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This article was co-authored by Jacqueline Hellyer and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Jacqueline Hellyer is a Licensed Psychosexual Therapist and the Founder of The Love Life Blog and The LoveLife Clinic. With over 20 years of experience, Jacqueline specializes in sex advice, sex tips, and relationship advice. In addition to being an accredited Psychosexual Therapist with the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS), Jacqueline is also a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF). Jacqueline holds a BSc in Biochemistry and Human Sciences from The Australian National University, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science from the University of Canberra, a BA in Languages and Literature from the University of New England (AU), an MSc in Sexual Health from The University of Sydney, and an MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology from The Alef Trust. Her work and expertise have been featured in Australian Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Australian Women’s Health, Marie Claire, and 60 Minutes.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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When you're having penetrative sex with a partner, it's important to wear the right size condom. If your condom is too tight, it could break. If it's too large, then it could slip off or leak fluids. In either case, you and your partner won't be protected from pregnancy or STDs.[1] Luckily, it's easy to figure out your size. You just need to measure your erection and determine what size is right for you.
Condom Size Chart
Most condoms are sized by their flat width, with length being a secondary measurement for comfort (a condom that is too long can be rolled at the base, and one that is too short can still provide protection if it fits snugly around the shaft).
- Choose snug fit or small condoms for widths under 2 in (5 cm).
- Choose regular or standard condoms for widths 2-2.2 in (5-5.6 cm).
- Choose large condoms for widths above 2.2 in (5.6 cm).
- Choose XL condoms for widths above 2.2 in (5.6 cm) and lengths over 8 in (20 cm).
Steps
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Wrap a measuring tape or string around the thickest part of your erect penis. This is the circumference of your penis. The thickness of your penis is what most influences your condom size, though the length of your penis can also affect the size you need.[2]- The girth is more important than the length because the condom will not adjust much to allow for a thicker or slimmer penis. However, the length can be flexible. A condom that is too long can be rolled down at the base, while a condom that doesn't reach the base of the penis still offers adequate protection if it correctly fits your girth.[3]
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Hold the tape or string where the end meets the loose portion. There shouldn't be any slack in the tape or string, but you also don't want it to be too tight against your skin. Place your finger or make a mark at the point where the end of the tape or string meets the remaining portion.- You may be tempted to add a little slack to increase your measurement, but remember that this opens you up to risk because your condom won't fit well. No one but you has to know your number, so be accurate.[4]
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Check the measurement. If you used a measuring tape, check the number on the tape itself. If you used a string, lay the portion that you wrapped around your penis on a ruler to get the measurement. Write this number down or note it somewhere, such as in your phone.- This is your girth measurement.[5]
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Convert your girth measurement to flat width to find the right size condom. Most condom manufacturers use a flat width measurement (the diameter of the condom when it’s laid flat) to describe the size of their products, rather than a penile girth or circumference measurement (although it’s handy to know both). To convert to width, divide your girth measurement by 2 for a close approximation.[6]- For example, if you measure a girth of 4.5 inches, you’d want to look for a condom with a flat (nominal) width of about 2.25 inches.
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Place a ruler or measuring tape against the base of your erect penis. Move aside any hair that covers the base. Rest it firmly against your skin, but don't press down on it.[7]- While it's possible to find a condom that fits well without measuring the length of your penis, most condoms include the length of the condom on the box. Knowing your length will allow you to choose between brands.
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Note the measurement. Take your measurement to the nearest ¼ inch or millimeter. Most condoms will include measurements that range in inches or centimeters, but it's good to know where you fall in that range.[10]- For example, if you are choosing between two lengths and your penis is 5.25 inches (13.3 cm), you may choose a condom that has a length measurement of 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) rather than one with a length of 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm).
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Look for a standard size if your width is between 2 to 2.2 inches (5.1 to 5.6 cm). Standard-sized condoms are the most prevalent, so you'll have many choices. You'll be able to find basic condoms as well as those with different textures, lubricants, or flavors. While they will be the same basic size, you may find that different brands fit a little differently. Although they will all be safe, you will want to look for one that is most comfortable for you.[11]- You can use the length measurement of your penis to choose a brand with a similar length.
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Get a small or snugger fit if your width measures less than 2 inches (5.1 cm). Most small condoms are labeled as “snugger fit.” While there are fewer readily available options, you can find selections from several major brands at either a drugstore or online.[12]- When choosing between brands, don't forget that you can look at the box to find the length of the condom.
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Try a larger size if your width is greater than 2.2 inches (5.6 cm). These condoms are often labelled as “magnum” or “XL.” You will not find as wide a variety as standard condoms, but they are easy to find in drugstores or online.[13]- If you are choosing between brands, remember to compare your length to the condom length listed on the box.
- Buying condoms that are too large is a common tendency among men. However, remember that you are exposing your partner and yourself to the consequences of unprotected sex if you are intentionally choosing condoms that are too big. Only buy large condoms if your girth is too thick for standard condoms, based on the measurement.
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Make sure the condom leaves space at the tip for your ejaculate. This will reduce the likelihood that the fluids rise up the sides of the condom and leak out. Some condoms will taper near the end to create the space. Otherwise, make sure to leave a gap at the top when you put on the condom.[14]- It's okay to have an extra length of condom rolled up at the base of your penis. If your girth requires a condom size that is longer than your length, just roll up the extra at the top until it fits.[15]
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Try a few different brands in your size to see which feels best for you. Even when you buy the right size, your comfort level, as well as your partner's, can vary depending on the type of condom you're wearing. It's a good idea to try different options to figure out which works best for you.[16]- Some condoms will fit tightly, while others may be tight near the base but loose over the top of the penis.
- Licensed psychosexual therapist Jacqueline Hellyer explains that “You can get variety packs [of condoms] that have a few different types in them. You can buy them in different sizes. You might want to try out a few sizes and see what's comfortable.”[17]
Use a Condom Safely and Effectively with this Expert Series
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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Some people recommend using a toilet paper roll as a quick way to find your size. Simply place a used toilet paper roll around your erect penis. If there is extra room, choose a snugger fit. If it fits well, you should choose a standard condom. If it's too tight, try a larger size.[18]Thanks
Warnings
- A condom that is too tight could break, which means you'll lose protection. A condom that is too big could slip off and have the same consequences.Thanks
- Choosing the wrong condom size can make sex less pleasurable.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape or string
- Ruler
References
- ↑ https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/how-do-i-know-what-kind-of-condoms-to-buy-for-my-boyfriend
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://www.chemist-4-u.com/guides/sexual-health/what-size-condom/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://london-andrology.co.uk/uro-genital-health/penis-enlargement/penis-size-frequently-asked-questions/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://www.chemist-4-u.com/guides/sexual-health/what-size-condom/
- ↑ https://www.chemist-4-u.com/guides/sexual-health/what-size-condom/
- ↑ https://www.chemist-4-u.com/guides/sexual-health/what-size-condom/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/condom-size-chart
- ↑ Jacqueline Hellyer. Licensed Psychosexual Therapist. Expert Interview
- ↑ https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/andrew-smiler-how-to-size-a-condom/
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
To determine your condom size, measure the girth of your penis by wrapping a measuring tape around the thickest part. Alternatively, use a piece of string to mark your girth and hold the string against a ruler. If your girth is between 2 and 2.05 inches, use standard size condoms. If it’s under 2 inches, go for a snug fit condom. Try an XL condom, which are often called magnums, for a girth over 2.05 inches. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and sizes to find a condom that fits you best. For more tips, including how to measure the length of your penis, read on!
