How To Measure A Dildo & Sex Toys

What We Will Cover

Beyond making sure that you always know how to buy a body safe sex toy, you will want to understand how to use your sex toy, how to clean a sex toy, and how to choose the right size for your pleasure and health. Because the size of a sex toy is so essential for comfort, especially one that is insertable like a dildo, we have put together this helpful dildo sizing guide with every aspect of how to find the right dildo size for your needs. Measuring a dildo is easy once you understand how dildos sizes in the sex toy industry are determined.

How We Apply Measurement Filtering

If you are searching for a sex toy of a specific size on our website, we offer the option of narrowing down your search by filtering the insertable size range you prefer. We provide all of the dimensions on each product page; however, in the filters, we focus on the insertable length and maximum insertable widths rather than the total length or the smallest parts of the product, as customers find those two dimensions to be the most essential for comfort. Below is what it looks like on our filters.

Insertable Width

• Under 1 Inch
• 1 - 1.25 
• 1.26 - 1.5 Inches
• 1.6 - 1.75 Inches
• 1.75 - 2 Inches
• Over 2 Inches 

Insertable Length

• Under 4 Inches = 3.99 to 5.99 inches in insertable length.
• 4 - 5 Inches = 4 to 5.99 inches in insertable length.
• 6 - 7 Inches = 6 to 7.99 inches in insertable length.
• 8 - 9 Inches = 8 to 9.99 inches in insertable length.
• Over 9 Inches = 6 to Over 9.99 inches in insertable length.

For Example

For example, if you were looking for an insertable 5.75-inch length dildo, you would find that under the 4-5 inch range. If you were looking for a 2.2-inch wide sex toy, it would be under the 1-2 inch range. Let us know if you have any questions about our products, as we are happy to assist you.

Our Website Size Filter & Products With Multiple Sizes

When we list a product with multiple sizes available, we will list it based on the largest size in that model. For example, if we have a dildo that comes in small, medium, or large, we will place that model in our filtering system based on its largest size. Thus, if you are using our site filters, please keep in mind that those listed as coming in multiple sizes will be filtered that way. 

What Is The Best Size Dildo?

The right size dildo is a subjective choice for each person; therefore, finding the perfect dildo will be based on personal preferences. Whether you choose a non-vibrating or vibrating dildo, selecting the right size dildo will determine how pleasurable the experience will be. This sex toy measuring guide provides insights into making sure you get the right fit for either vaginal or anal penetration.

What Is The Average-Sized Dildo?

When looking for a dildo, you may be wondering what the average size dildo is and how it compares to the average penis size. The average size penis length is 5.16" (13.1 cm), whereas the average length of a dildo is 7.52" (19.1 cm). The average insertable length of a dildo is 6.54" (16.6 cm), which is 21% longer than the average penis.

Typically, a dildo is longer so that it can be inserted to allow the user to hold it at the bottom, as well as for hands-free suction cups, handles, and even faux testicles. Thus, understanding the importance of insertable length versus total length is essential in how to measure a dildo correctly.

One of the most crucial aspects of a dildo is the width, also known as girth. The average size of a dildo is 4.65" (11.82 cm) circumference (around) or 1.48" (3.75 cm) in diameter (across), which is pretty close in size to the average penis, which is 4.59" (11.66 cm) circumference (around) or 1.46" (3.71 cm) in diameter (across).

The Importance Of Width & Girth

The dildo width (diameter) or girth (circumference) will be one of the most important aspects of comfort and fit because you do not always have to insert a dildo all the way inside if it is too long. However, if it is too wide, you can end up with discomfort even when lubricant is amply applied. Typically it is better to go with an average size unless you are certain you want something larger.

As you can see below, the average width of a penis and dildo are very close to being the same. To better understand this measurement, consider the width (diameter) of a soda can when measured at the widest point of the body, which is 2.61" in diameter.

Dildo Sizing Using Fingers

Using a simple finger test before deciding on a specific width may be helpful. Using your fingers, insert what is comfortable. Then measure the diameter (width) and/or circumference (girth) to determine the level of stretching that is comfortable. To measure the size of the number of fingers you desire, place a tape measure around them to determine circumference (around), or use a ruler to determine diameter (across). If you do not have a tape measure, you can always use a ruler app on your phone and tablet or do an Internet search for 'print out a tape measure,' and print one out on paper.

