Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMeasuring LengthMeasuring GirthCalculating WidthChoosing a Condom
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Measuring Length
Measuring Girth
Calculating Width
Choosing a Condom
Learning how to measure yourpeniscorrectly helps ensure that you buycondomsthat areproperly sizedand fit snugly. This not only involves measuring the length of your penis from the tip of the head to thepubic bonebut also the width and girth (circumference) where the penis is widest. You need to do so with a ruler or measuring tape while you have anerection(stiff penis).
If you don’t measure your penis correctly and anexternal (male) condom is too loose, it can fall off in the middle of sex and you may not even notice. If the condom is too tight, it may not only be uncomfortable but may actually break or burst.
This article outlines how to measure penis size correctly. It also explains how to use these measurements to choose the right condom size for you.
What Are the 3 Different Types of Penises?
Verywell / JR Bee
How to Measure Penis Length
Here is how to measure penis length correctly:
When measuring a penis, many people only think of the length of the penis, even though the girth is arguably more important with respect to comfort and fit. With that said, the erect penis length factors into how condoms in the United States are categorized and sold, with sizes ranging from “snug” and “regular/standard” to “large” and “extra-large.”
What Is the Average Penis Length?According to a 2015 review published in theBritish Journal of Urology International,the average erect penis size is smaller than some people think: 13.12 centimeters or roughly 5-1/5 inches. By contrast, the average flaccid (soft) penis length is 9.16 centimeters when unstretched, or just over 3-1/2 inches.
What Is the Average Penis Length?
According to a 2015 review published in theBritish Journal of Urology International,the average erect penis size is smaller than some people think: 13.12 centimeters or roughly 5-1/5 inches. By contrast, the average flaccid (soft) penis length is 9.16 centimeters when unstretched, or just over 3-1/2 inches.
Condom size is particularly important if you have a penis longer than 8 inches. In such cases, you would need to get a condom such asDurex XXL Extra Long Extra Wide. If you don’t, it may leave part of the penis exposed tosexually transmitted infections(STIs) likeherpesthat can be passed through skin-to-skin contact.
You may also end up overstretching the condom and flattening the reservoir tip at the end meant to collectsemen. This can cause the semen to seep out the sides.
Average Penis Size and What’s Considered Big
How to Measure Penis Girth
Here is how to measure penis girth correctly:
What Is the Average Penis Girth?According to the same study in theBritish Journal of Urology International,the average erect penis girth is 11.66 centimeters or just over 4-1/2 inches. The average flaccid girth is 9.31 centimeters or around 3-1/3 inches.
What Is the Average Penis Girth?
According to the same study in theBritish Journal of Urology International,the average erect penis girth is 11.66 centimeters or just over 4-1/2 inches. The average flaccid girth is 9.31 centimeters or around 3-1/3 inches.
The girth is especially important if you use condoms made of polyisoprene which is not as stretchy as latex and requires a more accurate fit. The same applies to extra-thin condoms that are more prone to bursting if the condom is too tight.
Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz
How to Measure Penis Width
So, if your penis circumference is 7 inches, your penis width would be 2.23 inches (7 inches ÷ 3.14 = 2.23 inches).
Measure More Than OncePenis size can vary due to stress, fatigue, frequency of sexual activity, and level of arousal. So you may want to do several measurements at different times throughout the day over several days.
Measure More Than Once
Penis size can vary due to stress, fatigue, frequency of sexual activity, and level of arousal. So you may want to do several measurements at different times throughout the day over several days.
Is There an Age Limit for Penis Growth?
Using Your Penis Size to Choose a Condom
Once you are confident that you’ve measured your penis size accurately, you should be able to determinewhat size condom you need.
Ifyour penis is of average size, a standard-size condom should provide you with an accurate fit. A larger-than-average penis may need a condom labeled “large,” whereas a penis that is smaller may need a condom labeled “snug.”
Remember, when it comes to condoms, size matters. The better the fit, the better it will protect you against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Condom Size Chart
Summary
To get the right condom fit, it is important to know how to measure your penis length, width, and girth. Some people use a ruler or measuring tape, while others use a string. Just make sure that whatever you use does not stretch as this can cause inaccurate measurements.
Once you have established the size of your penis while erect, you can use this information to find a condom that fits you properly.
How to Put on a Condom Correctly
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Veale D, Miles S, Bramley S, Muir G, Hodsoll J.Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521 men.BJU Int. 2015;115(6):978-86. doi:10.1111/bju.13010
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Veale D, Miles S, Bramley S, Muir G, Hodsoll J.Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521 men.BJU Int. 2015;115(6):978-86. doi:10.1111/bju.13010
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Veale D, Miles S, Bramley S, Muir G, Hodsoll J.Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521 men.BJU Int. 2015;115(6):978-86. doi:10.1111/bju.13010
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