Key takeaways
- Standard US pack: 20 cigarettes.
- Some brands sell packs of 25.
- Carton: 10 packs = 200 cigarettes.
- King size cigarettes are about 85 mm long; 100s about 100 mm.
- Pack sizes and labelling rules vary by country.
How many cigarettes are in a pack?
In the United States, a standard pack contains 20 cigarettes. Federal rules set 20 as the minimum number of cigarettes per pack, which is why packs of 20 dominate the market. You may hear people call them ‘cigs’ or ‘smokes’, but the count is the same.
Pack and carton counts
Common counts at a glance:
| Unit | Cigarettes |
|---|---|
| Standard pack | 20 |
| Large pack (some brands) | 25 |
| Carton | 200 (10 packs of 20) |
| Carton of 25-packs | 250 |
How many cigarettes in a pack of Marlboro?
Marlboro packs sold in the US contain 20 cigarettes, in both soft packs and flip-top boxes, across king size and 100s. The same is true for most major US brands, including Newport and Camel.
Soft packs vs hard packs
A soft pack is a paper wrapper with a foil inner liner, opened by tearing off a section of the top. A hard pack, or flip-top box, is a paperboard carton with a hinged lid and foil liner that protects cigarettes from crushing. Both usually contain 20.
Cigarette lengths
Pack counts stay the same across lengths, but the cigarettes differ. Regular or short cigarettes are about 70 mm long, king size about 85 mm and 100s about 100 mm. Longer cigarettes need taller packs, which is why 100s packs look noticeably taller on the shelf. A carton of 100s still contains 10 packs of 20.
Packs around the world
Other countries set different rules. Many require a minimum of 20 per pack, some allow other counts such as 19, 23 or 25, and some have plain packaging laws that remove logos and colours and require large graphic health warnings.
Why pack sizes are regulated
Minimum pack sizes prevent the sale of very small, cheap packs that could make smoking more accessible, particularly to young people. Labelling rules ensure health warnings are prominent.
Health note
Smoking causes serious illness. If you want to quit, free support is available in the US by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
Frequently asked questions
How many cigs are in a pack?
20 in a standard US pack.
How many packs are in a carton?
10 packs, or 200 cigarettes.
Are there packs of 25?
Yes, some brands sell 25-count packs.
How many cigarettes in a pack of Marlboro?
20.