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.