Condom Size Guide: How To Choose the Right Condom Size for You

Chances are, if you are looking at this condom size guide article, you are probably searching for info about the different sizes of condoms and how to choose the right fit for you. Luckily you landed in the right place. We are about to explore various condom sizes and how to measure your erect penis for the perfect fit.

Plus we’ve added a handy-dandy Condom Size Chart (at the bottom) to take the guesswork out of finding the best condoms based on size. And we have invited some sex experts to answer all your condom size FAQs! So read on to find out about the different size condoms to choose from. You can also learn how to use a condom in this article.

What are the benefits of using the right size of Condom?

What about small-size condoms? What are the potential issues with wearing a condom that is too small?

Sarah Martin says: “Too-small condoms are at risk of breaking, which puts you and your partner potentially at risk of STIs or, if you are with a partner that can conceive, at risk of an unwanted pregnancy.”

Increase your comfort level

While protecting yourself against STIs and pregnancy are common worries, Amanda says, “Wearing the appropriate size condom can be more pleasurable too!”

Sarah Marin explains why: “Using condoms that are too small is uncomfortable - it can pinch and pull on your skin in unpleasant, sometimes painful ways. If using a condom actively feels bad, you're less likely to be consistent using condoms. Also, condom breaks hurt! It's like having a rubber band snap against your very sensitive parts. Finally, too-small condoms cause extra trouble for people with foreskin. A right-sized condom allows enough space for your foreskin to move, which is an important component of experiencing pleasure during condom sex.”

Should we worry about large-size Condoms? What happens when you wear a Condom that is too large?

“Too-large condoms have drawbacks, too. They are more likely to slip off during play, putting you and your partner potentially at risk of STIs and, where relevant, unwanted pregnancy,” says Sarah Martin. “The extra material can also be uncomfortable for your partner on penetration, especially if you aren't using additional lube. The condom can bunch, pinch, and pull at your partner's skin. A too large condom, finally, can make it harder to feel a pleasurable sensation.”

That makes sense!

Amanda Moser adds: “A condom that is too big may fall off and can possibly be left inside of your partner (and not provide any protection).”

Yes, that’s scary! A game of “find the lost condom” is not one anyone wants to play! Ensuring the correct condom width is critical for a safe and enjoyable experience.

If you are new to condoms, check out Lovehoney’s Beginner's Guide to Condoms for more tips.

Right size of Condom = natural feeling

Choosing the right-sized condom feels good and leads to more pleasurable sex during penetration. However, the wrong size could cause irritation and erectile issues.

Sarah Martin tells us why: “Wearing condoms that aren't a good fit reduces the pleasure you're able to experience from penetrative sex. If sex doesn't feel good, it's totally logical that you may lose your erection or be unable to ejaculate. I wouldn't call this erectile dysfunction, though. I'd call it ‘condom selection dysfunction’ - something that is really easy to fix!”

Can a too-small Condom cause medical problems?

“Wearing the wrong-size condom can affect erectile abilities and ejaculation. Trying different sizes and brands of condoms can help discover which works best for you,” says Amanda Moser.

Sarah Martin says: “Most of the time, when someone injures themselves with a condom it relates back to improper use - for example, putting on a condom earlier in the day in anticipation of sex and wearing it for many hours. In the context of inappropriate use, having a condom that is too small could certainly exacerbate the problems that can arise. That said, a too-small condom breaking and snapping can cause an injury (bruising) to yourself or your partner.”

Safe sex life

Using condoms on a regular basis - the right way all the time - is one of the fundamentals for good sexual health. What are the best practices for using condoms safely?

“Use a new condom each time; put your condom on when you have an erection; remove it after you have ejaculated or after you have decided you are done having penetration sex for that session; and discard your condom after use,” says Sarah Martin.

Great advice! Okay, let’s learn how to choose the right condom size for you below.

How do I know my Condom size?

