101: Understanding Ring Gauge, Sizes, and The Perfect Cut

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. A 32 ring gauge is half an inch thick.

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 shifts towards the filler. You get a cooler smoke and a complex mix of the internal blend, with the wrapper playing a supporting role.

2. The DTA Size Chart

Use this reference to find your perfect fit among our Nicaraguan selection:

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 cigar every 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, compare the difference yourself.

• Test the “Wrapper Dominance” with a Churchill 7×48
• Test the “Cool Smoke” with a Gordo 6×60