How to Measure Penis Size Properly

Ever wondered how to measure penis size?  Measuring penis size can be difficult for some who may not know the specific techniques for doing so. Many men wonder how to measure it properly in order to ensure that they are comparing “apples to apples” when determining their average size.  Whether it’s for fun, comparison, diagnosing medical issues or seeking penis enlargement, knowing how to do it accurately is important to ensure you get it right.  Accurate measurement of penis size is key for practical reasons such as condom fitting or assessing health issues. In this guide on measuring your size therefore, we will cover all the bases you need to know.

How to Prepare Before Measuring Your Size

Before you begin checking the size of your penis, it’s important to set the stage for accuracy by ensuring you have all the right equipment and are using the right techniques.  For starters, make sure your penis is fully erect. This is because measuring penis size when flaccid can vary substantially due to shrinkage and the fact that on any given man, the flaccid size varies greatly throughout the day.  Since the goal is to measure for potential comparisons, it’s important we do so using standard procedures. Additionally, ensure the room is at the right temperature since cold can shrink your size. It goes without saying that you should choose a private area where you won’t be interrupted. This helps you achieve a full erection and measure everything without distractions. Lastly, have a ruler or a flexible measuring seamstress type tape ready.

Measuring Penis Length

To measure the length of your penis accurately, do the following:

1. Ensure Full Erection: Measuring penis size needs to be done with a fully erect penis.
2. Position the Ruler: Put the end of the ruler at the base of your penis where it meets your pubic bone (pubis). Press gently to account for any fat pad that may be there. This method, often called ‘bone-pressed’ penis measurement is standard used in most studies.
3. Measure Along the Top: Extend the ruler straight along the top of the penis to the tip of the glans (the head). If your penis has any sort of curves or is for any reason not 100% straight, you might need to use a flexible measuring tape to follow the contour.
4. Record the Measurement: Note the length in centimeters or inches, depending on your preference or familiarity.  Most people in the United States will be familiar with inches but many studies may quote centimeters.  The conversion is 1 inch per 2.54 centimeters.

It’s important to measure along the top because this is the standard technique to ensure consistency in studies and comparisons.

Penis Girth

Girth refers to the circumference or width of the penis. Measuring the girth is somewhat trickier than length due to the non perfect cylindrical shape of the penis:

1. Use a Flexible Tape: A flexible measuring tape works best for measuring penis girth. If you don’t have one, you can use a string and then after you’ve marked the length of the string, measure the string with a ruler. This will give you the girth measurement of penis size.
2. Find the Thickest Part: Typically, the thickest part is the middle of the shaft. You can also measure at the base or near the glans though for more reference points which you can then average.
3. Wrap the Tape Snugly: Wrap the tape around the penis, keeping it snug but not tight. It should feel comfortable, not constricting.
4. Record the Measurement: Note the girth in centimeters or inches.

In terms of measuring penis girth size, some people prefer to take multiple girth measurements along the shaft and average them for a more exact measurement. For example, you would measure at the base and near the glans and then divide the sum by two.   This can offer a more specific or detailed measurement of your girth profile and a general increase in accuracy of penis size measurement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Penis Size

When measuring the length or girth of the penis, it’s easy to make  mistakes which can result in sub par, inaccurate results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Measuring from the Wrong Point: Always measure from the base along the top. Measuring from the side or bottom can make the length appear larger than it actually is.
• Not Being Fully Erect: Measuring penis size when not fully erect can falsely show as smaller than actual, thereby making comparisons difficult.
• Pulling Too Hard: Stretching the penis unnaturally can overestimate length. Let it rest naturally (yet be erect) during the measuring process.
• Ignoring Curvature: If your penis curves, a straight ruler might miss the true length. A flexible tape or string is better.
• Using the Wrong Tool: A rigid ruler isn’t ideal for measuring girth size or curved penises. Find a flexible tape if needed.

Interpreting Your Measurements

Once you have learned to how to measure your penis size, it’s time to figure out what the measurements mean. It’s worth noting that penis size varies widely among individuals, and there’s no universal “normal” or “ideal” size. Studies suggest however that the average erect penis length is around 13-14 cm (5-5.5 inches), and average girth is about 12 cm (4.7 inches). These are just averages or benchmarks however so many men will fall outside this range. If size does concern you, a healthcare professional such as an Upsize doctor can offer guidance and options.