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Science Reveals The Average Penis Size. How Do You Stack Up?

Gentlemen, get out your tape measurers. - by Lauren Williamson
  • 17 Jul 2019
Science Reveals The Average Penis Size. How Do You Stack Up?
Getty Images

Admit it: you’ve probably measured your penis more than once. So how does your dong data compare to that of everyone else’s?

According to a new review from King’s College London, the average penis size may not be as big as you think.

What is the average penis size?

Researchers went through 17 studies that examined the penis size of more than 15,000 men. They found that the average flaccid penis length – from the base to the opening on the tip – was 3.6 inches (9.1 centimetres) and the girth – measured around the base or mid-shaft – was 3.7 inches (9.4 centimetres). 

The average erect penis swelled to 5.2 inches (13.2 centimetres) in length and 4.6 inches (11.6 centimetres) in circumference. 

Wonder where you fit in? Here’s more context: Guys in the 95th percentile for erect length – meaning out of 100 men, only five would have longer penises – measured about 6.3 inches (16 centimetres). Men in the 5th percentile averaged about 4 inches (10 centimetres).

So anything between around 4 inches and 6.3 inches when erect would cover 90 percent of guys.

The researchers also explored some of the most common “indicators” of penis size to see if there was an actual connection. Height was slightly related, meaning that the taller men were, the larger their erect penises tended to be – but only to a small extent, says study author Dr David Veal.

On the other hand, other measurements that have been thought to point to penis size were actually pretty useless. Factors like a guy’s weight, length of his index figure, and foot size weren’t consistently predictive.

Even if your penis size is a little on the shorter side of average, that’s no reason to worry: “That’s not an issue to 85 per cent of women,” says Dr. Veale. 

Do women care about penis size?

Downsize your assumptions: most men think a seven-inch (17.78cm) erection is ideal, but women actually prefer an inch less, a study from the University of Canterbury reveals. Not only did women consider a larger than average penis undesirable, their ideal size matched that of the average package.

“The mythology of the oversized penis comes from men’s desires, not women’s,” says sex therapist Dr Brandy Engler. “It’s a way men size each other up.” In fact, according to Engler, an over-sized erection can be uncomfortable for some women.

"Men care about penis size more than women do," sexologist and relationship expert Nikki Goldstein told Men's Health. "Women care more about how a guy makes her feel. Keep in mind 80 per cent of women can achieve orgasm through clitoral stimulation – something size has no impact on. My advice: seduce and pleasure her so size is irrelevant."

So stop comparing yourself to the Clydesdales on porn sites. Those guys are rare – and the camera does make everything look bigger. Besides, your skills are above average, right? Maximise her pleasure by picking the best sex positions for every penis size.

Does your penis shrink with age?

Relax, big fella. Your wang is made up of collagen and blood vessels, which don’t change over a lifetime. However, it might start to look smaller if you’re not careful. Imagine a shovel sticking up out of the snow. Now more snow falls; the shovel’s the same size but appears smaller because it’s partly buried. That can happen with age as the patch of fat over your pubic bone, the mons pubis, fills out. So watch your weight to avoid the illusion of shrinkage.

  • Sex
  • Penis Size
Lauren Williamson
Lauren Williamson
Lauren Williamson is the Digital Content Manager for Women's Health and Men's Health. She's an experienced journalist, editor and social media fiend who's well versed in reporting on everything from food trends to fitness, health news to haircare. She has a double degree in Journalism and Political Science.

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