Male Anatomy

PENIS SIZE QUESTIONS

Penis Size and Length Answers for Adults and Mature Teenagers

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All questions listed below are answered at the bottom of this page.
You can click on a link to jump to a specific question:
(1)  What is the average size of an adult penis?

(2)  What are the average penis lengths for ages 11 to 19?

(3)  How can I make my penis bigger?

(4)  How can I make my penis grow faster?

(5)  Will masturbation reduce length or size of my penis?

(6)  Is six inches small for an erection?

(7)  I am about three inches soft and about five inches erect. Is this normal?

(8)  I want to increase my penis size up to seven or eight inches. Is there any way?

(9)  I'm about seven inches long and two inches wide, but I masterbate about three to four times a day. I think it looks too big. Will it get bigger?

(10)  I went to my doctor and he said everything was normal down there. So I took matter into my own hands. I heard GinkoBiloba increased blood circulation in the penis.

(11)  I'm 18 and my penis is about 4½ inches when erect. Can it still grow? Should I see a doctor?

(12) I am 13 years old my penis is about 2 1/4 inches when I have an erection. It is one inch when soft. Is this normal? Will it grow more?

(13)  What is a microphallus or microphallic penis?

(14)  I am average size, but isn't there anything I can do to increase my penis size?

(15)  How do I know if a penis enlargement product is a scam? (16)  Wouldn't it be worth it to try several different penis enlargement products?

Public editorial entries

Recommended Additional Information Links


(1c) QUESTION:   How long is the average adult penis? -- Flaccid? Erect?
ANSWER: The average adult penis is about 2 to 4 inches (5 - 10 cm) when flaccid [non-erect]. There is also a great deal of flaccid variation in each person. Personal variation may depend a great deal on temperature, mood, and position. It is not abnormal for a penis to shrink to 1 inch (2½ cm) or less when the body is cold, nervous, anxious, depressed, or sick. The adult penis is usually about 5 to 7 inches when erect [hard]. In metric, that is about 12½ to 17½ centimeters when erect. Penis size variation depends on genetics, DNA, level of development, and how you choose to measure the penis.

Below are a few studies that were conducted in the past. In all cases where medical staff measured the erect penis length, the average length was below six inches. However, in every case where the surveys rely on self-measurement and voluntary reporting, the average jumped to over six inches:

Survey Name

Average Length
Inches**

Average Length
Centimeters

Kinsey Institute for Sex Report
(Self-reported measurement)

6.2 inches
( 6 and 3/16ths" )

15.7 cm

Durex Internet Survey
(Self-reported measurement)

6.4 inches
( 6 and 6/16ths" )

16.3 cm

California University, S.F.
(60 men measured by staff)

5.1 inches
( 5 and 2/16ths" )

13.0 cm

September 1996 Journal of Urology
(Measured by staff)

5.0 inches
12.9 cm
December 2000 International Journal of Impotence Research
(55 men measured by staff)
5.35 in
13.6 cm
Brazilian Urologist
(150 men measured by staff)

5.7 inches
( 5 and 11/16ths" )

14.5 cm

** Some inch rulers use sixteenths (16th) increments rather than tenths.
Top numbers are inches and tenths noted in decimal. Bottom numbers are inches and sixteenths noted in 16ths"
You need to count how many lines there are between each inch on your ruler to determine if it measures by tenths or 16ths"


(2c) QUESTION:   What are the average penis lengths for young men ages 11 to 19?
ANSWER: Some penises might be fully grown by age 16, but there are many late developers. In fact, our survey on male development indicates almost 25% of men consider themselves "late bloomers". It is difficult to say what the normal size for a penis is among males ages 11 to 17 because these ages are the major growth years. The penis might change a lot within one year.

If you notice no growth at all by age 16 or 17, you may wish to call a doctor and ask about "body growth and development". If you have signs of growth in the teenage years such as: bodily hair, penis growth, voice deepening, and increases in height, you are probably in the middle of growing, and you should see more changes within the next year.

We have had an overwhelming demand for answers on the topic of "average penis size for teen males". After much debate and careful consideration, we have decided to publish a table of average erect penis size by age. The following table is a collection of average measurements from doctors and medical specialists. The doctors do not measure boys' penises while they have erections. The length of the erect penis can be determined by stretching the flaccid penis from the tip as far out as it will comfortably extend from the body. It is then measured from the tip to the base while flaccid (and still extended). The measurement is then taken for the medical records of boys who have had developmental concerns, urogenital diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, or penis injuries. It does not take long to determine averages and normal variations when doctors see hundreds or thousands of patients per year.

