How Big Are Condoms? Condom Size Guide

Using the wrong size can impact infection protection, birth control, and comfort

How to Choose the Correct Condom

Verywell / Alex Dos Diaz

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One of the most important steps in using condoms correctly is choosing the right condom size. 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.

For maximum protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, you need a condom that fits securely and comfortably. 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.

You may worry that you are too small for condoms, but there are many sizes of condoms that fit penises of all shapes and sizes. If you’re worried that condoms won’t be big enough, you can even find XL or wide condoms.

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.
  • Width (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.

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

How to Measure a Penis
Verywell / JR Bee

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.

What Is the Average Condom Size?

“Regular” or “standard” fit condoms are generally between 6.5–8 inches long and around 2 inches wide.

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 these guidelines to find an external condom by width:

  • 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

Why You Should Measure More Than Once

Once you’ve done all the measurements and calculations, do them again—preferably on different days and at different times (for example, when you’re rested compared to after a long day at work).

Your penis size isn’t always going to be the same, but you want to be sure that you’ve got the most accurate measurements you can get.

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.

Popular Condom Brand Size Chart
Brand Size Length Width
Durex Thin Feel Ultra Thin 7.08 inches 2.04 inches
Regular 7.68 inches 2.20 inches
  Comfort XL Large 8.66 inches 2.24 inches
Trojan Ultra Thin 7.48 inches 2.09 inches
Regular 7.48 inches 2.05 inches
Magnum Ecstasy 8.30 inches 2.09 inches
Lifestyles Closer Fit 7.09 inches 1.90 inches
Regular Fit 7.87 inches 2.05 inches
Larger Fit 8.27 inches 2.13 inches
Glyde Slimfit 6.69 inches 1.92 inches
Standard Fit 7.48 inches 2.09 inches
Maxi XL Fit 8.07 inches 2.20 inches
Skyn Close Feel 7.87 inches 2.00 inches
Original 7.87 inches 2.08 inches
Large 8.27 inches 2.20 inches
Caution Wear Iron Grip 6.70 inches 1.92 inches
Classic Plain 7.08 inches 2.20 inches
Grande 8.25 inches 4.24 inches

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.

External condoms are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and they must meet specific international standards.

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:

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.

How to Use a Condom Correctly

To make sure a condom works correctly, it's important to know if it's the right size and how to put it on correctly. Follow these steps to ensure the right fit:

  1. Look at the box and condom packet's label to make sure it’s the correct size. 
  2. When you take the condom out of the package, make sure that the rim is on the outside—you don’t want it to be inside out when you put it on.
  3. Pinch the top of the condom between your fingertips, but be careful not to poke it with your nail. You want to leave a little space at the end of the condom to collect semen. 
  4. Put the tip of your penis into the opening at the bottom of the condom, then carefully roll it down toward the shaft (a little lube can help here!). If the condom doesn’t feel “right”—it’s too tight or too loose—you may not have the best fit. 
  5. If you need to take the condom off, throw it away. Do not reuse it. If you have another box of condoms handy, try one of those instead to see if it fits better. 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are external condoms one-size-fits-all?

    Penises come in a wide range of lengths and widths, so condoms need to be in various sizes, too. In a study of more than 1,600 men penis length ranged from around 1.5 inches to a little over 10 inches. Penis circumference ranged from a bit more than 1 inch to about 7.5 inches.

  • What can happen if an external condom isn't the right size?

    If a condom does not fit, it can break or slip, increasing the risk of STIs and pregnancy.

    In one study, the risk of a standard external condom breaking increased by 50%-100% for each additional centimeter of penis circumference. An external condom that’s too big is more likely to slip.

  • Do I need to use a condom when using a sex toy?

    It is best to put a condom over any sex toy that goes into the anus or vagina or is shared with someone else. Penetrative sex toys can transmit STIs. Measure the toy’s length and width, then match it to the right size condom.

6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Herbenick D, Reece M, Schick V, Sanders SA. Erect penile length and circumference dimensions of 1,661 sexually active men in the United States. J Sex Med. 2014;11(1):93-101. doi:10.1111/jsm.12244

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Male (external) condom use.

  3. Food and Drug Administration. Latex condoms for men.

  4. Planned Parenthood. How do I get condoms?

  5. Planned Parenthood. What are the disadvantages of using spermicide?.

  6. Planned Parenthood. Can you get an STD by masturbating with objects?

By Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC
Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, is a published author, college professor, and mental health consultant with over 15 years of counseling experience.