A box of cigarettes comes in multiple shapes, sizes, designs and materials to meet different branding requirements or consumer preferences. There is no such universal size of it; however, most of the brands stick to the already set standards to ensure uniformity. Despite the standard size of a pack of cigarettes that is 3.35 x 2.20 x 0.87 inches, you can have the option to customize the size and design of it like the way you want.
Size of Packaging Rules in Plain Packaging Countries 2025
| Country | Tobacco Control Legislation | Regulated Minimum Pack Size | Regulated Maximum Pack Size | Available Pack Sizes | Details of plain packaging legislation (implementation date at retailer level) |
| Implementation & Adoption of Plain Packaging 2025 | |||||
| Australia | Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 | 20 | NA | 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 30, 35, 40, 50 | Tobacco Plain Packaging Act 2011 (December 2012). |
| New Zealand | Smoke‐free Environments Regulations 2017 | 20 | 25 | 20, 25 | Smoke‐free Environments (Tobacco Standardized Packaging) Amendment Act 2016 (June 2018). |
| UK | EU Tobacco Products Directive | 20 | NA | 20, 23, 24 | Standardized Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015 (May 2017). |
| France | EU Tobacco Products Directive | 20 | NA | 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 | Code of Public Health Order no. 2016–623 (January 2017). |
| Ireland | EU Tobacco Products Directive | 20 | NA | 20, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 | The Public Health (Standardized Packaging of Tobacco) Act 2015 (September 2018). |
| Hungary | EU Tobacco Products Directive | 20 | NA | 20 | Decree no. 239/2016 (May 2019, new brands August 2016). |
| Norway | Act No. 5 (February 2017) Prevention of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco (Tobacco Control Act) | 20 | NA | 20 | Act No. 5 Prevention of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco (Tobacco Control Act) (July 2018). |
| Adoption of Plain Packaging Rules, but No Implementation Yet. | |||||
| USA | Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA) | 20 | NA | 20 | Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (FSPTCA). |
| Canada | Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (S.C. 1997, c. 13) | 20 | NA | 20, 25 | An act was adopted providing ministerial powers to implement plain packaging regulations. |
| Georgia | Tobacco Control 2010 | 20 | 20 | 20 | The president signed an amending law on tobacco control in 2017, including plain packaging provisions. |
| Romania | EU Tobacco Products Directive | 20 | NA | 20 | Parliament passed a law that included provisions to introduce plain‐packaging regulations. |
| Slovenia | EU Tobacco Products Directive | 20 | NA | 20, 21, 22, 23, 37 | Parliament passed a bill that includes provisions to introduce no‐brand packaging by January 2020. |
| Thailand | Tobacco Products Control Act (2017) | 20 | NA | 20 | The Tobacco Products Control Act includes a provision (Article 38) to introduce plain packaging. |
Standard Cigarette Box Dimensions
| Cigarette Box Size | Dimensions ( Length x Width x Depth Inches) |
| Standard 20 Sized | 3.5 x 2.25 x 0.88 |
| Standard 10 Sized | 3.5 x 1.675 x 0.7 |
| Standard 5 Sized | 3.5 x 1.625 x 0.45 |
The standard cigarette box that we commonly see in the market is designed for maximum convenience, portability and compactness.
Its dimensions are approximately:
- Height: 8.2 cm (3.35 inches)
- Width: 5.5 cm (2.20 inches)
- Depth: 2.2 cm (0.87 inches)
People often have concerns about how many cigarettes in a pack. However, with these measurements of pack in mind, you can accommodate almost 20 cigarettes inside the box. This widely recognized industry standard is easy to carry in a pocket or purse while ensuring the safety of cigarettes.
The custom variations in the dimensions may occur because of regional packaging regulations or branding choices. Sometimes the consumer preferences are also another factor due to which this standard has been changed. However, the baseline of these measurements remains constant for most of the manufacturers.
Cigarette Pack Sizes and Variations
The cigarette packets we see in the market cater to various customer needs. Despite the standard size that carries 20 cigarettes per pack, we also see other sizes according to the cigarettes inside. From small to large and slim to big, these packs come with multiple variations.
- 10 Cigarette Packs
These mini packs of cigarettes are designed for occasional or seasonal smokers who prefer to smoke in a small quantity. Its temporary use and compact design are travel-friendly with the dimensions of 3.5 x 1.675 x 0.7 inches. Here the length of the box will remain the same due to the size of a cigarette, while its width and depth will change.
- 25 Cigarette Packs
Slightly larger than standard packs with the dimensions of 3.39×2.4×0.8 inches, these are ideal and a preferred choice for the consumers who smoke oftentimes.
These boxes are also quite economical in terms of cost and are the perfect option for chain smokers. Not too small and not too big, but the best choice to make.
