• Breast Cancer
• Cancer Care
• Caregiving for Alzheimer’s Disease
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Digestive Health
• Eye Health
• Heart Health
• Menopause
• Mental Health
• Migraine
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Sleep Health
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Weight Management

All- Controlling Ulcerative Colitis

• Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder
• Mastering Geographic Atrophy
• Managing Type 2 Diabetes

All- CBD

• Fitness
• Healthy Aging
• Hearing
• Mental Well-Being
• Nutrition
• Parenthood
• Recipes
• Sexual Health
• Skin Care
• Sleep Health
• Vitamins and Supplements
• Women’s Wellness

All- At-Home Testing

• Men’s Health
• Mental Health
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Vitamins and Supplements
• Women’s Health

All- Your Guide to Glucose Health

• Inflammation and Aging

• Cold & Flu Season Survival Guide

• She’s Good for Real

• Video Series

• Pill Identifier

• FindCare

• Drugs A-Z

All- Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Essentials

• Diabetes Nutrition
• High Cholesterol
• Taming Inflammation in Psoriasis
• Taming Inflammation in Psoriatic Arthritis

All- Anxiety and Depression

• Digestive Health

• Heart Health

• Migraine

• Nutrition Edition

• Type 2 Diabetes

• Wellness Wire

• Find a Diet

• Find Healthy Snacks

• Weight Management

• How Well Do You Sleep?

• Are You a Workaholic?

All- Can 6-6-6 Walking Workout Help You Lose Weight?

• This Couple Lost 118 Pounds Together Without Medication

• 5 Science-Backed Ways to Live a Longer Life

• Morning Coffee May Help You Live Longer

• ‘Weekend Warrior’ Workouts for Your 2025 Fitness Goals

• 5 Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

• How to Disinfect Your House After the Flu

• Best Vegan and Plant-Based Meal Delivery for 2025

• Does Medicare Cover Pneumonia Shots?

• Chromosomes, Genetics, and Your Health

• Best Multivitamins for Women

• Best Multivitamins for Men

• Best Online Therapy Services

• Online Therapy That Takes Insurance

• Buy Ozempic Online

• Mounjaro Overview

• Youth in Focus

• Healthy Harvest

• Through an Artist’s Eye

• Future of Health

Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.

All- Breast Cancer

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Depression
• Migraine
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Psoriasis

Can’t get enough? Connect with us for all things health.

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — Written by Adrienne Santos-Longhurst — Updated on May 12, 2025The average penis is between 5.1 and 5.5 inches, with one study finding that nearly everyone falls within this range. Penis enlargement methods do exist, but many may be harmful, do not work, or only have temporary effects.

The average penis size is not nearly as big as many people think it is!

A 2020 review of research on penis size found that the average length of an erect penis is between 5.1 inches and 5.5 inches. Factoring in volunteer bias, the researchers believe that the average falls closer to the lower end of that range.

Older 2014 research pegged the average length of a flaccid penis at 3.61 inches.

Keep reading for answers to all your questions about penis size, like whether size matters to a partner and what you can do about it.

What does the research say?

Let’s start with some interesting numbers:

• When it comes to length, the average is 3.61 for a flaccid penis and 5.16 inches for an erect penis.
• Most people with penises overestimate what the average penis size actually is, according to 2015 research.
• Many people with penises are under the impression that the average package is over 6 inches long — a notion that researchers partially attribute to older studies that were based on self-reported measurements.
• Based on various reports, many people with penises wish they had a larger penis, including those who have average-sized ones.
• For some perspective, an erect penis of 6.3 inches falls into the 95 percentile, according to 2014 research, meaning that only 5 out of 100 people would have a penis longer than 6.3 inches.
• Likewise, an erect penis of 3.94 inches is in the 5 percentile, meaning that only 5 out of 100 would have a penis shorter than 3.94 inches.
• Around 95 percent of penises do fall into the average range.
• Average erect penis length may have increased worldwide in the past few decades. The researchers theorize it may have to do with people with penises reaching puberty earlier, increased body size, and exposure to hormone-disrupting substances.

So to recap, research says the average penis size is a lot smaller than what most people believe it is and usually looks nothing like what you see in porn.

