How to Calculate Cigar Band Sizes
Whether you are designing custom cigar bands for a wedding, a corporate event, or a personal humidor, getting the size right is crucial. Cigars are measured using a unique system known as "Ring Gauge," which can be confusing if you are used to standard metric or imperial measurements.
This calculator converts the industry-standard Ring Gauge into usable dimensions (diameter and circumference) and calculates the total length of paper needed, accounting for the overlap required to glue the band together.
Understanding Ring Gauge
In the cigar world, the diameter is measured in 64ths of an inch. Therefore, a ring gauge of 64 equals exactly one inch in diameter.
The math behind the calculator:
- Diameter (Inches): Ring Gauge ÷ 64
- Circumference: Diameter × π (3.14159)
- Total Band Length: Circumference + Overlap (for adhesive)
Common Cigar Sizes and Ring Gauges
If you don't have a caliper handy, you can estimate the ring gauge based on the type of cigar (vitola) you are banding. Here are common standards:
| Vitola Name | Typical Ring Gauge | Length (Inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Panatela | 34 – 38 | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Petit Corona | 40 – 42 | 4.5 |
| Corona | 42 – 44 | 5.5 – 6.0 |
| Robusto | 48 – 52 | 4.5 – 5.5 |
| Toro / Corona Gorda | 46 – 54 | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Churchill | 47 – 50 | 7.0 |
| Gordo / 60-Ring | 60 | 6.0 |
Why Overlap Matters
When designing a custom band, you cannot simply cut the paper to the exact circumference of the cigar. You need extra length to apply the adhesive (glue) without covering your design. A standard overlap is between 0.5 inches and 1.0 inch depending on the paper weight and adhesive strength.