Parts of a cigar
Updated November 2026
Inside out
- Filler: the blend of leaves inside, which makes up most of the cigar and most of its strength. Long filler uses whole leaves; short filler uses chopped pieces.
- Binder: a sturdy leaf that holds the filler together and helps it burn evenly.
- Wrapper: the fine outer leaf that gives the cigar its look and much of its aroma.
Watch
Outside
- Head: the end you put in your mouth, closed with a cap.
- Foot: the end you light.
- Band: the printed paper ring with the brand's name.
- Ring gauge: the diameter, measured in 64ths of an inch. A 50 ring gauge is 50/64 inch, about 19.8 mm.
'Puro'
A puro is a cigar whose wrapper, binder and filler all come from the same country, such as a Nicaraguan puro.
Common questions
What does 'puro' mean on a cigar?
That the wrapper, binder and filler all come from the same country.
How is ring gauge measured?
In 64ths of an inch. A 64 ring gauge cigar is one inch across.
