You stand in the humidor, staring at the boxes. You see numbers like 6 x 52, 7 x 70, 5 x 50. You know you want a good smoke, but does the size actually change the taste?
The short answer is Yes.
At DTA Tobacco Depot, we believe that understanding the mechanics of a cigar is the first step to truly enjoying it. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned aficionado, this guide will demystify the mathematics of premium tobacco.
1. How Are Cigars Measured? (The Math Behind the Size)
When you look at a cigar box, you typically see two numbers (e.g., 6 x 52). Cigars are measured using two specific dimensions: Length and Ring Gauge. To understand exactly what you are smoking, here is how the formula breaks down:
- Length (The First Number): This represents the total length of the cigar, measured in standard inches. In our 6 x 52 example, the cigar is exactly 6 inches long.
- Ring Gauge (The Second Number): This represents the thickness (or diameter) of the cigar, measured in 64ths of an inch. A 52 ring gauge means the cigar is 52/64ths of an inch thick.
- The Calculation: A 64 ring gauge would be exactly one inch thick (25.4 mm). A 32 ring gauge is half an inch thick (12.7 mm).
Why It Impacts Flavor (The Ratio Rule)
This is the secret most smokers don’t know: The thinner the cigar, the more wrapper you taste.
- Small Ring Gauge (< 48): The ratio of wrapper leaf to filler tobacco is high. The flavor will be dominated by the wrapper’s characteristics (spiciness, sweetness).
- Large Ring Gauge (60+): The ratio heavily shifts towards the filler. You get a much cooler, voluminous smoke. This is why a 60 ring gauge cigar or a massive 70 ring gauge cigar is highly sought after by smokers who want a long, complex mix of the internal blend, with the wrapper playing a supporting, subtle role. Expect smoking times exceeding 90 minutes.
2. The DTA Size Chart
Understanding standard cigar sizes can be tricky. Remember, the ring gauge is measured in 64ths of an inch (so a 64 gauge equals 1 inch in diameter, or 25.4 mm). Use this quick reference chart to find your perfect fit among our premium Nicaraguan selection:
The Technical Specs: Cigar Ring Gauge Conversion Chart
To assist in selecting your perfect cigar, use this precise conversion reference. A ring gauge is exactly 1/64th of an inch. Therefore, a 52 Ring Gauge equals 0.8125 inches or 20.64 mm.
| Ring Gauge | Diameter (inches) | Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 48 | 0.75″ | 19.05 mm |
| 50 | 0.78″ | 19.84 mm |
| 52 | 0.81″ | 20.64 mm |
| 60 | 0.94″ | 23.81 mm |
| 70 | 1.09″ | 27.78 mm |
| Name / Shape | Dimensions (Inches) | Diameter (mm) | Experience & Smoking Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robusto | 5 x 50 | 19.84 mm | 45-60 min. The industry standard. Balanced flavor. |
| Toro | 6 x 52 | 20.64 mm | [Best Seller] 60-75 min. Cooler smoke than a Robusto. |
| Torpedo | 6 1/8 x 52 | 20.64 mm | 60-75 min. Tapered head concentrates flavor intensity. |
| Churchill | 7 x 48 | 19.05 mm | 75-90 min. Elegant, highlighting the wrapper notes. |
| Gordo | 6 x 60 | 23.81 mm | 90+ min. Thick, cool, and voluminous smoke. |
| Special Gordo | 7 x 70 | 27.78 mm | [The Giant] 120+ min. Massive complexity. |
Quick Answer: Common Ring Gauge Dimensions in mm
If you are looking for a rapid conversion for the most popular cigar sizes, here are the exact measurements you need to know before buying:
- What is a 60 ring gauge cigar in mm? A 60 ring gauge translates to exactly 23.81 mm in diameter (or 0.94 inches). This massive size provides a very cool, long-lasting smoke dominated by the internal filler leaves.
- What is a torpedo cigar? A Torpedo (usually 6 1/8 x 52) is a shaped cigar that starts with a standard body (20.64 mm thick) but tapers sharply at the head to a closed point. This funnel shape concentrates the smoke, delivering a more intense flavor profile on the palate than a standard round cigar.
- How to convert cigar ring gauge to mm? Simply divide the ring gauge by 64 to get the inches, then multiply by 25.4 to get the exact millimeters.
3. The Art of the Cut: A Technical Breakdown
A premium handmade cigar is closed at the head (the cap) to keep the wrapper tension. Cutting it correctly is vital. A bad cut can cause the wrapper to unravel or the draw to be plugged.
A. The Straight Cut (Guillotine)
- Best For: Parejo shapes (Robusto, Toro, Gordo).
- How to do it: Place the cutter flat against the cap. Visualize the “shoulder”—the curved part where the cap meets the straight body. Snip quickly just above that shoulder line (about 2-3mm down).
- Pro Tip: Don’t cut too deep! If you cut below the shoulder, the cigar will fall apart in your mouth.
B. The V-Cut (The “Cat’s Eye”)
- Best For: Torpedo and Large Ring Gauges (60+).
- The Torpedo Secret: We see searches asking
how to cut a torpedo cigarevery day. The V-Cut is the expert’s choice. It creates a deep wedge in the tapered head without slicing off the tip. - The Benefit: This preserves the structural integrity of the point (so it doesn’t get soggy) while opening a massive surface area for airflow. It concentrates the flavor directly onto the palate.
C. The Punch Cut
- Best For: Round-capped Gordos (6×60, 7×70).
- How to do it: Gently twist the circular blade into the center of the cap. It removes a small plug of tobacco.
- The Benefit: It creates a tighter draw, which can help control the massive smoke volume of a 70 ring gauge cigar.
4. Myth Buster: Size vs. Strength
A common misconception is that a bigger cigar (like a 7×70) is “stronger” in nicotine. This is often false.
- Strength comes from the type of tobacco leaves (Ligero vs. Seco), not the amount.
- A thin Corona with powerful Ligero leaves can knock you down, while a giant 7×70 blended with mild Seco leaves can be gentle as a lamb.
The Golden Rule: Choose the size based on how much time you have, not how strong you want it to be.
Ready to Experiment?
Now that you understand the mechanics of ring gauge and length, it is time to experience the difference firsthand. Whether you prefer the wrapper-dominant flavor of a classic Robusto, or the massive, cool smoke of a 60 Ring Gauge Gordo, DTA Tobacco Depot delivers the finest Nicaraguan craftsmanship.
Are you a Smoke Shop Owner? We offer bundled cigars at unbeatable wholesale prices, shipping directly from our humidor in Miami to your store anywhere in the US and Puerto Rico.
Bulk Distribution & Wholesale for Retailers
Do you operate a Smoke Shop or a cigar lounge? Understanding these sizes is essential for inventory management. At DTA Tobacco Depot, we specialize in high-volume, factory-direct wholesale distribution across the US and Puerto Rico. We provide competitive pricing on the industry’s most requested Gordo and Torpedo vitolas. Contact our wholesale team today to secure the best Nicaraguan cigars for your store.
Find Your Perfect Ring Gauge
Now that you have mastered the measurements, it is time to put theory into practice. Skip the guesswork and order directly from our Nicaraguan inventory:
- 👉 Shop the Gordo (6 x 60): Our heavy-hitting, slow-burning classic. Perfect for a 90-minute session.
- 👉 Shop the Special Gordo (7 x 70): The ultimate giant. Over 2 hours of smooth, voluminous smoke.
- 👉 Shop the Torpedo (6 1/8 x 52): Expertly tapered to concentrate the rich Nicaraguan flavor profile directly on your palate.