Canada has particular regulations for packed cigarettes under public health policy. Cigarette pack sizes and Standard Cigarette Pack Size cm require all Canadians to take special considerations. This is the same for all stakeholders including Cigarette manufacturers, retailers and packagers. This document illustrates the sizes of cigarette packs used in Canada, the regulations, and the reasons why.
Why Cigarette Pack Size Matters in Canada
Standard measurement dimensions of the Standard Cigarette Pack Size is next to branding and promotional imagery. Even heightened customer understanding has been attributed to packs of cigarettes. In Canada, all cigarettes have to comply with plain packaging regulations, meaning all packs of cigarettes have to be the same size and shape, as well as in the same layout and color to all other packs.
There are other advantages of Unified dimensions, such as
- – Reduced Exposure to promotional material
- – Increased visibility of health warnings
- – Regulated cigarette advertising, use, and age of consumers.
Standard Cigarette Pack Size In Canada
Canada has Standard Cigarette Pack Size regulations. If packs of 20 cigarettes are the most sold, then the pack containing 25 cigarettes is less sold yet acceptable.
Cigarette Pack Dimensions in cm
The full dimensions of a cigarette pack in cm generally include the following figures:
- Height – 8.2 cm
- Width – 5.6 cm
- Depth – 2.4 cm
The cigarette pack dimensions mentioned above are standard across the entire industry.
Standard Cigarette Pack Size in mm
The standard cigarette pack size in mm includes the following measurements:
- Height – 82 mm
- Width – 56 mm
- Depth – 24 mm
These measurements are acceptable as they guarantee that the boxes will fit the mounting machines properly and that the boxes will be properly labeled with the appropriate health warnings.

Standard Cigarette Pack Size in Inches
To put it in more familiar terms, the standard cigarette pack size in inches includes the following measurements:
- Height – 3.2 inches
- Width – 2.2 inches
- Depth – 0.9 inches
These measurements are accepted across the globe but Canada has domestic law that enforces them for the sake of uniformity.
Cigarette Pack Sizes in Canada
The most common cigarette pack size Canada allows is the 20-stick version. This is what Canada refers to as a 20-pack:
The most common and easily accessible size.
- The 25-pack Size: Available in convenience stores.
- Cartons: Hold multiple packs, generally a total of 200 cigarettes.
The more packs in a cigarette pack, the more the government controls the design and the placement of health warnings.
100s Cigarette Box Dimensions
Lengthier cigarettes cause the dimensions of the 100s cigarette box to be somewhat larger.
- Height: Approximately 9.5 cm
- Width: 5.6 cm
- Depth: 2.4 cm
Concerning the size in America, as well as in other countries, the size of the cigarette packs also adheres to the rules of standardization.
- Standard Pack (20s): 3.2″ × 2.2″ × 0.9″
- 100s Pack: 3.7″ × 2.2″ × 0.9″
Though this difference is small, it does show the difference in packaging that is required for different lengths of cigarettes.
Contemporary Canada also does impose restrictions on the standard size of cigarette packs. This is to ensure that the appeal of the tobacco products will be lower and less enticing to users. We aim to reduce the focus on packaging, rather, having cigarette packs resembling something plain to the average user. The key objectives of these regulations include:
Protecting the Public’s Health – The warning labels are expanded, thus, the majority of the pack is covered.
Branding Standardization – Regardless of the manufacturing company, the packs will remain unbranded in appearance.
Restricting the Youth’s Market – Marketing techniques that are targeted towards the younger generation, slim and small packs, will be avoided.
Internationally, there can be a difference in the size of the pack. For instance, there are countries that offer packs of 10 sticks, while there are also other countries that prefer to sell 30. In Canada, the law states that a cigarette pack can only be filled to a maximum of 20 or 25 sticks.
This alignment ensures Canadian packs are clearly marked with prominent health warnings while preventing deceptive advertisements from being used.
Cigarette Packs Materials
The construction of cigarette packs in Canada includes several particular components:
- Cardboard – providing the necessary structural support.
- Foil Lining – to preserve the freshness of the cigarettes.
- Plastic Wrap – used to seal the boxes.
Packaging suppliers, such as buy custom box, specialize in compliant, high quality packaging that meets Canadian regulation.
Cigarette Packs Printing Rules
Aside from the size, the packaging of cigarettes in Canada must also comply to the following design requirements:
A solid, plain brown background.
No logos, with the exception of the brand name, which must be in non-stylized text.
Brand must be of a specific font and size.
The primary feature must be oversized health messages that dominate the packaging.
Supply packaging companies such as buy custom box, ensure utmost adherence to the set rules.
Cigarette Packs Rules 2025
- As of 2025, Canada continues to expand on the rules regarding the packaging of cigarettes.
- Uniform dimensions will continue to be required.
- Warnings in text must dominate 75% of both the front and back.
- Illustrative images serve to deter users from smoking.
- Brand names are displayed in the standard, non-stylized font.
- The goal is to deter the purchase of new, novice smokers.
Effects on Tobacco Companies
From the perspective of the tobacco companies, the Standard Cigarette Pack Size will serve as a restriction on creative design. However, they are beneficial in providing a level playing field as all brands will look almost the same from the outside.
Differences in designs spur pricing strategies and purchasing decisions, a phenomenon quite common with any other commodities with disposable features.

FAQs
- What is the standard size of a cigarette pack in Canada?
The standard pack has about 20 cigarettes and its size is approximately 8.2cm × 5.6cm × 2.4cm.
- In Canada, is there a legal pack containing 25 cigarettes?
Yes, but it is less common compared to the standard pack containing 20 cigarettes.
- What is the size of a cigarette pack in inches?
A standard pack of cigarettes is 3.2 inches in height, 2.2 inches in width and 0.9 inches in thickness.
- Are there ten-stick cigarette packs in Canada?
No, Canada’s strict packaging laws do not permit ten-pack cigarette packs.
- Why does Canada control the size of cigarette packs?
To control the type of packaging. The type of packaging should reduce the control’s health warnings, control the promotion of cigarette use, and more particularly reduce the use of cigarettes by young persons.
- Is there a different size of 100s cigarette boxes?
Yes, they are taller, approximately 9.5 cm in height, to accommodate the longer cigarettes, and still comply with the control regulations.
Final Analysis
Curbing the use of tobacco is extremely vital. The Standard size of a cigarette pack in Canada contributes to such efforts. The country’s regulations on the size of packs, the amount of printing on a single surface, and the overall type and style of packing helps in making cigarettes less attractive, especially to the youth.
As of 2025, these still uphold Canada’s aims in the public health domain while ensuring compliance from the industry.
Advantage of understanding size of packs in cm, mm and inches increases the ease of use for consumers and packaging providers in the regulated market.