The 7 Most Popular Cigar Sizes

Complete guide for demanding amateurs

The world of cigars is rich in traditions, aromas, and vocabulary. If you've heard of formats like Robusto, Churchill, or Torpedo without knowing exactly what they are, this guide is for you.

In this article, we explain the differences between the most popular formats, how to characterize them, and how to choose the one that's right for you. The goal: to help you shine during your next conversation with fellow cigar enthusiasts, while also helping you make informed choices when purchasing.

The three criteria of a cigar format: length, diameter and shape

Before we move on to the most popular formats, let's start by understanding what defines a cigar format, also called a module .

1. Shape: Parejo vs Figurado

• Parejo : classic cylindrical shape, with a rounded cap on one side and a straight foot on the other.
• Figurado : Any cigar whose shape deviates from the perfect cylinder. Examples: torpedo, pyramid, perfecto.

2. Diameter: measured in 64ths of an inch

• The caliber is expressed in "cepo".
• Examples:
  • 40/64" = 1.59 cm
  • 60/64" = 2.38 cm

3. Length: measured in inches or millimeters

• 1 inch = 2.54 cm
• Length influences the duration of tasting:
  • Small module: ≤ 45 min
  • Large module: up to 2 hours

What is the difference between vitola de salida, vitola de galera and common name?

When talking about the format of a cigar , it is common to come across several names. Each plays a specific role in the classification and understanding of the modules:

• Output vitola : This is the trade name assigned by the brand to the cigar. This name is unique to each product (e.g., Montecristo No. 3 ), but does not provide any information on the dimensions (length, diameter) or shape. It is mainly used for sales and marketing.
• Vitola de galera : This is the technical designation used by cigar manufacturers . It refers to the production format , with precise measurements of length and cepo (diameter in 64ths of an inch). For example, the Coronas format is typically 5⅝ inches long and 42 cepo.
• Common name : this is the generic name used in everyday language to designate a type of format (such as Robusto , Corona or Churchill ). It can group together several vitolas of galera with similar dimensions. It is the name most used by amateurs to talk about a module in an accessible way.

👉 For an accurate description of a cigar's size , it is recommended to indicate the exact dimensions, such as:
4⅞" x 50 (124 mm long with a diameter of 19.8 mm), which corresponds to a classic Robusto module.

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The 7 Most Popular Cigar Sizes

Here is a presentation of the most common formats, illustrated by concrete examples.

1. Cigarillo

Very short and fine format, suitable for express tasting (10-15 min).

• Shape : Parejo
• Examples of vitolas :
  • Mini: 3¼" (82 mm), 20 cepo (7.9 mm)
  • Club: 3¾" (96 mm), 22 cepo (8.7 mm)
  • Chicos: 4⅓" (106 mm), 29 cepo (11.5 mm)
• Examples of cigars :
  • Zino Nicaragua Mini
  • Davidoff Mini
  • Montecristo Mini

2. Robusto

The Cuban format par excellence, ideal for 45 minutes of tasting.

• Shape : Parejo
• Vitolas of galera :
  • Centrofinos: 5⅜" (130 mm), 50 cepo (19.8 mm)
  • Robustos: 4⅜" (125 mm), 50 cepo
  • Topes: 4⅜" (125 mm), 56 cm (22.2 mm)
• Famous cigars :
  • Horacio VII
  • Eiroa Jamastran
  • Olive Connecticut Reserve

3. Corona

Classic format, thinner and slightly longer than the Robusto.

• Shape : Parejo
• Vitolas of galera :
  • Cremas: 5½" (140 mm), 40 cepo (15.9 mm)
  • Crowns: 5⅝" (142 mm), 42 cepo (16.7 mm)
  • National: 5½" (140 mm), 41 cepo (16.3 mm)
• Examples :
  • Crown Jungle Flower
  • CAO Pilon Corona
  • Romeo and Juliet No. 2

4. Churchill

A long and imposing format, for a 1.5 hour tasting.

• Shape : Parejo
• Unique vitola :
  • Julieta N°2: 7" (178 mm), 47 cepo (18.7 mm)
• Famous cigars :
  • Churchill's Flower of the Wild
  • Davidoff Churchill
  • Silencio Churchill

5. Torpedo

Conical shape, also called Pyramid . Integral and elegant format.

• Form : Figurado
• Vitolas of galera :
  • Campanas: 5½" (140 mm), 52 cepo (20.6 mm)
  • Pyramids: 6⅜" (156 mm), 52 cepo
  • Triangular: 5⅓" (135 mm), 56 cm (22.2 mm)
• Iconic cigars :
  • H. Upmann No. 2
  • Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva
  • Oliva Serie V Torpedo

6. Toro

The perfect balance between size and aroma. A very popular format.

• Shape : Parejo
• Vitola :
  • Double: 6⅜" (155 mm), 50 cepo (19.8 mm)
• Examples :
  • Zino Nicaragua Toro
  • Alec Bradley Black Market
  • Macanudo Inspirado Red

7. Panetela

Thin and elongated, this format is intended for long tastings.

• Shape : Parejo
• Vitolas of galera :
  • Carlotas: 5⅝" (143 mm), 35 cepo (13.9 mm)
  • Natural: 6⅜" (155 mm), 37 cm (14.7 mm)
  • Parejos: 6½" (166 mm), 38 cm (15.1 mm)
• Examples :
  • Editorial Piano Panetela
  • Panetela Jungle Flower
  • Romeo y Julieta Panatelas Vintage

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Are there other cigar sizes?

Yes! There are dozens of additional galera vitolas, some very rare like the Culebras (3 braided cigars) or the Double Figurado (2 pointed ends).

Additionally, variants appear with prefixes:

• Double Robusto
• Grand Corona
• Small Panetela

The combinations are almost endless.

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Which cigar size should I choose?

The correct format depends on:

• Your available time (eg: Cigarillo for a quick break)
• Your aromatic preferences (long formats = more complex aromas)
• Your budget (the bigger the cigar, the more expensive it is)

For the best experience, try out different sizes and refine your preferences. And to find out how many of your modules can fit in your humidor, use our humidor capacity calculator .

And when you travel, a good cigar case , perfectly adapted to the size of your modules, is essential to preserve the integrity, humidity and aromas of your cigars. An essential accessory for any Havana lover who wants to transport their precious modules with elegance and security.

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Mastering cigar sizes is essential for any Havana lover. Whether you're a Robusto fan, a Panetela enthusiast, or a Churchill enthusiast, each size has its own unique personality. By understanding them, you'll be better able to choose the cigar that best meets your expectations and the desired tasting experience.

And remember: the right humidor makes all the difference in preserving your precious cigars.

Enjoy your meal!