Did you know that most men overestimate the average penis size by quite a margin? It’s why so many guys feel like they’re below average when they’re really not. Time to crack this one open: how big is the average penis, really?
What is a “normal” penis size, anyway?
Before we look at the average, let’s question the word “normal”. Like every other body part, every penis looks different. And size isn’t only about length — girth and overall volume matter too.
Most people with a penis sit, statistically speaking, in the “normal” range. A micropenis — a penis under 5cm when erect — is far less common than people think. On top of that, size says nothing about the quality of your sex life. You can have a brilliant sex life at any size.
So what’s the typical range? A flaccid penis is on average between 6.5 and 11.5cm. An erect penis is between 10.5 and 16cm.
What is the global average penis size?
Bedbible ran a study measuring 96,206 penises across 146 countries. They captured length and girth for both flaccid and erect states, and used those figures to calculate volume — giving us a pretty comprehensive picture of average size.
Average flaccid
Worldwide, the average flaccid penis is 9.52cm long with a girth of 9.38cm. The country with the longest flaccid average is the Democratic Republic of Congo at 11.4cm. The country with the shortest is Thailand at 6.9cm.
Did you know… Ecuador comes top for penis volume, at a whopping 252.8 cubic centimetres?
Average erect
When erect, the global average is 13.9cm in length and 11.38cm in girth. The country with the longest erect average is Sudan at 17.95cm, with Congo close behind at 17.93cm. The shortest erect average is again Thailand, at 9.43cm.
What about the UK and the Netherlands?
Where do European averages land? The Dutch don’t do too badly — and the UK sits comfortably in the middle of the global pack. Here are the average stats for the Netherlands as a reference point:
- Flaccid length: 9.9cm
- Erect length: 15.6cm
- Flaccid girth: 10.8cm
- Erect girth: 13.55cm
When you combine all measurements into a single volume average, the Netherlands ranks fifth globally at 227.9 cubic centimetres.
How to measure your penis
Want to know where you sit relative to average? Follow these steps to measure length and girth.
Flaccid:
- Lay your penis on a flat surface.
- Grab a flexible tape measure or a piece of string.
- For length: measure from the pubic bone to the tip of the head.
- For girth: measure around the thickest part of the shaft.
Erect:
- Make sure you’re fully erect.
- Grab a flexible tape measure or a piece of string.
- For length: measure from the pubic bone to the tip of the head.
- For girth: measure around the thickest part of the shaft.
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The average is rising
Recent research from Stanford University and several Italian universities found that the average erect penis size has risen by nearly 25% over the last 30 years, from around 12cm to 15cm.
The reason? Not entirely clear. Researchers are concerned that such a fast change has happened in a relatively short time. Possible causes include exposure to chemicals like pesticides and other environmental pollutants, which earlier studies have shown can affect hormone balance.
More research will be needed before we have a firm answer.
Does size really matter?
Around 68% of men say penis size matters a lot to them — and many worry about it. A lot of that anxiety comes from believing the average is much bigger than it actually is.
Most of that worry is unnecessary. Partners are usually happy with what they’re working with much sooner than men assume. Most partners care less about size than men think — a well-groomed appearance and emotional intimacy tend to matter much more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make my penis bigger?
There’s no permanent way to enlarge your penis, but you can do it temporarily. A penis pump is a cylinder you place over your penis. It creates a vacuum, widening the blood vessels in the shaft. More blood flows in, giving you a bigger, harder erection.
Another option is a penis sleeve. It’s essentially a hollow dildo you slide your penis into, which can add a few centimetres of length and girth.
Do I have a micropenis?
A penis is considered small when, in a fully grown adult, it’s between 5 and 10cm when erect. Below 5cm and we’re talking about a micropenis. It’s quite rare — only around 0.6% of men have one.
I’m self-conscious about my penis. What can I do?
It might sound blunt, but anatomy is anatomy — there’s no pill or technique to make your penis permanently bigger. The most useful work you can do is finding ways to feel comfortable in your own skin. Length and girth say nothing about how good you are in bed. It’s what you do with it that counts.
What’s the “ideal” penis size, according to women?
A few years ago, UCLA and the University of New Mexico ran a study where women were given 3D-printed penises in different sizes and asked to pick the one they’d prefer for a long-term relationship versus a one-night stand.
On average, women picked around 16cm long with a girth of 12.2cm for a relationship, and 16.2cm long with 12.7cm girth for a one-night stand.
Are you happy with the size of yours (or your partner’s)? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.