Condom Size Chart: Finding the Brand and Style That Fits Best

Condoms come in different sizes and are described with terms like "standard" and "regular" which may or may not mean the same thing. Even when a condom comes with a size chart, there can be variations between what "large" means with one brand and what "large" means with another.

Condom sizes are typically measured in millimeters (mm) and based on the nominal width (diameter) of the condom at its open end. If choose the correct size based on an accurate measurement of your penis, it should fit comfortably but snugly to better maximize pleasure and reduce the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HIV.

Why You Need to Size a Condom Correctly

Condoms are a form of barrier protection used to protect against pregnancy and STIs. External condoms are those that cover the penis which need to be sized. Internal condoms are those inserted into the vagina or rectum and don't need to be sized.

Sizing an external condom correctly can help you overcome two major problems:

• Condom slippage: Choosing a condom that is too large and loose can increase the chances it will fall off during sex. It can also leave gaps that allow semen to seep out the top.
• Condom breakage: Choosing a condom that is too small and tight not only increases the chance it will burst but can also cause significant discomfort for the user.

Choosing the correct condom size is essential for ensuring comfort, effectiveness, and safety.

How Condoms Are Sized

External condoms are sized based on the diameter of the opening, known as the nominal width. Based on the nominal width, the manufacturer will assign a condom to one of five size groups.

These groups may be described with a variety of different terms:

• Small (also "close-fit," "snug," "slender," or "slim")
• Regular (also "medium," "standard," "typical," "classic," or "average")
• Large (also "large format" or "magnum")
• Extra-Large (also "XL," "max," "maxi," "maximum," "jumbo," or "grand")
• Extra-Extra-Large (also "XXL" or "3X")

The condom sizes listed by a manufacturer may or may not refer to its length. With that said, condom length tends to be less important than the condom width.

Unless your penis is very long, most standard condoms will provide ample coverage, stretching to around 8 inches. (The average erect penis length is between 5.1 and 6 inches.)

If you happen to have a very long penis, there are brands available like Caliber 3X. On the off-chance a condom is too short, there is a chance that semen may squeeze out of the opening after ejaculation.

Condom Sizes

There is no industry standard for how condom sizes are labeled. With that said, most manufacturers in the United States describe their condom sizes as follows:

There are also custom condoms available with brands like MyOne that come in 10 different lengths and nine different widths for a total of 52 different sizes.

If you're unsure about which condom size to select, consult a healthcare provider or err on the side of caution and buy two different sizes to try on.

How to Correctly Measure Your Penis Size

External condoms work best if they fit snugly. This means that you need to do more just than eyeball the size of your penis; you need to measure it with a measuring tape.

The measurement needs to be taken when your penis is fully erect. This involves measuring both the length and girth (circumference). The girth can be used to calculate the nominal width.

Here is how it is done:

• Length: Hold the measuring tape against your pubic bone on the top side of your penis. Measure from the base to the tip of your penis.
• Girth: Snugly wrap the measuring tape around the thickest part of your penis just below the head.
• Nominal width: To calculate the width, divide the girth by 3.14. For example, if your penis girth is 5 inches, then the penis width would be 1.59 inches (5 inches ÷ 3.14 = 1.59 inches).

If you do not have a measuring tape, you can wrap a piece of the string around your penis and place it against a ruler to measure the girth.

Other Factors to Consider

Although size is central to the selection of a condom, other factors are important, including sensitivity and whether the condom is being used to prevent pregnancy, STIs, or both.

One of the first factors to consider is whether the condom has a reservoir tip. This is a nipple-like tip that "catches" semen as it is ejaculated. The vast majority of commercial condoms sold in the United States have reservoirs and, for safety's sake, it is best to avoid those that don't.

The type of material a condom is made of is also a major consideration. There are four types, each of which has its pros and cons:

• Latex: A natural rubber that most condoms are made of
• Lambskin: Made from the intestinal membrane of a lamb
• Polyurethane: Made from a type of plastic
• Polyisoprene: Made from a petroleum-based material with a similar chemical structure to latex

Other factors to consider include:

• Condom texture: Some people find textured or ribbed condoms stimulating, while others find them irritating.
• Scents or flavors: Flavored or scented condoms may hide the smell or taste of latex but cause irritation and may even promote a yeast infection.
• Lubrication: Some condoms are pre-lubricated for comfort. However, those containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9 can cause vaginal irritation.

Choosing a condom can take a process of trial and error to find the one that is safe and pleasurable for both of you. You can make the process more fun by trying out several brands during sex and narrowing them down to the one you like best.

Summary

It’s important to find a condom that is snug, secure, and comfortable. A condom that meets these criteria will increase pleasure and provide the best protection.

To determine which condom is best for you, start by measuring the length and girth of your penis. The right condom for you will provide better comfort and may prevent such accidents as the condom breaking or falling off.