If you’re ever confused about how many cigarettes are in a pack, you’re not alone. This seemingly simple question turns out to have several nuances, depending on the country, brand, and regulations. In this post, we’ll explore standard pack sizes, variations around the world, factors that drive different pack size variations, and answer common questions that smokers and buyers often have.
Standard Pack Size: 20 Is King
In most markets, including North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia, the minimum number of cigarettes per pack is 20. This configuration has become the de facto norm worldwide.
Why 20? It balances manufacturing costs, packaging, portability, and regulation. Before the 1960s, it was common to have smaller cigarette packs, reflective of the limited production capabilities of the time. Many tobacco laws and tariffs historically became structured around 20-stick packs after the boom in the sixties, when cigarette sales in America reached an all-time high.
A standard, “king-sized” cigarette is around 84mm in length and 8mm in diameter. The height of a standard cigarette pack is around 85mm, which is only 1mm longer than the cigarette, creating a compact environment to carry 20 perfectly sized cigarettes. The width of a standard pack is around 55mm and has a depth of 22mm.
That said, while 20 is the most common, it’s not the only pack size in existence.
Other Cigarette Pack Sizes: 10s, 25s, 200s
Some brands or regions experiment with different pack counts, such as:
- 10 cigarettes per pack – sometimes used for trial or promotional packs. More popular in some countries than others.
- 25 cigarettes per pack – found occasionally in certain countries, and is quite popular in Canada.
- 200 stick packs – This is more common for cigarillos when bought in bulk.
**In Canada specifically, it is common to find both 25 and 20 packs. A 25-pack will contain slightly smaller cigarettes, and the box is slightly deeper and longer to accommodate the 5 extra cigarettes.
Pack Size by Region
The government regulates cigarette pack sizes. Different countries have different rules when it comes to how many cigarettes can be in a pack. Here are some examples of how pack sizes differ from country to country.
Canada and the USA: 20s and 25s are both common.
Example: Canadian Lights in 20s, Canadian Ultra Blue Silver in 25s. Popular US brands like Marlboro and Export A have some variations with 25s.
UK & EU: Regulated at 20 cigarettes per pack to discourage excess smoking.
Australia: Ranges from 20, 30, 40, and 50 pack sizes to remain visible on the market after tightening regulations.
India: Primary pack size is 10, but also sold in 12,16, and 20. 75% are sold in single sticks.
Southeast Asia: Varies by country, but a common pack size in certain countries is 20. Some countries offer “Kid packs” of 5.
Japan and China: Standard is 20-packs, with some markets selling 10 packs.
Russia and Georgia: A Strict rule of 20 per cigarette pack.
Middle East: Commonly sold in 20s.
Why Pack Sizes Vary in Different Regions of the World
The variance in pack sizes around the world comes down to a few things: Government regulation, consumer behavior, and market competition. In order to fully understand, we must explore these myriad of factors.
Local regulation: Regulations on tobacco sales are generally associated with profitability and public health risk. Many countries, like Canada and the USA, have very strict tobacco laws on tobacco advertising and the maximum number of cigarettes per pack. It’s been shown in some studies that reducing the number of cigarettes per pack would reduce the amount of smoking. This is why for so many regions around the world, the pack of 20 has become standardized. Some countries also make money on tobacco sales through taxes, so it could be beneficial to have standardized pack sizes.
Consumer Behavior: Pack sizes can influence consumer habits. For example, in Canada, 25 packs are the most common, making up 71% of sales. Most people prefer larger packs because they last longer. In certain countries in Southeast Asia, where smoking is more prevalent among kids and teenagers, pack sizes may be smaller to curb their consumption or fit their needs.
Market Competition: Pack sizes are an important marketing tool for tobacco companies. They can produce different pack variations to attract different segments of customers and to keep their brand top-of-mind and interesting to consumers. Because of new restrictions on tobacco advertising, pack sizes have become another way to differentiate brands on the market. Variations in pack sizes can also help keep pricing competitive, offering a product for any budget.