How to measure your penis size

If you want to measure your penis, the length is measured from the top to the tip.The top of your penis is where it meets your pubic bone, and the tip is the very end of the glans, aka the head.To get the most accurate measurement, compress any fat in front of your pubic bone. Also, don’t include any extra length from your foreskin. If you want to measure girth, measure around the base or middle of your shaft.

Does penis size matter?

When it comes to sex, penis size really doesn’t matter. It doesn’t affect desirability, function, or health.

A penis doesn’t need to be big to have sex, pee, or reproduce. Size only matters as much as you let it.

People with penises and people with vaginas report dissatisfaction with the appearance of their own genitals.

Worrying about having a smaller-than-average penis can drain your confidence and affect your ability to enjoy sex. Furthermore, stress and anxiety can make it more difficult to get an erection or climax.

Psychological factors, like stress, are common causes of erectile dysfunction.

Can you increase the size of your penis?

You can, but most of the methods available only offer a temporary, marginal increase in size. Beware of miracle methods advertised online, like pills and oils, that can do more harm than good to your penis and your pocketbook.

The following are some of the more popular penis enlargement methods available:

• Penis pumps:Penis pumps are devices that use suction to draw blood into the penis, engorging the blood vessels in your penis so it gets — temporarily — harder and bigger. Putting on a cock ring can help the blood remain in your penis longer. Both are typically considered safe when used correctly.
• Traction devices: Penile traction devices are most useful for correcting curvatures and deformities of the penis, but they may provide a small, temporary increase in size. A 2022 review found that penile traction therapy may have benefits for people with smaller penises, though additional research is still needed. This therapy is typically recommended for people with Peyronie’s disease and ED.
• Stretching exercises:Stretching exercises, like jelqing, use massage to manipulate the tissues and skin of the penis. This creates micro tears, that when healed, look engorged and make the penis bigger and thicker. Most of the “evidence” on these techniques is anecdotal. There’s no science-backed evidence to support their use.

Surgical implantation of a synthetic device made from silicone is the only option that can achieve a permanent increase in size. But this is a cosmetic surgery and is typically not covered by insurance.

If you’re interested in exploring penis enlargement, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional first. Most options haven’t been scientifically proven to work, and each one carries the risk of potentially serious complications.

Share on PinterestIllustration by Alyssa Kiefer

What penis size do cisgender women and other vulva-having partners want?

Most of the research into partner penis preference is older and focuses on “females,” which can include cisgender women — people assigned female at birth and identify as such — or people with vulvas, regardless of how they identify.

According to this research, most prefer partners with average to slightly-above-average penises. That goes for one-night stands and long-term relationships.

FYI, research also shows that most are satisfied with their partner’s penis size.

What penis size do cisgender men and other penis-having partners want?

There’s even less research available on the penis size preferences of cisgender men and other penis-having folks who have sex with other penis owners.

While we can’t say what size they prefer, research does indicate that penis owners who have sex with other penis owners have a more accurate view of penis size than those who have sex with vulva owners.

Penis size also influences the position taken during penetrative sex. Those who consider their penis smaller-than-average are more likely to be the receptive partner while those who consider themselves larger-than-average are more likely to take on the penetrative role.

Ways to build confidence

Confidence plays a bigger role in satisfaction in and out of the bedroom.

If you’re unhappy with your body — below the belt or otherwise — these tips can help improve your body image:

• Work on not comparing yourself to others, including your friends and people in the media.
• If you want to boost your sexual confidence, learn to work with what you have by experimenting with positions for bigger or smaller-than-average penises.
• Get regular movement to help boost confidence and stamina, as well as reduce stress levels.
• Practice positive self-talk by replacing negative thoughts about yourself with things you like about yourself.
• Connect with a mental health professional who has experience with body image concerns. Body image is complex and not something you need to deal with alone. There are different therapies that can help.

The bottom line

Penises come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to size, the majority of them fall into the average range — and the size has no bearing on what it can do or the pleasure you can give and get from it.

If the research doesn’t provide the affirmation you need, consider talking with a doctor or other healthcare professional about your concerns.