As for length, you may wish to note that both the G-spot in a woman and prostate (P-spot) in a man are located only 2.5-3 inches inside (may vary slightly in some people). Therefore, it should be noted that long dildos are not always what people desire to stimulate those erogenous zones. It is why shorter, curved dildos (known as G-spot dildos and prostate massagers) are popular as they help reach both the G-spot and prostate more effectively. The curve stimulates with pleasurable pressure into the glands rather than just rubbing against them. Keep in mind your sexual goals when you select both the diameter and length as each sex toy is designed with different pleasure points in mind.

Dildo Diameter Vs. Circumference

Keep in mind the difference between circumference and diameter when assessing how large your sex toy is going to be. These two measurements are often confused, so being clear about how wide across versus how far around a product is can make a huge difference in your overall satisfaction with a sex toy.

How Are Dildos Measured?

A dildo's width is always measured at the widest point. Therefore, if it has a tapered tip, it will not be as thick at the tip, and the widest point will be midway or at the bottom. While bulbous dildos will have a thicker tip, so when you are looking at buying a sex toy, note where it is the widest and understand that measurement will be the width listed for the dildo.

As for the length, the total length and insertable length will be provided, so when you look at a sex toy, keep in mind that you will not be inserting the entire dildo if it has a base that is flared, has a handle, or suction cup or has testicles.

Dildo Tapered Tips Vs. Bulbous Tips

Tapered tips help with ease of insertion, so if you decide you want a more bulbous tip, keep in mind that you may need to stretch and relax the vaginal or anal opening to insert it and have ample lubricant to help initially guide it in.

Tapered tips can provide prostate and G-spot pressure, particularly if they are curved to go into them. This means that bulbous dildo tips are not the only dildo style that can be used for prostate or G-spot stimulation. Tapered tips will provide more pinpoint stimulation, while bulbous tips will provide more generalized pressure.

A Dildo's Total Length & Insertable Length

When determining the right dildo measurements, remember to note the difference between a dildo's total length and insertable length. The total length will include the base, which, depending on the dildo, may have testicles, a flared base, a suction cup base, or a handle that will not be inserted either vaginally or anally. Thus, the insertable length of a dildo is a critical aspect.

When looking at the total length of a dildo, consider how much of it you will hold with your hand to thrust it back and forth. Longer dildos or those dildos that have handles are often better for those who have mobility issues such as arthritis or who are plus-sized as they allow more room for your hand to hold them comfortably. However, keep in mind there are also hands-free dildos such as those with a flat base (that you can sit on), suction-cup dildos (which can attach to a wall or seat), or dildos that can be inserted into a sex toy pillow. A hands-free dildo may impact the total length that you desire since you will not have to hold it.

Bigger Is Not Always Better With Dildos

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that bigger is always better. If the dildo is too long, it can hit the cervix and cause discomfort, and if it is too wide, it can cause uncomfortable vaginal or anal stretching. On the other hand, if it is not as large as desired, it may not be satisfying or provide enough stimulation. That is why it is always a good idea to have a sense of what is comfortable rather than assuming that any size will be adequate.

Long Dildos For The Cervix & A-Spot

When determining the length of a dildo, keep in mind that when used vaginally, coming into contact with the cervix can cause discomfort. However, some women enjoy pressure against the cervix and surrounding areas, specifically the A-spot, which is a patch of sensitive tissue positioned at the back of the vagina, next to the cervix. That is why you will find some long dildos referred to as A-Spot Dildos for deep penetration and cervix massage.

Women's cervixes can be lower or higher in the vagina, so noting this can help determine if a dildo will be too long or not long enough to meet personal preferences. If a dildo is too long, you can always add a bumper to keep it from being inserted too far.

Dildo Accessories

If you are unsure, keep in mind that you can always make a dildo thicker, but you cannot make them feel thinner. To make any dildo feel thicker, simply add a penis extender sleeve to it. You can also make a dildo longer by adding a penis extender with a full head on it for added length.

To make a dildo feel shorter, try adding a penis ring (cockring) or bumper, which is a doughnut-shaped ring that goes on the base to keep it from being inserted too far. Bumpers are especially useful for a long penis or dildo, causing discomfort to the cervix during penetration. Also, see our Penis Ring Measuring Guide if you need to measure one of those.

Add A Penis Ring With A Clitoral Vibrator To A Dildo

If you have a dildo that you want to add a clitoral vibrator, you can add a vibrating penis ring to it. There are various types, but you should avoid using jelly style toys (TPE or TPR materials) with other jelly toys because they can chemically melt one another. We recommend using silicone rings on jelly sex toys or vice versa to be on the safe side. It is safe to use silicone sex toys with other silicone toys with no chemical reaction.

Dildo Bases

There are a variety of bases that can be featured on a dildo. To be used safely, anally, it must have a base that will not allow it to travel completely inside the rectum. That is why only dildos with a form of a flared base should be used for anal penetration. Some dildos that have testicles, thick handles, or rigid suction cups can also be used anally.

