Average Penis Length
Average penis length in the human male can vary considerably between a flaccid and an erect penis. The flaccid penis can differ much more in size because it is also affected by external factors; cold weather, swimming and stress are examples where penis size may be reduced temporarily by up to 2 inches (5cm). Discounting external causes, the average flaccid penis length is between 3 and 4 inches (7.6 -10.1cm) with a girth of around 1¼ inch (3.2cm). Average measurements for the erect penis are inconsistent. This may be due in part to volunteers over estimating their own prowess, however from the many surveys carried out over the last seventy years a reasonably accurate estimation can be made. From the combined data captured, the average penis length is between 5.7 and 6.5 inches (14.5 – 16.5cm) with a girth of 4.7 to 5.3 inches (11.9 – 13.5cm).
Measuring your Penis
The length of your penis is best measured while you are standing and the erect penis held parallel to the floor. The penis should be measured along the top, from the base to the tip. Inaccurate results may be given if the measurement is taken from the underside of the penis, or while seated or prone in the prone position. The girth of your penis is best measured at three points and an average taken, just below the Glans, in the middle, and finally at the base. For best results, measurements should be taken over several days and the average recorded, this will give you the best average penis length.
Largest Penis in the World
In the early 20th century Doctor Robert Dickinson recorded the largest medically documented penis in the world at 13.5 inches (34 cm) long and 6.25 inches (16 cm) in girth. The current holder of the record belongs to Mr Jonah Falcon, born in Brooklyn New York USA in 1970. Jonah Falcon’s 13-5 inch penis has been officially documented when it was measured for a UK TV special in 2006.
Penis Size from Birth Onwards
At birth the average stretched penile length is about 1.6 inches (4cm), and 90% of newborn boys will have a penis length between 0.9 and 2.2 inches (2.4 and 5,5cm). From birth until the age of 5 years there is limited growth of the penis, but until the onset of puberty there is very little change. The average size at the beginning of puberty is 2.4 inches (6cm) with the full length of the penis occurring about 5 years later. Age is not believed to negatively affect penis size. Studies have shown that there are no overall differences in adult age groups when comparing the results of numerous studies over a 60-year period.
Micro Penis – Micro Phallus
Micro penis, or micro phallus as it is also known is a condition that effects 0.6% of the male population. It is often caused by inadequate supply of testosterone during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of foetal growth. Typically a micro penis equates to a stretched penis length of less than 0.75 inches (1.9cm) at birth.
A micro penis in an adult is considered to be a penis with an erect length of just over 2 inches (5cm) but otherwise normal in all other aspects. Other than the causes mentioned previously, some cases may be identified by pituitary growth hormone and/or gonadotropins deficiency, mild degrees of androgen insensitivity, various genetic syndromes, and variations in particular Homeobox genes. Operations are in some instances available to increase penis size in adults and hormone treatments during childhood may rectify earlier deficiencies.
Miscellaneous Facts and Figures
The word penis is derived from the Latin for tail.
The largest penis in the world belongs to the Blue Whale with an estimated size of 8 feet (2.4 metres).
The largest penis in relation to its body size ratio belongs to the barnacle, with a penis that can grow to forty times the length of its body thus enabling it to reach a nearby female.
The animal with the smallest penis in absolute terms is the Common Shrew with a length of less than ¼ of an inch (6mm).
The human penis compares very favourably to other primates, especially when you consider that the Gorilla has a penis of only 1½ inches (4cm).
Penis Enlargement
For many men the size of their penis is of major issue and for some this may be unwarranted but for others there may be cause for concern.
At one time, the fact that a man had an average penis length or not was generally unknown. Other than males he mixed with it was impossible to make a direct comparison until the advent of the multimedia explosion in the 20th century when the myriad of porn stars and their oversized tackle made many men feel inadequate. As a consequence many men now look for methods of permanently increasing their penis size. There are many penis enlargement options, including surgery but one method we recommend can be found in our penis enlargement review if you wish to read further.