If you want to measure your penis, the length is measured from the top to the tip.The top of your penis is where it meets your pubic bone, and the tip is the very end of the glans, aka the head.To get the most accurate measurement, compress any fat in front of your pubic bone. Also, don’t include any extra length from your foreskin. If you want to measure girth, measure around the base or middle of your shaft.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.- Belladelli F, et al. (2022). Worldwide temporal trends in penile length: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534/wjmh.220203

• King BM. (2020). Average size erect penis: Fiction, fact, and the need for counseling.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2020.1787279
• King BM, et al. (2019). Social desirability and young men’s self-reports of penis size.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2018.1533905
• Mehr J, et al. (2022). Emerging roles of penile traction therapy and vacuum erectile devices.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35120847/
• Mondaini N, et al. (2002). Penile length is normal in most men seeking penile lengthening procedures.https://www.nature.com/articles/3900887
• Nikoobakht M, et al. (2010). Effect of penile-extender device in increasing penile size in men with shortened penis: preliminary results.https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1743-6095(15)33330-0
• Oderda M, et al. (2010). Non-invasive methods of penile lengthening: Fact or fiction?https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2010.09647.x
• Prause N, et al. (2015). Women’s preferences for penis size: A new research method using selection among 3D models.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0133079
• Simpson P, et al. (2017). A structured review and critical analysis of male perceptions of the penis: a comparison between heterosexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM).https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318023027_A_Structured_Review_and_Critical_Analysis_of_Male_Perceptions_of_the_Penis_A_Comparison_between_Heterosexual_Men_and_Men_Who_Have_Sex_with_Men_MSM
• Veale D, et al. (2014). Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15 521 men.https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bju.13010
• Veale D, et al. (2021). A preliminary investigation of a novel method to manipulate penis length to measure female sexual satisfaction: a single-case experimental design.https://bjuijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.15416
• What is the average penis size? (n.d.).https://www.smsna.org/patients/did-you-know/what-is-the-average-penis-size
• Zeglin RJ. (2015). Assessing the role of masculinity in the transmission of HIV: a systematic review to inform HIV risk reduction counseling interventions for men who have sex with men.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5502076/

Share this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.- Belladelli F, et al. (2022). Worldwide temporal trends in penile length: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534/wjmh.220203

• King BM. (2020). Average size erect penis: Fiction, fact, and the need for counseling.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2020.1787279
• King BM, et al. (2019). Social desirability and young men’s self-reports of penis size.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0092623X.2018.1533905
• Mehr J, et al. (2022). Emerging roles of penile traction therapy and vacuum erectile devices.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35120847/
• Mondaini N, et al. (2002). Penile length is normal in most men seeking penile lengthening procedures.https://www.nature.com/articles/3900887
• Nikoobakht M, et al. (2010). Effect of penile-extender device in increasing penile size in men with shortened penis: preliminary results.https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1743-6095(15)33330-0
• Oderda M, et al. (2010). Non-invasive methods of penile lengthening: Fact or fiction?https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2010.09647.x
• Prause N, et al. (2015). Women’s preferences for penis size: A new research method using selection among 3D models.https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0133079
• Simpson P, et al. (2017). A structured review and critical analysis of male perceptions of the penis: a comparison between heterosexual men and men who have sex with men (MSM).https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318023027_A_Structured_Review_and_Critical_Analysis_of_Male_Perceptions_of_the_Penis_A_Comparison_between_Heterosexual_Men_and_Men_Who_Have_Sex_with_Men_MSM
• Veale D, et al. (2014). Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15 521 men.https://bjui-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/bju.13010
• Veale D, et al. (2021). A preliminary investigation of a novel method to manipulate penis length to measure female sexual satisfaction: a single-case experimental design.https://bjuijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bju.15416
• What is the average penis size? (n.d.).https://www.smsna.org/patients/did-you-know/what-is-the-average-penis-size
• Zeglin RJ. (2015). Assessing the role of masculinity in the transmission of HIV: a systematic review to inform HIV risk reduction counseling interventions for men who have sex with men.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5502076/

Sexcpu.com offers a variety of adult products, including detailed guides and realistic models, focusing on the 6-inch penis size and its dimensions. Explore our collection to understand and enhance your intimate experiences with accurate and satisfying options.

This site only collects related articles. Viewing the original, please copy and open the following link:Average Penis and Erection Size: What’s Normal?