Key takeaways
- Penis size varies by genetics, age, puberty, and geographic location, and it can look different when flaccid, stretched, or erect.
- A 2025 review found average erect length was 13.84 cm (5.4 inches) with 11.9 cm (4.7 inches) circumference, but averages vary by location.
- A penis can seem smaller due to conditions like buried penis, webbed penis, chordee, Peyronie’s disease, erectile dysfunction (ED), or obesity.
Many people with a penis desire a bigger penis, regardless of whether they think their penis size is average or not. And, some people believe they have a small penis when it’s actually within the average range.
This article will look at the science behind the average penis size, how to measure your penis, and the conditions that can cause a penis to be or seem smaller than usual.
Several studies over the years have attempted to give a definite number for the average penis size. However, it’s difficult to determine the average because it largely varies by geographic location.
The table below shows the average penis lengths and circumferences in centimeters (cm) and inches, based on the results of a 2025 review in 36,883 people with a penis globally:
| Penis state | Length | Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Flaccid | 9.22 cm (3.6 inches) | 9.1 cm (3.6 inches) |
| Stretched | 12.84 cm (5 inches) | N/A |
| Erect | 13.84 cm (5.4 inches) | 11.9 cm (4.7 inches) |
These figures are similar to those found in a 2023 study, which examined the average penis length in 55,761 adults globally. These averages were:
- Flaccid: 8.7 cm (3.4 inches)
- Stretched: 12.9 cm (5 inches)
- Erect: 13.9 cm (5.5 inches)
Despite the similarity of these studies, it’s important to note that average sizes differ from one place to another.
Collectively, average measurements from similar studies set a good average and are important to have, but there’s always more to know.
Perspective on penis size
The sizes of “small” and “large” penises in studies are relative, and they’re only based on group samples — even in a study where more than 55,000 people were measured.
Aside from figures, sociocultural expectations purported in the media and pornography create unrealistic perceptions of how big a penis should be.
These ideals are often fabrications, rather than realities. But they can create feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, and dissatisfaction that can affect your quality of life.
If your penis is slightly smaller than these figures or appears smaller than those in the media, it doesn’t mean you have a “small” penis, nor does it mean a partner won’t be satisfied with it.
In fact, a 2006 study found that 55% of people with a penis reported being dissatisfied with its size, but 85% of their partners were indeed satisfied.
Research only captures a tiny proportion of those with a penis globally, and media portrayals of size aren’t realistic and shouldn’t be considered the “norm.”
Micropenis is a medical term used to describe a penis that’s much shorter than the average length for your age group and geographic region.
People sometimes use this term to refer to a small penis in general, but this is incorrect. A micropenis measures the stretched penile length, and is diagnosed when the penis
- Newborns: 2 cm (0.8 inches)
- Children (5 years old): 3.5 cm (1.4 inches)
- Adults: 7.5 cm (2.95 inches)
Micropenis is rare, affecting
Several other genetic and hormonal conditions are associated with micropenis, including hypogonadism, hypopituitarism, and growth hormone deficiency, among others.
In most cases, micropenis is diagnosed at birth.
Several other penile and general health conditions may cause the penis to appear smaller than it is when it’s flaccid or erect.
Buried penis
A buried penis, sometimes referred to as a “hidden penis,” is primarily caused by an excessive accumulation of skin and fat around the penis. The penis may be buried, or hidden, beneath the abdomen, scrotum, or even thigh.
In most cases, the penis is a normal length and functions properly. But, buried penis
Webbed penis
A webbed penis occurs when the skin of the scrotum is attached high on the penis. This can affect the angle at which the penis rests, causing it to appear “webbed” and shorter than it is.
It’s usually congenital, which means you’re born with it. But sometimes, complications from penile surgery, like circumcision, could cause a webbed penis.
Chordee
Chordee is a penile condition in which the penis curves sharply up or down, usually at the glans (head) penis. While it doesn’t directly affect the penis length, it might lead you to
This condition is most often congenital, which means you’re born with it.
Peyronie’s disease
Peyronie’s disease is a penile condition that causes the penis to curve during erections, which can be painful. It’s caused by a
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition
ED can’t “shrink” the size of your penis, but you might feel like it’s become smaller if you can no longer achieve the same erections as you were once able to.
Many factors can contribute to ED,
- lifestyle factors, such as smoking, not getting enough sleep, and relationship problems
- having a medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or depression
- taking certain medications, such as antihypertensives, antihistamines, and antidepressants
Obesity
Obesity is a chronic health condition that’s characterised by having excess fat.
Some research found that having obesity during childhood and adolescence can impact testosterone development and decrease penile length by
Having obesity can also make your penis look smaller due to excess fat surrounding the penis area.
Here’s how to get an accurate measurement of your penis:
- You will need to have either a tape measure or a ruler on hand.
- To measure the length, start your measurement at the base of the penis, where the penis meets the pubic bone.
- Run the ruler or tape measure along the full length of the penis from the base to the tip (glans). Do not measure excess foreskin length.
- To measure the girth, wrap a flexible tape measure around the shaft of the penis at the base or around the midpoint between the base and head.
- If you are measuring your penis flaccid, be careful not to pull on or stretch it, as this can potentially cause injury.
Penises come in many different shapes and sizes, and there’s no “perfect” size.
Consider connecting with a mental health specialist if you’re concerned about the size of your penis or if it causes negative emotions that might lead you to avoid engaging in sexual activity with others, even if you want to.
Talk therapy can help you identify, understand, and manage negative thoughts or behaviors associated with penis size.
If you suspect that you have an underlying condition like micropenis or buried penis, or you are experiencing obesity or ED, connect with a primary care physician (PCP). They can help manage a variety of health conditions and help you understand the size of your penis compared to those in your general population.
Some nonsurgical penis enlargement treatments may help increase the size of your penis,
A doctor may also recommend hormonal therapies to manage micropenis penis or ED, such as testosterone therapy.
It’s important to note that medical interventions like penis enlargement surgeries are only recommended for people with a condition like micropenis or Peyronie’s disease.
You can connect with a mental health therapist or PCP in your local area, or you can connect with someone over the phone or online via video conferences.
Remember, penis size doesn’t necessarily determine sexual attractiveness, function, or pleasure. Being open and communicative with a partner can help ease feelings of anxiety and let you both get in the mood. Open up about how you feel, and use sex toys and fingers instead of only your penis.
Many people with a penis are concerned about its size, but research has shown that most people have an average-sized penis.
Penises come in all different shapes and sizes. There’s no one perfect penis, and size doesn’t determine your sexual attractiveness or self-worth.
If your penis is much smaller than the average size, there are interventions that can help promote a positive and fulfilling sex life. If you’re still concerned with your penis size or feel that it’s affecting your sex life, reaching out to a sex therapist can help.