Keep in mind that with regard to size, that a dildo with a handle, testicles, or a flared base will increase it's overall length, so make sure to note the insertable length as that is the only part that will be used for penetration. We provide both the overall length and the insertable length on every dildo to make it easy for consumers to know exactly what to expect.

How Do You Measure A G-Spot Dildo?

G-Spot dildos are designed to put pressure into the G-spot. They can also be used for prostate (P-spot) stimulation if they have an appropriate flared base. They typically have a curved shape and a bulbous head to provide enhanced pressure. When measuring your dildo, the bulbous head on a G-spot dildo will typically be the widest point. The average G-spot is located 2 to 3 inches (50 to 80 mm) inside the vagina, on the front wall so they tend to be shorter than other dildos with regard to insertable length.

 

How To Measure Rabbit Vibrators

Rabbit vibrators are simply vibrating dildos that have a clitoral vibrator on them. When first produced, they had little rabbit ears to stimulate the clitoris, which is why they are still called rabbit vibrators, but these days they come in a wide variety of styles without necessarily having a rabbit design.

Measuring rabbit vibrators is a little more tricky because you do not just measure the shaft; you also have to consider the clitoral vibrator. Most rabbit vibrators will fit most women, but not all will be as form-fitting as you may wish based on where your G-spot is located (high or low). As mentioned, the average G-spot is located 2 to 3 inches (50 to 80 mm) inside the vagina, on the front wall. Another factor is if you have additional weight on your body, which may impact sizing needs, including the handle's length.

The best way to gauge the length you will want for the G-spot shaft and the clitoral vibrator is to use your fingers in the shape of the letter "C" and put pressure into your G-spot while reaching the clitoris. Use your thumb for the clitoris vibrator and your pointer finger for the G-spot shaft and determine the dimensions of what feels comfortable.

Typically shorter shafts that are curved work best for intense G-spot pressure and stimulation, which is why most Rabbit vibrators are shorter than regular dildos. Longer shafts tend to reach more for the Cervix and A-spot area while giving less intense stimulation to the G-spot.

Measuring Hollow Dildos

Hollow dildos are especially good for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and whose partner prefers a larger dildo. The reason hollow dildos are larger is that they have to accommodate a man's flaccid penis inside them. Thus, the outer part of the dildo will be larger than an average dildo. Sex toy manufacturers primarily tend to take measurements of the exterior wall of the dildo when determining the width rather than the interior hole for the penis.

If your partner does not desire a large-sized dildo, using a double-hole harness is a better option as it allows for an average size dildo to be worn. Simultaneously, a man can comfortably fit through the bottom, either flaccid, semi-erect, or fully erect while still using the flared-base dildo of your choice.

Hollow dildos are measured in the same manner that a regular dildo is measured. They are designed for an average-sized penis that is flaccid to be inserted. If you have a large penis size and are above average, you will most likely have difficulty fitting inside a hollow dildo even if you are flaccid.

If you have ED, there are sex toys designed for erectile dysfunction beyond hollow dildos, which we review on our website and can assist you in finding.

Measuring Strap-On Dildos

If you use a strap-on harness, you will want to understand how to measure a strap-on dildo to fit your harness correctly. Strap-on dildos have a flared base. A flared base is flat and keeps the dildo in place by allowing the dildo to go through an O-ring and the dildo base to stay behind it.

If you have a stretchy O-ring made out of silicone or rubber, they can typically stretch around most sized dildos, and you usually do not need to worry about measuring your strap-on dildo to fit precisely. Stretchy O-rings will have a maximum stretch measurement, so if you have a larger dildo, you will want to make a note of the maximum amount that your O-ring is intended to stretch. If your strap-on dildo is too large for your O-ring, you may have to get a different O-ring or harness depending on whether the O-ring can be removed from your harness. Avoiding getting overly large O-rings as you do not want the dildo moving around inside of it. A snug to moderate fit is always best.

Some O-rings are metal and do not stretch, which means that you will need to make sure that your dildo will fit inside regardless of your dildo's size. To measure your strap-on dildo, determine the dildo's diameter at the widest point and the O-ring's inside diameter. Making sure your O-ring is large enough to allow a strap-on dildo to slide through will ensure that you can use it in your harness.

You can always buy different sized O-rings and change them out on your harness if it has snaps, velcro, or other removal methods. If it is permanently in place and is adhered with something like rivets, you will have to get a dildo that fits inside that specific harness's O-ring or a different harness.

