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Fact check: Is 16 or 15 cm penis is larger or smaller and what womens think about this

Checked on August 15, 2025

1. Summary of the results

Based on the research analyses, 16 cm is larger than 15 cm in terms of penis length. The data reveals important context about both size comparisons and women's preferences:

Size Context:

  • The average erect penis length is 13.12 cm according to a 2015 review [1]
  • The typical erect penis ranges between 14 and 16 cm in length, meaning a 16 cm penis is within the average range while a 15 cm penis is slightly below average [2]

Women's Preferences:

  • Research shows women preferred a penis length of 16 cm and circumference of 12.2 cm for long-term partners [3] [1]
  • For one-time partners, women preferred slightly larger dimensions: 16.3 cm length and 12.7 cm circumference [4]
  • Importantly, 45 out of 50 women reported that width felt better than length for their sexual satisfaction [5]

Attitudes Toward Size Importance:

  • A 2002 study found that 77% of females considered penis length unimportant, while only 21% considered it important [3]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks several crucial pieces of context:

Individual Variation: The analyses don't address that women's preferences vary significantly among individuals, and the studies represent averages rather than universal preferences.

Circumference vs. Length: The research emphasizes that width/circumference may be more important than length for sexual satisfaction [5], which the original question completely overlooks.

Psychological Impact: One analysis notes that women's preferences for penis size may affect men's comfort with their own bodies and may have implications for sexual health [6], suggesting the question itself reflects broader societal pressures.

Research Methodology Limitations: The studies used specific methodologies like 3D models [4], which may not perfectly translate to real-world preferences and experiences.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains several problematic assumptions:

Oversimplification: The question assumes a simple "larger/smaller" comparison matters most to women, when research shows 77% of women consider penis length unimportant [3].

Gender Stereotyping: The phrasing "what womens think" treats women as a monolithic group with uniform preferences, ignoring individual variation in sexual preferences and satisfaction.

Focus on Length Only: The question ignores that research consistently shows width/circumference is more important for sexual satisfaction than length [5].

Implicit Size Anxiety: The question reflects common male anxieties about penis size that may not align with actual partner preferences, as evidenced by the majority of women considering length unimportant [3].

The question would benefit from reframing to acknowledge individual variation, the importance of overall sexual compatibility, and the research showing that most women don't prioritize penis size as a primary factor in sexual satisfaction.

Want to dive deeper?
What is the average penis size according to scientific studies?
Do women prefer a larger penis for sexual satisfaction?
How does penis size affect male self-esteem and confidence?
What are the most common female preferences for penis size and shape?
Is there a correlation between penis size and overall male health?