 45 to 60 minutes, Toro and Churchill 60 to 90 minutes, Gordo 90 minutes or more.
How Ring Gauge Changes the Smoke
A thicker cigar usually smokes cooler and slower because there is more tobacco to burn, and it often tastes more blended. A thinner cigar has a higher share of wrapper leaf to filler, so the wrapper's flavor stands out more. Thickness does not decide strength: the blend does.
Which Size Should You Start With?
A Petit Corona or Robusto is an easy first choice: short enough to finish, thick enough to stay cool. Our guide to the best Cuban cigars for beginners lists seven mild-to-medium options.
Curious how two famous brands use these sizes? Read Cohiba vs Montecristo, which covers the Siglo and Edmundo series. When you are ready to buy, browse our Cuban and New World cigars in Hong Kong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ring gauge mean on a cigar?
Ring gauge is the diameter of a cigar measured in 64ths of an inch. A 50 ring gauge cigar is 50/64 of an inch thick, about 19.8 mm.
How many mm is a 60 ring gauge cigar?
A 60 ring gauge cigar is about 23.8 mm (0.94 inches) in diameter.
How do I convert cigar ring gauge to mm or inches?
For millimetres, multiply the ring gauge by 25.4 and divide by 64. For inches, divide the ring gauge by 64. For example, a 52 ring gauge is 20.6 mm or 0.81 inches.
How big is a 52 ring gauge cigar?
A 52 ring gauge cigar is about 20.6 mm (0.81 inches) thick. Cuban vitolas at this ring gauge include the Pirámide and the Edmundo.
How big is a 40 ring gauge cigar?
A 40 ring gauge cigar is about 15.9 mm (0.63 inches) thick. The Cuban Perla is a 40 ring gauge cigar.
What is the most common cigar ring gauge?
There is no single standard. Habanos lists Cuban vitolas from 26 to 57 ring gauge, and most popular formats fall between 42 and 52. The 50 ring gauge Robusto is one of the most popular sizes.
What is a vitola?
A vitola is the name of a cigar shape and size, such as Robusto, Corona or Churchill. It combines a length with a ring gauge.
Does a bigger ring gauge mean a stronger cigar?
Not necessarily. Strength depends mainly on the tobacco blend, not on thickness. A larger ring gauge usually smokes cooler and slower, while a thinner cigar gives more wrapper flavor.
Source: Habanos S.A., “Principal shapes and sizes”, for Cuban vitola dimensions and the 26 to 57 ring gauge range.
