Finding the right size condom can help ensure protection against pregnancy and STDs. It’s important to know how to measure correctly and be willing to experiment with different types and brands.
Start by measuring the girthiest part of your fully erected penis along its base or middle. Then, divide that number by 3.14 to get your circumference or diameter measurement, which is what most condom packages refer to as the ‘nominal width’.
Length
As you’ve likely gathered, the length of a condom is important—but it’s not the only thing to take into account. You’ll also want to consider its width, or circumference/girth. For this, you’ll need a tape measure or piece of string and a ruler to do the measuring. To get the most accurate results, it’s best to make sure your penis is fully erect when you measure.
Most condoms have a number on the package that indicates their nominal width—or how wide it is when laid flat. This measurement is useful, because it’s relatively easy to use in conjunction with other measurements to determine if a particular condom will fit you. To find out your condom size, simply divide the nominal width by 2.
But while this may seem simple enough, figuring out exactly what size condom you need can still be complicated. This is because many brands offer different sizes—ranging from standard to Magnum-sized condoms—and one manufacturer’s tight or standard fit will be completely different than another brand’s. Fortunately, however, most condoms now come with more detailed measurement information than ever before. In fact, you can now find your exact size by using a condom-size calculator. For example, the MyONE app offers 10 length options and 9 width options for a total combination of 52 custom-fit condom sizes.
Width
With condoms no longer ranging in just two sizes, finding the right fit is crucial for both pleasure and safety. A condom that is too tight can cause abrasions, while a condom that is too loose can slip off inside the vagina or rectum during sexual intercourse.
The width of a condom can also affect its fit. The base flat width (sometimes referred to as the nominal width in packaging) is the distance across the condom base/ring from side to side. This measurement is generally more important than the circumference or girth, since condoms are designed to stretch and accommodate a range of widths.
To find out your condom size, take a flexible measuring tape or piece of string and wrap it around your fully erect penis at the thickest part of the shaft. Then, use a calculator or plug your measurements into one of the condom sizing calculators like MyOne’s to get your size code and find your perfect fit.
While it may sound weird, it’s a good idea to measure your penis at different times and on different days to ensure accuracy. This is especially true for girth, as your size can change throughout the day and during intimate activities. For example, your girth can increase while you’re eating or drinking, or it can decrease during sexual activity.
Circumference
Condom size is just as important as length and width when it comes to having a safe and effective sex experience. If a condom is too small it restricts blood flow and limits sensation during intercourse. If a condom is too large it can slip around during intercourse and potentially cause infection. Luckily, there are ways to make sure you get the right fit every time.
A great way to figure out which size of external condom you need is by measuring the circumference of your penis. You can do this with a piece of string or a soft tape measure. Simply wrap the string or tape measure around the thickest part of your erect penis and take note of the circumference. Once you know your circumference, simply compare it to the standard condom size chart on the box.
Another good way to test your girth is by saving an empty toilet paper roll and sliding it over your erect penis. If the paper tube is too tight, you should go for a snug or extra-thick condom, while if it’s too loose, you should go with a standard or regular condom. Just keep in mind that circumference is more important than length, so you may find that a regular condom is too small for you even though it’s the correct size by circumference.
Lubrication
A condom that’s the wrong size can have all kinds of problems, from slipping off to breaking inside you. But even more important than that, a mismatched condom can limit the feel-good sensations of sex. Approximately 83% of men wear the wrong-sized condoms, putting themselves at risk for STIs and pregnancy. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you’re wearing the right ones at all times.
The length and girth of a condom can affect how it fits and feels on the penis, but so do other factors like material, shape, and lubrication. So once you’ve figured out which sizes work best, don’t settle for one brand at random. There are a number of different varieties that come in all sorts of flavors, textures, colors, and warming elements.
When you’re shopping for condoms, use a flexible tape measure or piece of string to wrap around the girth (the thickest part) of your fully erect penis at the base or middle, White says. You can also find condom size calculators online that let you know which types of external condoms will fit you based on your measurements. Once you’ve got your length and girth measurements, compare them to the specifications on the packaging of each brand’s products. Then try on the different styles to see how they feel and fit on your dick.
