Cigar Ring Size Gauges: Definition, Impact, Chart

A cigar ring size is the measurement of its diameter. It’s one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a cigar. It affects the cigar’s flavor, burn rate, and most importantly, your enjoyment.

In simple terms, thinner cigars usually smoke hotter and faster, while thicker cigars tend to burn cooler and longer. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the cigar ring gauge knowledge that you need to know. We’ll even help you figure out how to choose the right ring gauge for you.

What is a Cigar Ring Size?

Cigar ring size, also called ring gauge, is the diameter of a cigar measured in 64ths of an inch. For example, a 50-ring cigar measures 50/64 of an inch thick. Ring size affects how a cigar burns, how it draws, and how concentrated the flavor feels. Thinner cigars tend to burn hotter and faster, while thicker cigars burn cooler and longer.

Ring gauge is expressed as a single number rather than a fraction. A 64-ring-gauge cigar, for instance, measures one inch in diameter.

Most cigars fall within a 32-64 ring gauge, although some exceptions can be found. Small cigarillos tend to have a ring gauge of between 20-32. On the opposite end of the spectrum, goliath cigars can have ring gauges of up to 80.

The ring gauge of the cigar has a huge impact on the overall smoking experience. Larger ring gauges allow for a wide draw with a slow burn rate. Smaller ring gauges have a tighter draw, creating a hotter smoke. This is because of restricted airflow in the cigar’s body.

Why Ring Gauge Matters in Cigars

A cigar’s ring gauge is arguably its defining feature. This is tied to how cigars are made, including how the wrapper and filler tobaccos are balanced during construction. It determines a number of factors involved in your cigar-smoking experience, including:

• Draw and airflow: Small ring gauges create a tight draw. This allows for a more concentrated smoking experience. Large ring gauges offer the opposite, producing a loose, cool draw.
• Burn rate: The restricted airflow in small cigars causes the tobacco inside to heat up quickly. This increases the cigar’s burn rate. Large ring gauge cigars have a greater surface area, which takes more time to burn.
• Flavor balance: Thin cigars often provide a more intense flavor than large cigars. This is because less of their surface area is exposed to air, creating a hotter burn. Large cigars are preferred by many flavor enthusiasts for their complexity and nuance.
• Smoking duration: With less tobacco to burn through, small ring gauge cigars can be smoked quickly. On the other hand, large ring gauge cigars are designed to be savored.
• Cigar strength perception: The ring gauge of the cigar isn’t necessarily a defining factor in its strength perception. This is usually a result of the tobacco blend that has been used.
• Personal preference and occasion: Different ring gauges suit different types of cigar smokers. Some prefer the comfort of holding a smaller cigar, while others prefer the slow burn of a larger cigar. Ultimately, the cigar you choose will come down to personal preference.

What Different Ring Sizes Feel Like in Real Life

Smoking the same cigar in different ring sizes can feel very different, even when the blend stays the same.

A smaller ring gauge, such as a 42 or 46, usually creates a tighter draw. The smoke feels warmer, and the flavor comes across more direct and concentrated. Each puff tends to feel sharper, with more noticeable intensity on the palate.

A larger ring gauge, such as a 54 or 60, feels looser when you draw. The smoke is cooler and often more comfortable over a longer session. There is usually more smoke volume, though the flavor can feel softer and less focused with each puff.

Cigar Ring Gauge Chart

As the above cigar ring gauge chart shows, the spectrum of cigar gauge sizes is broad. The smallest cigars measure almost a third of an inch in diameter. They feature a very different flavor profile to the larger 62-ring-gauge cigar.

Cigars with larger ring gauges often tend to be longer. A 22-ring-gauge cigarillo will usually measure three to four inches in length. A 50-ring-gauge Churchill usually measures seven inches in length.

Each ring gauge range offers a different balance of burn time, flavor intensity, and draw. Here is a brief rundown of what else you can expect from the different sizes:

• Ring Gauge 20-35: These smaller, compact cigars are ideal for on-the-go smokers. They don’t take up much room and you can finish them off within half an hour. The Cohiba Exquisitos are a firm favorite within this ring gauge category.
• Ring Gauge 36-45: Cigars within the ring gauges of 36-45 bridge the gap between small to medium cigars. They offer the high-concentrated punch of a small cigar, with added flavor complexity. Romeo y Julieta Petit Coronas and Trinidad Coloniales are popular in this range.
• Ring Gauge 46-54: This is the most popular cigar ring gauge bracket. It features classics such as Churchill, Toro, and Robusto. These cigars are known for their balance, mixing flavor with smoke volume. Popular choices include Partagas Serie D No.4 and Montecristo Double Elmundo.
• Ring Gauge 55-60: Once you ascend past 55 ring gauge, you’ll find yourself in Gordo territory. These cigars are becoming more popular as the demand for flavor complexity increases. Connoisseurs love the Hoyo de Monterrey Grand Epicure Edición Limitada 2013.
• Ring Gauge 61 – 140: Cigars of more than a 60-ring gauge have been on the rise as cigar enthusiasts look for more adventurous ways to enjoy a good smoke. It is not uncommon to find cigars well over an inch in diameter, with 64, 70 and even 80 ring gauges. There is even a 140-ring gauge giant!

Smoking Duration of Different Cigar Ring Gauges

How to Choose the Right Ring Gauge for Your Preferences

When it comes to cigar ring gauges, there is no right or wrong. Finding your ideal cigar size depends on your personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Smoking time availability: Large ring gauge cigars are not intended to be smoked within a matter of minutes. So, if you want to kick back and take your time with a cigar, larger ring gauges are for you.
• Draw preference: Small ring gauge cigars produce a tighter, more concentrated draw. Larger cigars produce a less intense but smoother draw. This is also affected by the type of cutter you use.
• Flavor intensity: If you want a real punch of flavor, small ring gauge cigars will be preferential. They burn hotter, which brings out an intense and concentrated taste.
• Smoking experience: Those who are new to cigars are likely to prefer smaller ring gauges. They are easier to smoke due to their size, and lack the complexity of flavor found in large cigars.

Best Cigar Ring Size for Different Smoking Preferences

The right cigar ring size depends on how you like to smoke and how much time you have. Different sizes suit different situations.

• For beginners (42–50): Cigars in this range feel comfortable to hold and offer a balanced draw. They are easier to manage and give a clear sense of the blend without being too intense or too slow.
• For short smoking sessions (38–44): Smaller ring gauges burn faster and produce a warmer, more concentrated smoke. They are a good choice when time is limited and you want a quicker experience.
• For balanced flavor and burn (46–52):This range is often seen as the most versatile. It offers a steady burn, a comfortable draw, and a good balance between flavor intensity and smoke volume.
• For longer, slower sessions (54+):Larger ring gauges contain more tobacco and burn at a slower pace. They produce a cooler smoke and are better suited for extended, relaxed smoking.
• For stronger, wrapper-forward flavor (38–44):Thinner cigars place more focus on the wrapper leaf, which often carries a large part of the flavor. This can make the smoke feel richer and more defined with each puff.

Learn Ring Gauges to Enhance Your Cigar Experience

Finding your ideal cigar ring size will elevate your cigar-smoking experience. Thinner cigars produce a warmer and more concentrated smoke, while thicker cigars provide a cooler and slower experience.

Knowing how ring gauge affects draw, burn time, and flavor balance makes it easier to choose a cigar that fits your preferences and the time you have available.

Browse our selection of authentic Cuban cigars to compare different ring sizes and find the right fit.