From Packs to Cartons: Doing the Math
A carton is a bundle of several packs. The number of packs may vary per carton, but the number of cigarettes is typically the same – 200 cigarettes per carton.
The typical structure:
- 10 packs per carton (if each pack contains 20, that’s 200 cigarettes per carton).
- If a pack holds 25 cigarettes, then a standard carton would have 8 × 25 = 200 cigarettes.
Buying by the carton usually gives you a lower per-cigarette cost, making it popular among frequent smokers. At Cigarette Express, our standard cartons cost $35, which makes each pack only $3.50, and each cigarette (3.50/20) is 18 cents!
Why Pack Size Matters
Pack size affects you in several ways:
- Cost structure & pricing – Costs and taxes are often built per pack, so pack size influences price per cigarette.
- Consumption behavior – Larger packs may encourage heavier smoking due to the “bulk effect.”
- Convenience & portability – A pack of 20 is more pocket-friendly than a massive 50-stick box.
- Legal & regulatory compliance – Many jurisdictions mandate a minimum or maximum pack size to discourage small, impulse purchases.
A Closer Look: Canada & Tobacco Regulation
In Canada, cigarette packaging and counts are influenced heavily by health warnings, plain packaging laws, and taxation. There are taxation guidelines on cigarettes for singles, packs of 20, packs of 25, and carton of 200 cigarettes. Taxation amount can vary from province to province. As of July 2021, the tax scheme in BC for cigarettes is as follows:
| Cigarettes andtobacco sticks | 32.5 cents per cigarette or tobacco stick$6.50 per pack of 20$8.13 per pack of 25$65.00 per carton of 200 |
While browsing our catalogue, you’ll find both “packs of 25” and “packs of 20” offerings. Check out our entire range of cigarettes at Cigarette Express.
FAQs: How Many Cigarettes in a Pack?
Q: Does every cigarette pack have 20?
A: No, though 20 is the standard in many places. Some packs contain 10, 25, or even more, depending on the brand and region.
Q: What about cartons—how many cigarettes then?
A: Typically 200 (10 packs of 20). If the pack is 25 cigarettes, then a carton would contain 8 packs.
Q: Is it legal to sell packs with fewer than 20 cigarettes in Canada?
A: Regulations vary by province and import rules. Many regions restrict very small packs, but exceptions or legacy packs may exist. Cigarettes in Canada are taxed by the individual cigarette, pack of 20, pack of 25, or carton.
Q: Why do Canadian packs sometimes have 25?
A: It’s partly preference and partly a packaging choice to differentiate product lines. Some domestic brands default to 25-stick packs. 71% of Canadians buy 25-packs versus 20s.
Q: Does a larger pack lead to more smoking?
A: Some research suggests that the more cigarettes you have readily available, the more you might consume—but results vary.
Q: How many cigarettes are in a “king-size” pack?
A: The term king size refers to length (usually ~ 84 mm), not the count. King-size packs still typically contain 20 king-sized cigarettes.
Q: Can I buy different pack sizes online in Canada?
A: Yes. At Cigarette Express, you’ll find both 20- and 25-cigarette packs across many brands. For some products, you’ll find both 20s and 25s packs.
Tips for Buyers & Smokers
- Check both stick count and nicotine/tar specs before buying.
- Cartons often offer better value, so if you smoke regularly, they can save money.
- Watch regional regulations—some provinces may restrict pack types or impose higher taxes.
- Store properly—cigarettes in larger or unusual packs may dry out if not sealed well.
Final Thoughts
So, to answer the burning question: in most cases, there are 20 cigarettes in a pack. But remember: depending on region, brand, and legislation, you might see packs of 10, 25, or more. The best approach is always to read the packaging label.
If you’re shopping for cigarettes in Canada, make sure to check out our full catalog at Cigarette Express. We carry a broad selection of packs, cartons, and brands, so you can find the right fit for your needs.