Measuring Anal Toys

The most important aspect of buying an anal toy is that it must have a flared base to keep it from going all the way inside the rectum. This will keep it from getting lost and being unable to be retrieved. When it comes to the right-sized flared base, the rule of thumb is if they keep an anal toy from traveling up the rectum, then they are considered anal safe. Most flared bases are, on average, about a quarter to a half an inch or more around the bottom of the anal toy.

Different anal toys provide a variety of stimulation. Anal dildos, anal beads, anal plugs, and prostate massagers all come in different shapes, materials, and sizes. Anal toys are measured just like dildos, so determining the measurements are the same. The most desirable size of an anal toy comes down to personal preference. We recommend starting small and gradually moving up in size; the more comfortable you are with stretching and pressure, the larger you can go.

Regardless of size, inserting an anal toy should be done at a 45-degree angle going back and forth to wiggle the anal toy in while using ample lubricant. It is important to note that most people find inserting even small anal toys challenging at first until they get used to how to best get them in. An advantageous position is to lie flat on your back with your legs up and knees brought into your abdomen, which opens up the anus for easier insertion. For the healthiest option, we recommend paraben-free, water-based anal lubricants.

Measuring Prostate Massagers

Sex toys designed specifically for prostate massage in men are called prostate massagers, but you can also use G-spot vibrators and other dildos to stimulate the prostate. The prostate is the size of a walnut and is located just inside the rectum. It is 2-3 inches inside the rectum, and prostate massagers are all designed to stimulate within that range, so the length will not be as much of a concern; rather, the width will be the focus.

The width of a prostate massager is going to be based on personal preference. A prostate massager's average size is smaller than the average size of a dildo, which is about 1-1.4 inches. Beginners using prostate massagers should always err on the side of getting a small to medium prostate massager and work up to larger sizes. Just like inserting an anal toy, a prostate massager should be inserted at an angle while using ample lubricant. For the healthiest option, we recommend paraben-free, water-based anal lubricants.

Prostate massagers sometimes come with a flat, long base designed to stimulate the perineum, which stimulates the prostate externally. This provides more intensified stimulation of the prostate, and it is why if you want a sex toy that is specifically designed for stimulating the prostate, a prostate massager is the best option. The sizes vary, but most prostate massager bottoms are designed to stimulate the perineum and are one size fits most.

How to Use a Large or Huge Dildo

To use a larger dildo, make sure to use a lot of lubricant, go slowly, and listen to your body. If you begin to feel discomfort, you should stop, reapply more lubricant, and be more gentle. If it is still uncomfortable, you should try starting with a smaller dildo and work your way up to your desired goal size. A helpful position is to lie flat on your back with your legs up and knees brought into your abdomen. It will help open up both the anus and vagina for insertion.

Struggling With An Average Size Dildo?

If you are struggling with inserting a small to average-sized dildo, you may wish to explore using a dilator to help safely and gradually stretch vaginal or anal tissue, thus avoiding tearing and pain.

What Is A Realistic Dildo?

The adult toy term 'realistic' refers to the shape and design of the dildo, not the size. Thus, a realistic dildo looks similar to a real penis in shape; however, it has nothing to do with size or color. Many realistic shaped dildos are quite large and are much larger than the average penis. That is why it is essential to make sure that you read and understand the dimensions listed in the product description and how that translates into comfort and pleasure.

Why We Do Not Sell Extreme Dildos

Being stretched and filled to your limits can create a pleasurable pressure; however, one should consider some safety issues when exploring extreme dildos (larger than a soda can). The problem with these massive dildos is that using them may result in health issues such as pelvic floor, vaginal or rectal prolapses, and vaginal, vulvar, or anal scarring, which is why we do not carry them.

Dildo Flexibility Factor

How flexible and firm a dildo's materials are, significantly impact the feel and performance of it. For example, some materials are extremely rigid and have little to no flexibility, which often means that they will feel slightly bigger as there is no 'give' to them.

Jelly or skin-like materials such as TPR or TPE will offer the most flexibility, while silicone will be slightly more firm. Glass, metal, wood, and hard plastics like ABS will be the most firm. Preferences for firmness and flexibility are subjective as some people prefer one or the other, while others prefer something in between.

Determining Your Dildo Options

There are many sexual scenarios in which dildos are used, such as solo vs. with a partner, whether or not it is used with a harness or if the dildo will be used anally or vaginally. There are also many types of dildos with a large variety of features, and we understand that choosing one can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you are not knowledgeable about them. If you need help selecting a dildo, please contact us as we are happy to help.

For more helpful information on choosing the best dildo for you, see our How to Choose a Dildo or How To Choose A Vibrator articles.