How And Why Should A Man Measure His Penis? - ISSM

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How and why should a man measure his penis?

Reviewed by the medical professionals of the ISSM’s Communication Committee

Q&A Rachel Baxter 30 June 2019

It’s natural for a man to wonder how his penis “measures up” to those of his peers.

According to Medical News Today, average penis sizes fall in the following ranges:

Flaccid* length	7 to 10 centimeters (2.8 to 3.9 inches)
Flaccid girth**	9 to 10 centimeters (3.5 to 3.9 inches)
Erect length	12 to 16 centimeters (4.7 to 6.3 inches)
Erect girth	around 12 centimeters (4.7 inches)

* Note: The word flaccid refers to a penis that is not erect.

** Note: Girth refers to circumference – the measurement around the penile shaft.

To measure the penis properly, start with a tape measure, similar to what is used for sewing or tailoring. (If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use a piece of string or ribbon and measure it with a ruler later.)

Place the end of the tape at the base of the penis, not the base of the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles). Press the tape into the skin towards the pubic bone, extend the tape to the penis tip, and note that measurement. This is the penile length.

To measure penile girth (circumference), place the tape around the thickest point of the penile shaft.

Having an accurate penis measurement can help men select appropriately-sized condoms. For better protection against sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy, it is essential for condoms to fit properly.

For many men, the size of the penis is an indicator of virility and sexual prowess. Some men worry that their penis is too small to sexually satisfy a partner.

It’s important to understand that all men are different and that having a larger or smaller penis has nothing to do masculinity or sexual expertise. Not all partners prefer a large penis. And a partner’s sexual satisfaction often depends on more than penetration. For example, some partners (more than 50% of women) don’t reach orgasm through penetrative intercourse, and many partners find oral stimulation quite exciting. Communication between partners can help alleviate sexual anxieties.

Men who worry about their penis size are encouraged to see their urologist. In many cases, men with small penis anxiety actually have normal-sized penises. Counseling can help men better understand the range of penis sizes.

Resources

• Medical News Today - “What size is the average penis?”MacGill, Markus(July 9, 2018)https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271647.php
• NHS.uk - “Penis size"(Page last reviewed: April 6, 2018)https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/penis-size/
• RedOrbit.com - “How to Measure Your Penis Size Properly and Why It’s Important”Arch(Last edited: March 15, 2019)https://www.redorbit.com/how-to-measure-your-penis-size-properly-and-why-its-important/
• SexHealthMatters.org - “Penis Length and Partner Satisfaction”(June 11, 2013)https://www.sexhealthmatters.org/sex-health-blog/penis-length-and-partner-satisfaction

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