How Big Are Condoms? Condom Size Guide

One of the most important steps in using condoms correctly is choosing the right condom size. For maximum protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, you need a condom that fits securely and comfortably. Wearing an external condom that is too big can cause it to slip off, and wearing one that is too small can cause it to break.

If you’re wondering how big condoms are, condom size charts are an easy way to get a sense of the sizes you have to choose from. That said, to make the right choice, you need to do more than “eyeball it”—you will need to measure your penis.

This article will explain how to choose the right condom size. It also covers some condom features you may want to consider, such as materials, shapes, and lubrication.

Taking Your Measurements

To figure out which size condom you need, you will need to measure the width and length of your erect penis. Here’s how to measure your penis:

• Length: Hold one side of a ruler or tape measure on your pubic bone (the forward-facing bone in the center of your pelvis) and measure to the tip of your penis.
• Girth: Use a piece of string or a soft measuring tape. Gently wrap it around the thickest part of your erect penis. Measure the length of the string or tape measure.
• Width: To figure the width of your penis, divide the girth measurement by 3.14.

Once you have these two measurements, check different brands to choose an external condom that most closely matches your erect penis size.

External Condom Sizes

Condom manufacturers use different terms to describe external condom size, which can make selecting the right size tricky. One brand may call an external condom “large,” while another may label a condom that has the same measurements as “standard.”

Here are some general guidelines to help you make the right choice.

External Condom Width

The width of an external condom affects how well it stays on your penis. If it is too tight, the condom can be uncomfortable and break easily. If it’s too loose, it can slip off inside the vagina or rectum (possibly without you noticing). 

Use the width measurement of your penis to find the right size external condom:

• Close-fit external condoms: width of under 1.75 inches
• Standard fit external condoms: width of 1.75 inches to 2 inches
• Larger fit external condoms: width of over 2 inches

External Condom Length

An external condom should cover your whole penis but leave enough space at the tip to collect the semen that you ejaculate.

You can use these general guidelines for choosing an external condom based on length:

• Closer fit external condoms: length of 7 inches to 7.8 inches
• Standard fit external condoms: length of 7.25 inches to 7.8 inches
• Larger fit external condoms: length of 7.25 inches to 8.1 inches

Keep in mind that you may have different sizing options (and units of measurement) depending on where you’re buying condoms. 

When comparing external condom brands, check the package or manufacturer’s website to see if there is a reference guide to show what the different sizes are in inches. This will help you find the best-fitting option.

How to Choose the Best Condom Type

Once you know which condom size to look for, explore the brands that offer the size you need. You may want to try a few different brands and types of condoms to find one that gives you the best mix of fit, comfort, and sensitivity.

Besides size, there are a few other external condom features that you might want to consider.

Condom Materials

There are many materials used to make condoms. This gives the “feel” of different varieties and can also be useful if there are certain condoms you can’t wear (for example, if you’re allergic to latex). 

Common condom materials include:

• Latex
• Polyurethane
• Polyisoprene
• Lambskin

Try several external condoms made of different materials to figure out which one feels best. 

Design Features

You can find external condoms in all kinds of textures and shapes. As with materials, the different varieties offer different “feels” and experiences. 

Here are just a few examples of features you can explore when you’re buying condoms:

• Ribbed, studded, or “tickler” 
• Glow-in-the-dark and colored condoms
• Flavored or edible 
• Warming or tingling 
• Twisted or “pleasure-shaped” condoms

Pre-Lubricated Condoms

Many external condom brands, such as Trojan Double Ecstasy Condoms and LifeStyles Turbo Condoms, are pre-lubricated.

You can also use a personal lubricant on an external condom to improve the sensation and comfort of your partner. Just add a lubricant like Astroglide or K-Y Jelly to the outside of the external condom after you put it on.

However, be careful not to use too much lubricant, as it can cause the condom to slip off.

Silicone-based lubricants tend to stay slippery for longer than water-based ones do. While oil-based lubricants are also slippery, they should not be used on latex condoms because they can break down the material.

Condoms With Spermicide

You can also find condoms that have spermicide coated on them (usually, a chemical called nonoxynol-9 that kills sperm).

While spermicide helps protect against pregnancy and STIs, it can have an off taste and some people may find the chemical irritating. If you or a partner is sensitive to the chemical, spermicidal condoms might not be the best choice.

Summary

Once you know the length and width of your penis, you can select a correctly-sized external condom that is comfortable and offers full protection. Since external condom size descriptions can vary from brand to brand, you may want to buy several types of external condoms so you can compare how well they fit and feel.

Condom sizes may be different depending on the brand. It's important that the condom measurements match your penis size to make sure that you and your partner are protected during sex.