Cigar size and compatible cigar case: Determining the size of a cigar
Cigar cases are designed to only be able to hold a certain type of cigar depending on the model chosen. It is therefore important to be well informed before buying to be sure that your cigars will fit well in your cigar case.
But knowing the size and diameter of a cigar (also called the band) is not so simple.
Of course you can simply take the measurements yourself. But if you don't have the cigar in your possession, that complicates the matter.
However, each type of cigar has its own name that determines its size and diameter.
This is why in general cigar aficionados have a habit of learning the names and meanings of the different sizes of cigars.
This is all the more useful, as in the world of cigars, we do not reason in cigar centimeters, but via its technical name (not to be confused with the brand) which directly indicates the size of the desired cigar.
Each module name will therefore specify the length and the band of the cigar at the same time. But before learning these names, it is essential to understand this notion of cigar band sizes.
Understanding Cigar Sizing: Length and Band Size (Cigar Diameter)
When purchasing a cigar, you will generally find the name of the size of the cigars indicated on the box, but also its actual size.
Thus, a Corona cigar box should indicate, in addition to this denomination: 5⅝ x 42.
The Corona qualification gives all the information to an experienced buyer regarding the measurable characteristics of a module.
In our example:
- the 5⅝ will tell you the length of the cigar in inches (one inch equals 2.54 cm)
- the 42 the diameter or the band of the cigar.
There are cigars of all sizes, ranging from the smallest formats (eg the Perla measures 4 inches, or 102 mm long) to much longer cigars (eg the Double Corona measures 7.6 inches, or 194 mm long ).
Regarding the reading of the ring, in order to obtain its diameter, this requires a slightly more complex conversion...
The caliber of a Havana's ring is measured in 64ths of an inch!!
In our case, the 42 will inform us that the diameter of the cigar is 42/64th of an inch, or 16.67mm
Note : the band, also called cepo, corresponds to the largest diameter of the cigar.
The diameter of the cigar therefore also has an impact on the cigar cutter to buy.
Which cigar format to choose?
The first selection criterion will undoubtedly be your cigar cases , since you will undoubtedly want to be able to carry your cigars with you on the go.
We offer a wide selection of cigar cases and travel humidors that will fit the majority of cigar sizes available on the market.
The following criteria to take into account in the selection of your cigars will depend on your experience, your tastes but also your budget.
The larger the diameter of a cigar, the greater the flavor palette the cigar will have.
In addition, the length of a cigar is obviously not without impact on the duration of consumption. The longer a cigar is, the longer the tasting can last.
A small cigar will take less than an hour, while larger ones, such as a Churchill, can be consumed for almost two hours
For a very short experience (15 min), Cigarillos will be the best choice.
Then, depending on how much time you want to give to your tasting, you can go for a Toro cigar for a dedicated time of one hour, or for a Churchill or a Double Corona if you have more than an hour and a half.
Depending on your choice, plan a long enough period to be able to enjoy it to the fullest!
The names of cigars and their sizes
There are three distinct ways to name a cigar:
- the vitola de salida : the commercial name of the cigar (ex: Partagas Series DN° 4)
- la vitola de galera : the production name (ex: Partagas)
- the common name : represents the common format of the cigar (ex: Robusto)
Each of these designations has a specific function and purpose:
- The vitola de salida: it is simply the name that will be put forward by the brands. Its only function is to commercially name a cigar but without giving any technical information about the cigar.
- The vitola de galera: is the name used by cigar producers to formally specify the dimensions of a cigar.
- Finally, the common name is a simplified transcription of the vitola de galera . It allows cigars of different brands to be grouped together under the same single format name. This makes it easy to designate the cigar size regardless of the producer.
Below, you will find a table summarizing the common names of cigars and their technical characteristics: length and diameter in millimeters.
Please note that these are average figures, which may vary depending on the vitola de galera (the brand):
Module |
Caliber |
Ø (mm) |
Long. (mm) |
Laguito N°3 |
26 |
10.32 |
115 |
carolina |
26 |
10.32 |
121 |
Panetela Larga |
28 |
11.11 |
175 |
Chicco |
29 |
11.51 |
106 |
Entreacto |
30 |
11.91 |
100 |
Palmita |
32 |
12.70 |
152 |
Delicious |
33 |
13.10 |
159 |
Palma |
33 |
13.10 |
170 |
nina |
33 |
13.10 |
178 |
Panetela |
34 |
13.49 |
117 |
will place |
34 |
13.49 |
125 |
Epicurus |
35 |
13.89 |
110 |
Sport |
35 |
13.89 |
117 |
Conchita |
35 |
13.89 |
127 |
Carlota |
35 |
13.89 |
143 |
Cadet |
36 |
14.29 |
115 |
Seoane |
36 |
14.29 |
125 |
Veguerito |
36 |
14.29 |
127 |
Delicado Extra |
36 |
14.29 |
185 |
|
Trabuco |
38 |
15.08 |
110 |
Laguito No. 2 |
38 |
15.08 |
152 |
Parejo |
38 |
15.08 |
166 |
Delicado |
38 |
15.08 |
192 |
Laguito No. 1 |
38 |
15.08 |
192 |
Belvedere |
39 |
15.48 |
125 |
Pearl |
40 |
15.87 |
102 |
Franciscano |
40 |
15.87 |
116 |
Coronita |
40 |
15.87 |
117 |
Standard |
40 |
15.87 |
123 |
London |
40 |
15.87 |
126 |
Little Cetro |
40 |
15.87 |
129 |
Almuerzo |
40 |
15.87 |
130 |
Cream |
40 |
15.87 |
140 |
Laguito No.1 |
40 |
15.87 |
192 |
Minuto |
42 |
16.67 |
110 |
Mareva |
42 |
16.67 |
129 |
Little Corona |
42 |
16.67 |
127 |
Eminent |
42 |
16.67 |
132 |
National |
42 |
15.87 |
134 |
Cosaco |
42 |
16.67 |
135 |
Corona |
42 |
16.67 |
140 |
Corona Grande |
42 |
16.67 |
155 |
Cervante |
42 |
16.67 |
165 |
preserved |
43 |
17.07 |
145 |
cazadore |
43 |
17.07 |
162 |
Dalia |
43 |
17.07 |
170 |
francisco |
44 |
17.46 |
143 |
Corona Gorda |
46 |
18.26 |
143 |
tacos |
47 |
18.65 |
158 |
Julieta/Churchill |
47 |
18.65 |
178 |
Gran Corona |
47 |
18.65 |
235 |
Hermoso No. 4 |
49 |
19.05 |
127 |
paco |
49 |
19.45 |
180 |
Dual corona |
49 |
19.45 |
194 |
Robusto |
50 |
19.84 |
127 |
Gordito |
50 |
19.84 |
141 |
Campana |
52 |
20.64 |
140 |
Pyramid |
52 |
20.64 |
156 |
