Cigar Band Size Guide: Will It Fit? The Ultimate Guide to Ring Gauges
Planning a wedding, corporate event, or a bachelor party? Custom cigar bands are one of the classiest favors you can give. But if you are new to the world of cigars, the sizing terminology can be intimidating.
You’ll hear terms like "Robusto," "Churchill," and "Ring Gauge," and immediately worry: "What if I order these custom labels and they don't fit around the cigar?"
Don't panic. It is actually just simple math. In this guide, we will break down exactly how to measure a cigar and show you why standard sizing fits almost 90% of the cigars on the market.
Don't want to do the math?
Our Standard Cigar Bands are designed to fit 90% of popular cigar sizes (Robusto, Toro, & Churchill) perfectly.
Shop Custom Cigar Bands →What Exactly is a "Ring Gauge"?
In the cigar world, the diameter (thickness) of the cigar is measured in "Ring Gauge." It sounds technical, but it represents a simple fraction: 1/64th of an inch.
- A cigar with a 64 ring gauge is exactly 1 inch in diameter (thick).
- A cigar with a 32 ring gauge is exactly 0.5 inches in diameter (thin).
[Image of cigar ring gauge chart]
Most celebratory cigars fall somewhere in the middle, usually between 42 and 54. This is the "sweet spot" for wedding favors and gifts.
The Cheat Sheet: Common Cigar Sizes
If you are buying cigars from a shop, the box will usually tell you the size name (like "Robusto"). Here is a quick reference guide to help you know how much label width you need to wrap around them.
| Cigar Shape | Typical Length | Ring Gauge | Label Width Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corona | 5.5 - 6" | 42 - 44 | ~2.75 inches |
| Robusto (Most Popular) | 4.5 - 5.5" | 48 - 52 | ~3.00 inches |
| Toro | 6" | 50 - 54 | ~3.25 inches |
| Churchill | 7" | 48 - 50 | ~3.00 inches |
| Gordo (Extra Thick) | 6" | 60 | ~3.50 inches |
The "One Size Fits Most" Solution
Here is the secret that makes this easy: You don't need a perfectly sized label for every single cigar.
At iCustomLabel, our standard cigar bands are designed with an overlap zone. They are approximately 3.25 inches wide.
- If your cigar is thin (Corona): The label will simply overlap itself a bit more in the back. The design on the front looks perfect.
- If your cigar is thick (Robusto/Toro): The label overlaps slightly less. The design on the front still looks perfect.
Unless you are buying extremely thin cigarettes (Panatelas) or massive novelty cigars, our standard bands will work beautifully.
How to Measure Your Cigar (If you already bought them)
If you have the cigars in hand and don't know the Ring Gauge, you can measure them easily at home.
Method A: The String Trick
- Take a piece of string or a strip of paper.
- Wrap it around the thickest part of the cigar.
- Mark the spot where the string overlaps.
- Lay the string flat against a ruler. That measurement is the circumference (width) you need for your label.
Method B: The Coin Trick
Don't have a ruler handy? Grab some pocket change.
- A Quarter has a diameter similar to a 60 Ring Gauge (Gordo).
- A Nickel is roughly a 52 Ring Gauge (Robusto/Toro).
- A Dime is roughly a 46 Ring Gauge (Corona).
If you hold the coin against the foot (end) of the cigar, you can get a quick estimate of its size.
Design Tips for Custom Bands
Because of the overlap mentioned above, you want to make sure your important details—like names, dates, or logos—are centered.
When customizing your design, try to keep the main text within the center 1 inch of the label. This ensures that no matter how much you have to wrap the label around a thinner cigar, your text won't get hidden in the back.
Planning a Bachelor Party? Check out our funny and classy designs here.
Ready to Print?
Don't overthink the math. If you are buying standard cigars for a wedding or event, our labels are designed to fit. Focus on creating a beautiful design, and let us handle the sizing.
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