What is the average penis length and girth for adult males worldwide in 2025?
Executive summary
Large, clinician-measured reviews place the worldwide average erect penis length at about 13.1–13.9 cm (≈5.1–5.5 in) and erect girth (circumference) near 11.7–12.0 cm (≈4.6–4.7 in) depending on which meta-analysis or review is cited (Veale et al. and related systematic reviews) [1] [2] [3]. Estimates vary because of measurement method (self-report versus provider measurement), regional sampling and how circumference was measured (base or mid-shaft) [2] [3].
1. Why the headline numbers cluster around 13 cm and ~12 cm
Multiple large syntheses and widely cited reviews using clinician-measured data converge on an erect length near 13.1 cm (5.16 in) and an erect circumference near 11.66–11.91 cm (4.59–4.69 in); Veale’s pooled analysis and the 2015 review are standard references for the 13 cm figure [1] [2]. A 2015 staff-measured review reported an average erect length of 13.12 cm and circumference of 11.66 cm, and later systematic reviews using WHO-region breakdowns produced similar girth estimates close to 11.9–12.0 cm [2] [3].
2. Big source of disagreement: who measures and how
Self-reported internet surveys consistently give larger averages than clinician-measured studies; that bias explains much of the higher numbers you see on some websites and rankings [2]. Some aggregators attempt to “adjust” self-reports mathematically, producing global averages in the 13.8–13.9 cm range, but these corrections depend on assumptions about the size and direction of reporting bias [4] [5].
3. Regional variation exists but is modest and contested
Meta-analyses that stratify by WHO region or country find measurable differences across regions—Americas and some African samples often show larger mean stretched/erect values than East and Southeast Asian datasets—but studies caution that sampling methods, small national sample sizes and different measurement protocols limit how confidently one can translate regional means into biological conclusions [3] [6]. A China-focused meta-analysis reported a mean erect length of 12.42 cm and circumference 10.75 cm for pooled Chinese samples, illustrating regional variation within the global band [7].
4. Girth matters—and reporting on it is less consistent
Girth (circumference) receives less attention but is routinely reported in clinician-measured reviews at roughly 11.7–12.0 cm (≈4.6–4.7 in) erect; larger internet compilations often list 12.0 cm or slightly higher depending on inclusion criteria [2] [3] [8]. Some sources measure circumference at the base, others at mid-shaft; that methodological choice shifts averages by a few millimetres [2].
5. Newer 2024–25 reviews updated the evidence but didn’t overturn the consensus
Systematic reviews published into 2024–2025 report erect means in the same ballpark (around 13–14 cm) and provide fuller regional breakdowns and larger sample pools; they refine confidence intervals rather than rewrite what “average” means [3] [9]. Claims of dramatic worldwide increases or very large global means rely on different datasets or unadjusted self-reports and are disputed by clinician-measured syntheses [10] [2].
6. How to read popular rankings and country maps
Many online “by-country” rankings combine self-measured surveys, older studies and extrapolations; sites that adjust self-reports or combine many sources often show higher global means and more striking country differences [4] [11]. Visualizations that cite Veale et al. or use clinician data are closer to the conservative academic consensus [1] [11].
7. What remains uncertain and what the data do not say
Available sources do not mention consistent, causal links tying penis size to fertility, height, race, or sexual satisfaction at the population level—studies show weak or negligible correlations and emphasize measurement limits [5] [2]. Sources differ about trends over decades; some articles report apparent increases but those findings are contested and sensitive to changing sampling methods [10].
8. Bottom line for 2025: a practical summary
If you want a single, evidence-grounded headline for 2025: clinician-measured meta-analyses and systematic reviews put average erect length at about 13.1–13.9 cm (≈5.1–5.5 in) and erect girth near 11.7–12.0 cm (≈4.6–4.7 in); higher figures found in some outlets reflect self-report bias or differing adjustment methods [1] [2] [3]. Keep in mind measurement method and sample selection explain most of the variation between sources.