Approximate Average Erect Penis Length By Age:
Notes on this table:
(1) FACT:  Measurements can vary greatly in all males depending on where you measure from.
(2) FACT:  There is no universally accepted way to measure penis length. Results will vary depending on if you measure along the top, bottom, or side. Your position (sitting, standing, laying) will also cause measurement variations.
(3) FACT:  A significant number of men experience penis growth after age 19

(4) FACT:  Penis growth among teens differs widely. For a young male, trying to interpret a table of averages is not necessarily easy nor beneficial. Young men who read this may try to make comparisons with themselves and this table. We advise any concerned teen (or concerned parent) to use this table only as "average reference". Remember, when an "average measurement" is listed, that means approximately 50% of all young men are shorter than this number (and about 50% are larger). Less than 1% of males are exactly average. That means less than 1 out of 100 men will match the average number exactly. Beware that averages are actually known as "statistical means" and they are typically used in the context of medicine and statistical sciences rather than personal counseling. Nevertheless, the table can still be used as a good reference for average penis growth over time.
(5) FACT:  An erect penis that is approximately 8 cm (about 3 inches) is long enough to be fully functional and capable for use in sexual and reproductive circumstances.
Although most adult males are longer than 8 cm, anything longer is just excess in reality!
(6) FACT: Inches and centimeters are different. Measuring by inches is more complicated than centimeters. See explanation below the chart.

 Age

Erect Length
(inches)**

Erect Length
(centimeters)

11

3.0"
3 and 0/16ths"

7.5 cm

12

3.8"
3 and 13/16ths"

9.6 cm

13

4.8"
4 and 13/16ths"

12.3 cm

14

5.4"
5 and 6/16ths"

13.6 cm

15

5.6"
5 and 10/16ths"

14.3 cm

16

5.7"
5 and 11/16ths"

14.5 cm

17

5.8"
5 and 13/16ths"

14.8 cm

18

5.8"
5 and 13/16ths"

14.8 cm

19 +

5.9"
5 and 14/16ths"

14.9 cm

** Some inch rulers use sixteenths (16th) increments rather than tenths.
Top numbers are inches and tenths noted in decimal. Bottom numbers are inches and sixteenths noted in 16ths".
You need to count how many lines there are between each inch on your ruler to determine if it measures by tenths or 16ths.

NOTE: The table above is a collection of measurements from doctors and pediatric physicians. They do not measure the boys' penises while they have erections. The length of the erect penis can be determined by stretching the flaccid penis from the tip as far out as it will comfortably extend. It is then measured from the tip to the base while flaccid (and still extended). The measurement is then taken for the medical records of boys who have had developmental concerns, urogenital diseases, or penis injuries. It does not take long for a group of physicians to determine averages and normal variations when they see hundreds of patients per year.


