A panatela (also spelled panetela) is defined by its thin ring gauge, not by its length. Ring gauges range from the mid-20s in the smallest Cuban sizes up to about 38, and lengths range from about 4½ inches to 7 inches or more. The Cuban Laguito No. 3 is a 4½-inch panetela with a 26 ring gauge. The lancero is a long, thin relative that many size charts list under its own name.
A thin ring gauge means a high proportion of wrapper to filler, so the wrapper contributes more of the flavor, and there is little room to hide uneven bunching. Draw and burn problems show up quickly, which is why thin sizes are considered skilled work.
Shorter versions are sold as a short panatela. The corona and the lonsdale are thicker. Size chart: ring gauge and length cheat-sheet.