Average Erect Penis Size: Does It Exist and How Big Is It?

Author Tom Wells examines some of the myths surrounding that age old question: what is the average penis size?

How big is the average erect penis? While studies have been done, it seems hard to get a definitive answer.

But the real question is why are we so obsessed with this question?

Decades of porn and lack of open discussion have led us to believe that penis size directly correlates with your ability to give sexual pleasure to your partner.

Armed with a reliable answer, we could know if we are above or below average in size, which for many is a major confidence boost.

But so much of what we believe about penis size is just not true. So let’s explore some of the myths surrounding penis size. As you’ll see, size may matter a lot less than you think.

What is the average penis size?

Firstly, the big question: what is the average penis size?

There is no universal right answer to this question. Browsing through the scientific studies, you typically find a range of between 5 and 6 inches for average erect penis length. But it had to be said that a lot of these studies used small sample sizes and not enough diversity, so the results are not reliable.

Finally, in 2014, a fairly comprehensive study was undertaken by a team at King’s College, London. The researchers examined 15,521 men with measurements taken in a clinical setting.

How to measure penis size

In case you want to know how to measure yourself scientifically, then take a ruler and press it against the top side of your penis. Push it tight against the pubic bone (this accounts for pubic fat that hides the true length) and measure to the tip of the erect penis.

So what were the results? What is the average penis size? Drum roll, please…

The headline stat is that the average erect penis is 13.12 cm (5.16 inches) long.

While the average flaccid penis is 9.16 cm (3.61 inches) in length. The corresponding girth measurements are 9.31 cm (3.66 inches) for a flaccid penis and 11.66 cm (4.59 inches) for an erect one.

Perhaps more interesting than the actual results is the range: According to the distribution of measurements only five out of 100 men would be expected to have an average erect penis that is larger than 16 cm (6.3 inches); only five out of 100 men would have a penis smaller than 10 cm (3.9 inches) when erect. So 90% of men fall within this relatively narrow “normal” range. So time to stop worrying for most of us. So is there a perfect penis size? That depends on who you’re trying to please. Some people are size queens and others don’t care. There’s no solid answer.

How big is small?

But what if you are outside of this range? What constitutes a small penis?

There is actually a medical term for a small penis: a micropenis. But it is quite uncommon, with around 0.6% of the male population having a micropenis. Based on the research study, your penis would have to be 7cm (2.75 inches) when erect to fall within this category. If you do have a micropenis, this should not affect your ability to give or receive sexual pleasure.

The grower vs shower myth

The most comprehensive study of average penis length used stretched flaccid penis length as a proxy for average erect penis length. The researchers found this to be an accurate approximation for average erect penis length, seemingly debunking the grower vs. shower myth. There is at least no evidence to support a statistically significant difference between flaccid length and erect length.

Does penis size affect sexual pleasure?

Of course, there can be no definitive answer because the question is quite subjective, Some partners may prefer bigger penises, just as they may prefer bigger sex toys. But there is no hard scientific evidence that has concluded that a larger penis equals more sexual pleasure. What researchers have found is that erection quality can affect sexual pleasure. So, it’s time to forget thinking about size and focus on the sexual chemistry with your partner.

So just to recap: your penis is probably well within the normal range, grower vs. shower isn’t really a thing, and the quality of the erection – not the size – is what matters. That’s three penis myths busted.

4 quick ways to improve erection quality

So if erection quality is what counts, what can you do to improve the quality of your erection?

These five tips are easy to implement and may help your erection quality:

1. Follow a healthy diet

There is no question that a healthy diet is key for many bodily functions. And erections are no exception. A good rule of thumb is to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and to eat less fatty, fried, and processed foods. There are also specific foods you can eat before sex or masturbation. For example, cherries can help promote blood flow to the penis.

2. Assess your general arousal/sex drive

A morning erection is a good indicator of your erection health. If you stop getting morning wood, it can be an indication that your arousal levels are low. One easy way to give your level of arousal a quick boost is to skip porn for a while. Porn can overstimulate the brain and desensitize you to arousal. Skipping porn can actually be a great libido enhancer.

3. Give yoga a try

Even if you’re not a huge yoga aficionado, it’s worth a try because it can boost your sex life. These poses use a wide range of motions and can promote increased blood flow to the penis, leading to stronger erections.

4. Discover cock rings

A wearable penis ring or cock rings such as the Pivot and the Verge by WeVibe actually slows the flow of blood leaving the penis. Cock rings have been shown to help the average erect penis stay harder for longer. This can make masturbation and sex more enjoyable, and some cock rings even provide partner stimulation, leaving your hands free to stimulate other erogenous zones. The added stimulation can even increase your sex drive and level of arousal.

Does penis size matter? Don’t believe everything you hear

When it comes to penis size, there is a lot of misinformation out there. But just remember: size doesn’t matter that much unless you’re applying to be a porn star. Focus on leading a healthy life for better erection quality and enjoying the natural sexual chemistry with your partner.

Featured image credit: LustGasm https://www.lustgasm.com/