(3c) QUESTION:   How can I make my penis bigger?
ANSWER:   There is no proven way to increase the size of the penis. All items for sale on the Internet that claim to increase penis size are scams or "gimmicks". This website has spent a great deal of time and money to investigate all the possibilities. If there was a true and proven way for men to increase the size of their penises, we would tell you right now for free. We are 100% certain that there are no products for sale on the Internet that actually work. Some types of surgery may help if a man has a microphallus.
(4c) QUESTION:   How can I make my penis grow faster? My penis length is 5.5 inches.
ANSWER:    5½ inches is well within the average range for a normal adult penis. There is no proven way to increase the size of the average penis. Items or techniques on the market that claim to increase the rate of penis growth are scams or "gimmicks". If there was a known and proven way for us to increase the size of our penises, we would probably ALL be using it already.
(5c) QUESTION:   Will masturbation reduce length or size of my penis?
ANSWER: No, masturbation or sex does not affect the length or size. The sizes of all your body parts (including the penis) are controlled by genetics (DNA) and glands in your brain. One such growth gland is called the Pituitary Gland. Masturbation before, during, or after puberty will also not affect the size.
(6c) QUESTION:   Is six inches small for an erection?
ANSWER:    No.
(7c) QUESTION:   I am about three inches soft and about five inches erect. Is this normal?
ANSWER:    Yes.
(8c) QUESTION:   I want to increase my penis size up to seven or eight inches. Is there any way?
ANSWER:    Once again -- There is no proven way to increase penis size. The size of the penis is determined by genetics and the glands in the brain.
(9c) QUESTION:   I'm about seven inches long and two inches wide, but I masterbate about three to four times a day. I think it looks too big. Will it get bigger? And if I keep masterbating will it be unhealthy?
ANSWER:    Masturbation is not making it big. Seven inches is at the larger end of the average range. It probably will not grow much more. A moderate amount of masturbation is normal and may actually have some health benefits for the prostate gland and reproductive system, but it has nothing to do with your size.
(10c) QUESTION:  My penis is about five inches long. I went to my doctor and he said everything was normal down there. So I took matter into my own hands. I heard GinkoBiloba increased blood circulation down there, so I been taking that for about a month. What should I do? And what can I do to increase my size? Will GinkoBiloba work? I just want to be average and I want to have more self confidence.
ANSWER:    I don't think Ginkgo Biloba is going to increase your penis size. Even if it doesn't, five inches is within average range. Penis erections even smaller than yours can function quite normally. The Ginkgo Biloba could possibly have effects that might increase your energy or sexual libido, but it won't make your penis grow.
(11c) QUESTION:   (1) I'm 18 and my penis is about 4.5 inches when erect. Will it still grow or is that is long as it will get? (2) Should I see a doctor? (3) Is there anything I can do to try to make it bigger? (4) I heard that fat padding around the penis can make it shrink. (5) What about the different ways of measuring a penis? Maybe I am measuring it in a way that makes it appear short.
ANSWER:    (1) The penis can grow after age 18, but there is no way for someone answering questions on a website to predict whether it will or not. (2) You can see a doctor to have your hormone levels tested to make sure your developing properly. But if it is 4½ inches long, it is actually long enough to be fully functional. Individual with developmental problems can sometimes get drug-hormone treatment to increase secondary sex characteristics and possibly make the penis bigger. But you probably have nothing to worry about. (3) As several answers above indicate: there is no proven way that you can increase your penis size by yourself. If there was, everyone would already know about it. If you see an ad for a product that promises to increase penis size, you might want to remember "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't true." (4) If you have "fat padding" around the pubic area, it can make the penis appear to measure smaller. (5) Maybe you will get a longer measurement if you lay down on your back, point your penis towards your belly, and measure the entire hard length of under-side from the testicles to the tip
(13c) QUESTION:   What exactly is a microphallus? Where can I get more information on the Web about the microphallic?
ANSWER:  An adult microphallus is (fully-grown) male erect penis that is under 3 inches (or about 8 cm). Here is a website where a medical doctor explains microphallus in adults: Henry Ford Health System: Microphallus. However, the condition is usually detected when a boy is an infant. Here is a website that goes into more detail on the science of microphallic infants: eMedicine: Infant Microphallus

(12c) QUESTION:   I am 13 years old my penis is about 2 1/4 inches when I have an erection. It is one inch when soft. Is this normal? Will it grow more?
ANSWER: Yes, normal and Yes, it will probably grow more if you are age 13 as you can see from the chart above.
(14c) QUESTION:  I realize I am average size, but isn't there ANYTHING that I can do or buy to increase my penis size?
ANSWER:     Not really. If you surf the Internet for places trying to sell products for penis enlargement, you will find a lot of them. I have yet to see any that actually work. These advertisers are making money by causing men to feel they are inferior when they really aren't. Beware of certain promising language when buying anything that seems "too good to be true"
(15c) QUESTION:  How do I know if a penis enlargement product is a scam?
ANSWER:  ALL penis enlargement pills, tablets, capsules, caplets, pulvules, drugs, medicines, remedies, formulas, tonics, liquids, supplements, herbs, mixtures, ointments, lotions, oils, creams, powders, waxes, pastes, gels, jellies, balms, adhesive applications, bandages, inhalants, potions, sprinkles, spansules, homeopathic remedies, programs, classes, penis-yoga lessons, machines, devices, suction vacuums, pumps, stretchers, weights, garments, contraptions, and inventions are SCAMS if they claim to increase penis size.

As far as general advertising is concerned, any ad that contains any of the following language is definitely a SCAM:

"Amazing Results" - The only results that are amazing are the profits the seller makes by deception.

"Clinically Proven" - If it was truly clinically proven, you would be able to get a prescription for it from your family doctor or buy it at your drug store.

