For many enthusiasts, stopping to enjoy a fine cigar is like hitting the pause button on the daily roller coaster of life. It’s a chance to take refuge in a chair that is not facing a laptop (or a television for that matter) and maybe share some lighthearted conversation with others.

Or maybe to just sit in quiet contemplation alone.

As cigars present an opportunity to ‘punch out’ for a little while, they also require the availability of some spare time (unless like a cigar roller you are able to smoke and work at the same time).

To determine how much time is typically required to enjoy your next cigar, we’ve compiled a list of the approximate smoking times required for most of the popular cigar sizes today.

Of course it must be kept in mind that some people puff more frequently and may smoke faster than others.

But first, a little bit about cigar shape, length and diameter – all factors to be considered when addressing the time needed to smoke a cigar.

Cigar Shape

Cigars come in a wide variety of shapes.

In cigar speak, shape is often referred to as a cigar’s “vitola”. Some shapes are mostly uniform from top to bottom (like a parejo), while others may taper at the foot/and or cap (like a perfecto or pirámides). When calculating the smoking time for a particular size of cigar, shape is definitely a factor to be considered.

The 4 x 49 Fuente Hemingway Short Story exhibits a very unique shape

Length And Diameter

Cigar length and diameter are typically the two most important factors to consider when it comes to a projecting the smoking duration for a given cigar. The concept of length is pretty straight forward and is typically measured in inches from foot (the end you light up) to cap (the end you cut).

The length of most cigars typically fall somewhere in between 4″ to 8″ inches in length.

When discussing cigar diameter however, it is is typically measured and described in terms of ring gauge. A ring gauge is 1/64th of an inch, with typical ring gauges ranging between 28-60ths in diameter.

For example, a 50-ring gauge cigar equals 50/64 of an inch.

With that understood, let’s take a look at some popular cigar sizes and the approximate smoking time required for each.

The ideal companion for the smoker on the move. Just the right size for that short, yet refined moment of quiet pleasure.

  • Size: PETIT CORONA 4.25 x 40
  • Approximate Time: 25 Minutes
  • Cigar: Fonseca by My Father

A relatively small cigar, known as a Mareva in a Cuban cigar factory.

Among the most popular and recognizable cigar sizes sold today.

The Toro is close to a Robusto in size, but is technically a touch longer and thicker.

The traditional, most recognizable size of cigar. Often used by blenders and tobacco growers to taste their crop.

  • Size: GORDO 6 x 60
  • Approximate Time: 45 Minutes – 1.25 Hours
  • Cigar: Oliva Serie V by Oliva

Gordos exhibit larger dimensions of roughly 6 to 7 inches in length with a 60 ring gauge.

  • Size: PANETELA 6.75 x 36
  • Approximate Time: 40-50 Minutes
  • Cigar: Padrón Maduro by Padrón

Usually long and thin. They vary quite a lot in length, from five to seven inches, but generally have a small ring gauge of 34-38.

  • Size: LANCERO 7.5 x 38
  • Approximate Time: 45-50 Minutes
  • Cigar: Cohiba Lancero by Habanos S.A.

Lancero cigars offer an extraordinary flavor concentration. Many are rolled with a pigtail cap, which is an extra strip of tobacco curled on the head of the cigar.

  • Size: CHURCHILL 7 x 47
  • Approximate Time: 50 Minutes to 1.5 Hours
  • Cigar: No. 2 by León Jimenes

An elegant yet powerful cigar size, previously known as Julieta II – before Sir Winston got a hold of them.

Armed with a clearer understanding of the approximate time required to smoke a specific cigar, carve out some free time to relax and enjoy the refined pleasure that only a cigar can bring.