Gone are the days of using condoms made of sheep bladders and goats’ intestines. Yes, that was a thing… Condoms are no longer one-size-fits-all.

Luckily, finding the right size is much easier than ever, especially with our handy-dandy, condom size chart below. But first, let’s find out how big condoms are, and the different-sized condoms you should be aware of, including the dimensions of regular-size condoms.

Finding your measurements

So, how big is your John Willie? To find the right size condom, we need to figure out what size your penis is first. Be sure to grab a measuring tape as we'll be using no guestimates to measure condom size!

Here’s how to figure out the actual length and girth of your penis. Keep in mind that you need to measure yourself while you have a full erection.

• Length: With a cloth measuring tape (the kind you find in a sewing kit) or using a string, measure from the base of the erect penis topside, pressing against the pubic bone, in a straight line down the shaft to the tip of the head of your penis. Voila! That is your penis length.
• Girth: Using the same tape measure or string, wrap it around your penis where it is thickest, which will be closest to the base. That will be the girth or circumference size of your penis.

Now, use the Condom Size Chart below to check the different brands and choose the best condom for you.

Still confused? No problem. Check out our YouTube video on How to Measure Your Penis For a Condom, where Anabelle Knight explains what you can expect from the different types of condoms and gives you a quick and handy life hack for finding the right-size condom for you.

Condom size chart with all Condom sizes

This condom size chart shows what size condoms to buy for your penis length and circumference including:

• Average condom size (or standard condom size).
• Large condoms size and extra large condom sizes.
• Measurements of condom length and width.
• Features some of the most popular condom brands.

What about Extra-Long Condoms?

If you need extra length and girth, the Trojan Magnum Large BareSkin Extra Thin is one of the largest-sized condoms built for extra-large penis sizes.

What are the most popular types of Condoms?

Ultra-thin condoms are the most popular type of condom, as you can see from the above chart. Most brands have their own form of ultra-thin, or micro-thin, latex sheaths for increased sensitivity and pleasure for the wearer.

Alternately, for penis owners who struggle with premature ejaculation, using a thicker condom can help lessen sensitivity and make you last longer. Many of these types of condoms are also coated with climax control lubricant to aid in desensitizing the penis for longer endurance. Some of these condoms are also ribbed, adding to the pleasure of the wearer’s partner as well. Check out our article on How to Delay Ejaculation.

Other things to consider when choosing the best Condom for you

Using the right condom is essential in staying protected. Here are the most common condom problems to avoid:

One study notes that condom errors and problems reported by men attending an STD clinic observed that 19% of cases were associated with fit and feel problems, 15% involved breakage, 14% involved lost erection, 9% associated with lost erection during application, 8% involved slippage during withdrawal, and 7% involved slippage during sex. The CDC also warns that incorrect use diminishes the protective effect of condoms by causing condom breakage, slippage, or leakage.

Most common errors associated with Condom use

• Using the wrong size
• Not using one during the whole sexual encounter
• Not leaving enough space or squeezing the air from the tip
• Not using the correct kind of lube
• Putting a condom on inside out
• Improper withdrawal, leading to leakage
• Using expired condoms, which can also lead to breakage

A condom won’t work if it is used incorrectly. So, make sure you know How to Put on a Condom correctly!

Using a good water-based lubricant with a condom is also one of the best ways to avoid breakage during sex. Stay away from oil-based lubes, which can deteriorate the latex condoms, making them less effective.

Should you always wear a Condom?

“Unless you and your partner have agreed to be fluid bonded and have explicitly agreed to stop using condoms - yes, you should always wear one during sexual play. This will be an individual negotiation between you and your partner(s). This is one reason why you will do your sex life a massive favor if you find condoms that are the perfect fit for you!” says Sarah Martin.

Make sure to explore the various condom sizes and read the information about the brands before you choose a condom. As we have now learned, not all condoms are the same and there is a wide variation in sizes and the perfect fit.