"Money Back Guarantee" - Yes, they might refund your money, but you still have to pay shipping and handling charges. They make profit on the "handling charges". Even if every single item gets returned, the seller still comes out on top.

"Guaranteed to Work" -  And if it doesn't work, are you going to take them to court and prove to a jury that your penis is the same size as before?

"Add Inches Now" - Even if it did work (which it doesn't), you can't get magic results right "now".

"Safe and Effective" - It may be safe or it may actually not be safe. Penis enlargement techniques are not regulated by any government or independent agency.

"Results May Vary" - OK, give them some credit for being ½ honest. But this line should read "Results May Not Occur".

"All Natural or Herbal" - That's real nice -- a nice way of saying: "This really won't work".

"100% ..."   - Nothing is ever one hundred percent. Any legitimate advertiser would not open themselves up to liability like this.

"Other Products are Scams!" - Yes, they are, and so is this one , that one, and the next one.

"Fast / Quick Results" - You can't make any part of your body grow fast. The penis is no exception.

"Read these Testimonials" - Actually, freelance writers sometimes work for pennies per word. It doesn't cost much to hire a writer. It's even cheaper for the seller to sit down and write a few fake testimonials himself.

"Before and After" - Computers can make any picture look bigger, longer, or thicker.


(16c) QUESTION:  Wouldn't it be worth it to try several different penis enlargement products?
ANSWER:  Top 10 reasons not to purchase penis enlargement scams:

(1) These scams are produced by people who cannot be located to be held accountable.

(2) Some can actually be harmful or painful.

(3) They are over-priced.

(4) If they worked, you would see them in stores -- selling off the shelves.

(5) If they worked, they would sell themselves -- no hype would be needed in the advertising language.

(6) If they worked, there would be hundreds of millions of men with penises over 14 inches long.

(7) There is no way to legally enforce the promises the ads make.

(8) If you added a whole inch to your penis, your partner probably won't even notice.

(9) Scam artists do not deserve to receive the money you earned.

(10) You are more likely to get the partner you want by showing your good personality than you are by proving that you are just a great big penis.


(17c) What are some ingredients used in scams?
ANSWER:
The following is a list of particularly scamful ingredients that are seen in several popular scam products. Although some of these ingredients may be useful for other things, none of them will increase the size of anyone's penis:

Vitamin E, Niacin, Hawthorn Berry (crataegus oxycantha), Horny Goat Weed (epidmedium sagittatum), Damiana Extract (turnera diffusa), Muira Puama Extract (ptychopetalum olacoides), Ginkgo Extract (ginkgo biloba), Chinese Ginseng Extract (panax ginseng), Tribulus (tribulus terrestris), Catuaba Extract (erythroxylum catuaba), Saw Palmetto Extract (serenoa repens), inosine (hypoxanthine riboside) Oat Straw Extract (avena sativa), Cayenne (capsicum spceies).


(18c) How do these products legally stay on the market?
ANSWER: Any penis enlargement that has a label that looks like this is definitely a scam. The label stops them from getting sued because it says it is a "SUPPLEMENT". This allows the manufacturer to be held to the same rules and regulations as a vitamin or herbal supplement rather than a "MEDICINE" Unfortunately, this also allows the item to be sold as a "novelty vitamin" rather than a real vitamin supplement.

scam ingrediaents
                                               100% mg scam


(19c) Why don't they get sued in a court of law?
ANSWER: Other legal disclaimers that allow these scams to slide through the legal loophole are the fine print notices that might say something like this:

"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration."

or

"not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."


 

Recommended Additional Information Links

The Penis is More than a Size? - A male survey that is much more than a pointless penis size questionnaire.

Male Anatomy Diagrams and Definitions - Includes a diagram of the insides of the penis area and testicles with descriptions.

Male FAQs of Life on Penis Size and Length - Another site with real answers on penis issues.

NOTICE TO ALL YOUNG MEN:
* We honestly do not know how much more an individual's penis will grow. Every single person is different.

Continued...
Old entries have been stored on the following archive pages:

Penis Size Archive 1
Added May 1, 2005

Penis Size Archive 2
Added Jan. 28, 2006

Also See:
Male FAQs of Life on Penis Size and Length
Another site with real answers on penis issues.

PENIS SIZE PUBLIC ENTRY AREA:
  • The public commentary area for the penis size page is CLOSED effective January 29, 2006.  
  • Our objectives for this page have been achieved.
  • We would like to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in this topic. We could not have done it without you!

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