- 50-Cigarette Packs
Less common or rare pack size for 50 cigarettes, with the dimensions of 3.39×4.7×1.0 inches, these packs are for promotional or bulk purchases.
Mostly custom designed, these packs hold more cigarettes than the regular ones while maintaining structural integrity. Because of its size, it is not pocket-friendly in terms of both storing and purchasing.
Cigarette Lengths and Sizes
After discussing the accurate dimensions of a pack of cigarettes, it is also important to have knowledge about the lengths of the cigarettes.
A cigarette itself is manufactured in various lengths, widths, and diameters. Every brand has its own sizing chart, which has been set by the manufacturers.
However, likewise the pack, cigarettes also have standard measurements that may vary accordingly. Here are a few examples of the cigarettes commonly found.
- King Size (84 mm)
This is the standard length for most cigarettes and fits perfectly into the standard pack size mentioned earlier.
- 100s (100 mm)
These are longer than king-size cigarettes and are popular among those who prefer an extended smoking experience. The boxes for 100s are slightly taller, measuring approximately 3.38 inches in height.
- 120s (120 mm)
The longest size available, often used in premium or luxury brands. Boxes for these cigarettes are custom-made to accommodate the extra length, offering a sleek and elongated look.
The diameter of cigarettes also plays a role in box design. Most cigarettes have a standard diameter of about 8 mm, although slimmer versions may have a smaller diameter, requiring narrower boxes.
Custom Cigarette Box Sizes
Cigarette boxes with personalized customizations have become popular for brands that evolve according to the trends. These tactics and strategies are adopted to establish unique brand identities in the market.
These custom packs of cigarettes are tailored to different dimensions, shapes, styles and designs. From materials to how it will look and feel, every detail has been catered to consumer choices and the brand’s theme.
Where every decoration is customizable, the quantity of the cigarettes in the pack can also vary from 10, 20, 25, to 50 pieces per pack.
What is a Carton of Cigarettes?
A carton is a larger tobacco packaging unit. In professional terms, it is secondary packaging that carries multiple packs of cigarettes. Cartons are typically designed for bulk purchases or wholesale distribution, which makes it cost-effective for regular smokers and retailers as well.
- Standard Carton Size: Most cartons contain 10 packs of cigarettes.
- Capacity Per Carton: Given that each pack typically holds 20 cigarettes, a carton usually contains 200 cigarettes in total.
Variations in Carton Sizes
The variations of sizes in cartons vary from country to country. For example, in the US, the average carton has 10 packs, which means a total of 200 cigarettes in a carton.
Different carton sizes are also available based on pack variations:
- Mini Cartons: Designed for smaller packs containing 10 cigarettes per box, catering to light smokers.
- Large Cartons: Suitable for packs with 25 or 50 cigarettes, commonly used for promotions.
- Custom Cartons: Customized dimensions for unique branding, including special edition releases.
Materials Used in Cigarette Boxes
Cigarette boxes can be made from various materials, depending on functionality, aesthetics, and branding goals. The most commonly used materials are:
Cigarette boxes can be made from various materials, depending on functionality, aesthetics, and branding goals. The most commonly used materials are:
- Cardboard: Affordable and widely available, cardboard is lightweight and can be customized easily.
- Rigid: This material is strong and durable, perfect for creating custom rigid boxes for several items. These boxes are a go-to choice for luxury packaging, offering great protection and a premium look.
- Metal Cases: Durable and often used for high-end brands, metal cases are stylish and reusable.
- Plastic: Providing excellent protection against moisture, plastic boxes are sleek and modern, offering long-term usability.
Eco-friendly materials are also becoming increasingly popular as brands focus on sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Conclusion
Cigarette box dimensions are diverse, ranging from standard sizes to highly customized designs. While the most common box measures 8.2 cm x 5.5 cm x 2.2 cm for a 20-cigarette pack, variations cater to different consumer preferences. From materials like cardboard and metal to custom cartons and eco-friendly options, cigarette packaging continues to evolve to meet market demands. Whether for personal use or business branding, understanding cigarette box dimensions can help in making informed decisions about packaging solutions.
FAQs
What are the dimensions of a standard cigarette pack?
A standard cigarette pack measures approximately 8.2 cm x 5.5 cm x 2.2 cm, designed to hold 20 cigarettes comfortably.
How many cigarettes are in a carton?
A standard carton usually holds 10 packs, each containing 20 cigarettes, for a total of 200 cigarettes.
Are there different sizes of cigarette boxes?
Yes, cigarette boxes come in sizes for 10, 20, 25, and 50 cigarettes, with custom options available.
What materials are used for cigarette boxes?
Common materials include cardboard, metal, and plastic, with eco-friendly options also available.
How long is a cigarette?
Cigarettes typically measure 84 mm (king size), 100 mm (long size), and 120 mm (extra-long size).
