Condom Sizes: A Comprehensive Guide for the Perfect Fit

Table of Content:

• Why Choosing the Right Condom Size is Important
• The Average Penis Size
• Measuring Your Size
• Available Condom Sizes
• What’s the Standard Condom Size?
• Choosing your right condom size
• Condom Size Chart – US
• Condom Charts For Other Countries
• What Size Condom for 6 Inches?
• Conclusion

Why Choosing the Right Condom Size is Important

Condom size matters! If you are selecting large sized condoms to impress your partner, you are going about it all wrong.

One of the biggest factors in having enjoyable and safe sex is using the right condom size. If a condom breaks, slips off, or if it is restricting your sensations during intercourse, you are likely using the wrong sized condom. This guide will help you choose the perfect sized condom.

First, lets see what the science says about it. A study from International Journal of STD and AIDS [1] examined the influence of penis size on condom slippage and breakage.

They found no correlation between penis length and slippage. When it comes to condom breakage, the same study concluded that there is a strong association between penile circumference and condom breakage.

In other words, if your condom is too small there is a much higher risk that it will break and endanger your safety. With each additional centimeter that risk of breakage increases by 50-100%.

Beside the safety factor, wrong sized condom will also affect your pleasure. Worrying if your condom will slip off will surely ruin your lovemaking experience. The same thing is true if the condom feels too tight.

I remember reading one man’s experience with using the wrong sized condom for years. He hated condoms because they ruined his erection until he realized one day that he was using the wrong size [2].

If sexual partners have bad experiences because using the wrong condom size gave them problems or reduced their pleasure, they will be less likely to use condoms in the future.

This could lead to unplanned or unwanted pregnancies or the passage of HIV or other STDs between partners. In many cases the problem is not with the condoms, but with the condom size chosen.

A well-fitting condom will give both sexual partners more pleasure during sex because if they fit better they transmit more sensation and warmth.

A condom that fits properly also provides better protection, because they are less likely to break or slide off during sex.

So the most pleasurable and safest condoms are those that match your size. 

The Average Penis Size

There have been numerous penis size studies, and although they somewhat differ in their findings we can use them as a reference point. An article on Wikipedia [3] draws a consensus between three studies:

• Average length of a penis is approximately 12.9 – 15 cm (5.1 – 5.9 in)
• Average penis circumference is 12.3 cm (4.85 in)

Results from 12 studies, detailed in the British Journal of Urology (BJU) International [4], suggest that the average erect penis is about 5.5 to 6.2 inches long and about 4.7 to 5.1 inches in circumference.
 
As we can see it’s hard to say the definite average penis size, however we’ll rely upon these ranges when selecting the right condom.

There are some differences in average male organ sizes between different countries and this can best be seen in an interactive map available at this page.

What size condom for 6 inches?

This used to be one of the most common questions from the readers. And it’s the wrong question, because it’s your girth not length that will determine the condom sizing that you should use! Read on to find out why and how to find what size will be suitable for you.

Measuring Your Size

 
To find out the appropriate condom sizing you’ll first have to measure your penis – especially its circumference, as this is the most important size-related number.
 
To found out how to measure it check out this post or follow these simple steps:

1. Measure the circumference of your erect penis at its widest point (or, add some fun to this step by letting your partner do this for you).
2. You can use a piece of string to measure it, by looping it once around the thickest part of your erect penis.
3. Note your measurement.

Available Sizes

 
Because latex and polyurethane are expandable materials, and because penis size doesn’t normally vary widely, most condom brands don’t have a wide selection of sizes.

There are three basic condom sizes, and their differences are determined by the circumference of the penis, rather than by its length [5].

For most men, condom length should not be an issue since condoms stretch lengthwise without breaking. However, 8-inch (20.3 cm) and even longer condoms are available for men with exceptionally large penises.

Condoms that are too long won’t normally slip off during sex as we discussed previously, but condoms that are too wide may slip off. Likewise, condoms that are not wide enough may break during sex.

What’s the Standard Condom Size?

 
Most condom manufacturers use 52 mm (2.05 in) as the standard size of a condom [6]. That’s actually the width of the condom when it’s flattened out.

To calculate its circumference we would have to multiply that number with 2, for example, a condom with a 2.05 inch flat width would have a circumference of around 4.1 inches.

