What Is The Average Erect Penis Size?

The numbers tend to vary regarding the average size of an erect penis.  However, the general consensus amongst studies on penis size is that the mean length is 5.1-5.9 inches (12.9-15 cm) with an average erect girth of 4.85 inches (12.3 cm).  There is no correlation between race and penis size.

Studies on Average Penis Size, Erect

The Journal of Urology published a study in 1996 entitled “Penile length in the flaccid and erect states: guidelines of penile agumentation,”claiming that average penis size was 5.08 inches (12.9 cm). The director of the Male Reproductive Center at New York’s Presbyterian Hospital, Dr. Harry Fisch, has claims that the statistical average penis size is 5.4 inches (13.7 cm) while most penises fall between 4 and 6 inches.  According to a Lifestyles Condom Company study from 2001, average penis size is 5.9 inches (14.9).  This study chose only college student volunteers on Spring Break and has, by far, the largest mean average penis size.

Studies on Average Penis Size, Flaccid

In the same Journal of Urology study noted above (from 1996) it was found that the average (statistical mean) penis size for a flaccid penis was 3.5 inches (8.9 cm).  The study also noted that the correlation between average length of a flaccid penis and average length of an erect penis was weak.  That is, some large flaccid penises grow very little when erect and some small flaccid penises can become very large when erect.  As such, flaccid penis size is actually a poor indicator of erect penis size.

Average Penis Size, Girth

Like studies on average penis length, studies on penis girth have yielded varied results. A Study from the University of California San Francisco revealed average penis girth to be 4.9 inches (12.44 cm) in circumference while another study from the Lifestyles Condom Company found average penile circumference to be 5 inches (12.6 cm).  The girth (circumference) measurement is taken as an average of three measures on an erect penis.  The erect penis is measured at the base of the penis, in the middle of the shaft, and just below the glands to get a composite measure.

How to Accurately Measure the Size of Your Penis

For men who are interested in measuring their penis to see how it compares to the average size, there are a few simple steps to take.  These steps are as follows:

1. Manually stimulate your penis until it is fully erect
2. Using an accurate tape measure, measure the length of your penis from the base (where your penis meets your body) to the tip
3. Measure the girth of your penis by taking circumference measures at base of the penis, in the middle of the shaft, and just below the glands.  Add the sum of these three measures and divide that sum by 3 to get your penis girth measure

Small Penis Syndrome

Small Penis Syndrome (SPS) is a condition in which men believe that their penis is smaller than it actually is or that they believe their penis is too small even though it isn’t.  The condition is caused by variety of factors including societal depictions of average penis size that are inflated, the perspective at which men view their penis being skewed to make the penis smaller, and insecurity.  This condition can be sexually debilitating for men.

Conclusions Regarding Average Penis Size

Average penis size is a fluid term.  There is a statistical mean that states the average male penis is 5.1 to 5.9 inches in length and then there is the way men perceive their penis to be the appropriate size or not.  Penis enlargement is not just for people with smaller than average penises.  Rather, penis enlargement is for all men who are unsatisfied with their penis size and believe they can make their penis better.