Cigarette Carton Sizes Explained — From Pack Counts to Purchase Tips
Have you ever looked at a pack of smoke and thought, “How come this is different from a box or a carton?” You’re not alone. The difference isn’t always clear whether you’re handling packing at work or purchasing for yourself, being aware of how they differ can actually save you time,money, or even a bit of confusion.
These kinds of questions pop-up more often than you’d think:
- How many packs of cigarettes are in a carton?
- What are the standard cigarette box dimensions?
- Where can I buy cartons of cigarettes near me?
We’ll show you all the important details including box sizes, carton counts, prices, and where to find them so you can make confident choices whether you’re buying or designing.
Pack vs. Box vs. Carton: What’s the Real Difference?
Here’s how it usually goes: a pack is a small one which most people carry around. Some call it a box particularly if it’s a hard case. But a carton? That is the big one which holds several packs at once. Just imagine it as the family-sized version.
In a Pack, How Many Cigarettes Are There?
were removed off the shelves as part of an effort to limit youth access and to make the tobacco tax system around tobacco products less complicated.
In accordance with US Regulation 21 CFR 1140.16(b), manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are prohibited in selling or distributing cigarette packs containing fewer than 20 cigarettes.
In some other countries:
- Canada offers 20s and 25s
- Australia goes up to 30, 40, or even 50 sticks per pack
- The UK and EU generally stick with 20s due to tobacco control laws
How Many Cigarettes Are in a Carton exactly?
Mainly in the United States, a regular carton includes 10 packs, which adds up individual packs to 200 cigarettes. That is the usual setup you’ll find in stores. With that being said, not all cartons are created equal. Some cartons are smaller and only carey 5 packs, while others are high-capacity fitting up to 20 packs.
How Many Cigarette Boxes Are in a Carton?
Since people often use “box” and “pack” like they mean the same thing, it can get confusing. But when we’re talking about wrapping specifics, here’s how it usually goes:
1 box = 1 pack (20 cigarettes)
1 carton = 10 boxes/packs = 200 cigarettes
What Are the Dimensions for Cigarette Boxes and Cartons?
Cigarette Box Size (Per Pack)
Though the exact size can change based on style, most standard boxes, in particular the well-known flip-top hard packs, are usually around 85 mm tall, 56 mm wide, and 22 mm deep.
As stated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all cigarette packages must display one of 11 government-issued warnings, which are required to cover the top 50% of both the front and black panels. These must be clearly visible and prominently placed to ensure consumers can easily read them (FDA, 2024).
Carton Dimensions
Cigarette cartons are designed to securely hold 10 individual packs while leaving room for required visual identity and labeling. Most cartons are around 6.5 × 5.5 × 2.5 inches or 165 × 140 × 65 mm,though this can vary a bit subject to the style and brand. This offers manufacturers a compact and organized way to package multiple packs together.
As it changes with the cigarette type and packaging thickness, some larger cartons can extend up to 11 inches in length.Similar to individual boxes, cartons must comply with warning prints requirements. Relative to the design, carton health warnings range from 132mm to 244mm wide. (fda.gov)
Wholesale Options and Custom Cigarette Boxes
Packaging has two purposes: display and protection. Due to this, both manufacturers and boutique tobacco companies have a strong demand for custom cigarette boxes.
Why Go Custom?
- Make your brand recognizable with unique design.
- Fit cigarettes that are short, long, and slender.
- Comply with specific markings label regulations.
- Select environmentally friendly materials such as recyclable paper or cardboard cigarette cartons.
Drawer-style packs, soft shell options, and blank cigarette boxes for white-label items are more examples of custom options.
Purchasing Bulk Empty Boxes
Do you want to repack home-rolled cigarettes or launch your own tobacco company? Empty cigarette boxes and cartons are available wholesale from packaging suppliers. You can even request blank boxes for self-labeling
Where Can I Purchase Cigarette Cartons?
Here are your best resources if you’ve been searching “where can I buy cartons of cigarettes near me” on Google:
- Local Convenience Stores – the majority of the gas stations and 24/7 stores have cartons on hand and will order one for you.
- Tobacco Stores – specialized smoke shops often carry multiple brands in cartons,
sometimes at lower prices than chain outlets.
- Wholesale Clubs – bulk cartons can be sold at a discount at membership stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.
- Duty-Free Shops – when you’re travelling abroad, duty-free shops offer products at reduced costs.
- Online Retailers – some licensed online tobacco vendors offer convenient home delivery of cigarette cartons—varying with local laws. Just be sure to confirm that the seller is reputable and complies with legal regulations.
How Much for a Box or Carton of Cigarettes?
In the United States, the pack price ranges from $6 to $10 while $60 to $100 (for 10 packs) for carton price.State taxes have a significant impact on prices. For instance, sin taxes frequently result in increased costs in California and New York.
For other countries like the Philippines, according to Paramount Direct in 2025, a pack of cigarettes typically costs ₱100 and ₱200, depending on the brand and location. For those buying in bulk, a carton usually ranges from ₱1,100 to ₱1,500.
In Australia, a single packnof cigarette can cost US$26, making it the most expensive country in the world for smokers (Statista, 2024). New Zealand is almost as pricey more than US$16.
Pro Tip: Purchasing a carton doesn’t always guarantee savings, particularly in countries with strictly regulated pack prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s inside a full cigarette carton?
Most of the time, it holds 200 cigarettes (10 packs of 20 sticks)
How many packs come in a carton?
Ten, typically. It’s the standard across most brands and countries.
What are the Cigarette Box Dimensions?
The average cigarette box measures approximately 85 mm × 56 mm × 22 mm. A standardized size for most 20 packs you’ll see in stores.
How big is a Cigarette Carton?
A full carton that holds the usual 10 packs is roughly 165 mm × 140 mm × 65 mm. It’s compact but bulkier than just a single pack.
How much does a box of cigarettes cost in the US?
You’ll likely pay anywhere from $6 to $10 for a pack, though in some places, it might cost more due to high taxes.
What is the price of a full carton in the US?
Cartons usually range from $60 to $100. Buying the carton is often cheaper than buying packs one at a time.
Where can I buy cigarette cartons?
You can buy them at local Stores, 24/7 shops, Wholesale Outlets, or Legit Online Sellers. Just be sure you’re buying from trusted sources.
What’s a “custom cigarette box”?
It’s a cigarette pack featured a tailored and personalized. It is normally used for business,marketing, or gifting.
Whether you’re stocking shelves or just curious about how cigarette packaging works, now you’ve got all the details in one place, from pack counts to box sizes and everything in between.
We all have the information you need in compliance and make wise packaging or purchase decisions, from cigarette box measurements and carton counts to price information and labeling specifications.
So, if you’ve asked yourself, “How many boxes come in a carton?” or “What’s the actual size of a cigarette box?”, you’ll know exactly where to find the answer.