Condom manufactures adjust the standard condom size to best match the average sized penises. That’s also the reason why there are small variations of standard sizes for different markets.

In Australia, for example, the market leader changed its standard size from 52 mm (2.05 in) to 54 mm (2.13 in) in the 1990s, and its market share has grown since [7].

In the USA, the market leader, Trojan, uses a 53 mm (2.09 in) condom as its standard size.
Therefore, width of most regular condoms ranges from 52 mm to 54 mm (2.05 in to 2.13 in).
 
Now that we know the average penis size and standard condom size, we’ll explain how to easily select the right fit for you.
 

Choosing your best condom size: condom size guide

 
If you are between 11.93 and 12.95 cm (4.7 and 5.1 inches) in circumference, go with “regular” condoms that are around 2.05 to 2.13 inches (52 to 54 mm) wide.

If you are less than 4.7 inches around, go with small or snugger fit condoms, which are less than 2 inches (51 mm) wide.

If you are bigger than 5.1 inches around, go with large size condoms, which are more than 2.1 inches wide. 

It may take a few tries and experiments until you find your best fit, but following those recommendations is a good starting point.

To further explore the condom width to penis girth relation I’ll refer back to a study [1] I mentioned earlier.

The authors concluded that the ideal ratio between condom circumference and penis girth should be from 10 to 20%. More than that increases the risk of breakage and if the ratio is smaller than 10% there is a greater risk of condom slippage.

For an average penis girth of 4.9 inches the average condom circumference of 4.1 inches will fall perfectly within the suggested range.

Knowing this factor, we can suggest an expanded table with recommended condom widths for appropriate penis circumferences.

You can use these suggested condom widths as a reference point and then try to find the appropriate condom. If there is no condom that matches your size, try the next closest match.

To make it easier for you I’ve created a Condom Calculator, a simple tool where you can filter condoms by dimensions to get your best fitting condom – CLICK HERE to try it out.

Condom Size Chart – US

The table below provides a simple chart of the different condom sizes offered, and respective brands for each size. Condoms listed below are available on the USA market.

For a much detailed chart, with a lot more condoms, check out the extended condom size chart.

On these pages you’ll also find sizes of popular condom brands:

• Trojan Sizes
• Durex Condom Sizes
• Lifestyles Condom Sizes
• Trojan Magnum Sizes

Other countries

As mentioned above different condom brands and sizes are available on different markets. I compiled several size charts and sorted them by countries. Visit this page to check all other available size charts.

What Size Condom for 6 Inches?

One of the most frequently asked questions we encounter is, “What size condom should I use if I’m 6 inches?” When it comes to answering this, it’s crucial to clarify that the length of the penis is not the sole determining factor for choosing the right condom size. Although 6 inches typically falls within the average length range, the girth or circumference of the penis often plays a more significant role in finding the perfect condom fit.

Like we discussed earlier, to select a condom that provides the optimal balance of comfort and protection, you must first measure your penis girth. This can be easily done with a flexible measuring tape as we explained in this article. Simply wrap it around the thickest part of your erect penis, and record the measurement. For accuracy, consider taking a few measurements to get an average.

If your penis girth falls within the average range of 4.7 to 5.1 inches, standard-sized condoms should provide a secure and comfortable fit. However, if you’re a bit larger in girth, you might find larger condoms to be a more suitable choice. For instance, a penis girth of 5.2 to 5.6 inches generally corresponds with large-sized condoms, while girths exceeding 5.7 inches might require an extra-large or custom fit.

Conclusion

Remember, a well-fitting condom should roll on easily, feel snug but not too tight, and cover the entire penis shaft without slipping or breaking. It’s always worth taking the time to find the right condom size – not only can it increase your comfort and pleasure, but it’s also essential for effective protection.

References

1. Smith A MA et al. Does penis size influence condom slippage and breakage?, International Journal of STD & AIDS [link]
2. Reece M et al. Penile dimensions and men’s perceptions of condom fit and feel, Sex Transm Infect 2009;85:127-131
   [link]
3. Turns out condom sizing is important by spacklejacks, reddit.com
4. Studies on size, Wikipedia.org
5. Penis myths debunked, 2007 [link]
6. World Penis Average Size Studies Database, Penis girth average chart [link]
7. John Gerofi, Condom Size, [link]