How to Choose the Perfect Dildo Size for Maximum Pleasure

Last Updated on December 3, 2025

Dildos are universal, meaning that anyone can use them regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, and thanks to the fact that they come in so many sizes, everyone can find the right penetrative toy that will be just perfect for what they need it for.

But what exactly does the dildo sizing situation look like? And how do you measure the best dildo size for you? We'll talk about this and more in the today's guide.

Does Dildo Size Matter?

Yes, size matters! Unlike real penises which are somewhat limited in girth and length, the dimension of a dildo can vary widely.

There is a significant difference between small dildos designed for beginner experience levels which start at 5 inches, and large dildos made for advanced experience levels that can reach a towering 12 inches and up.

In addition to overall length, there are other factors that will impact your pleasure from density, weight, girth and shape, so it's important to pay attention to other factors when considering the measurements of an item.

Measuring a Dildo

Generally, there are two measurements that should interest you - the length and width. Only once you measure both of them will you be able to pick your ideal dildo.

Length

The toy's insertable length is more important than its total length.

If balls or a suction cup is included, the overall length takes them into consideration as well. Especially when it comes to measuring a suction cup dildo, since the suction base extends a few extra inches at the bottom of the shaft, the total length of the dildo will vary quite a bit compared to its insertable length.

For example, a 7 inch dildo is considered more “average size.” It typically has a 6 inch shaft that can be inserted into the vagina. On the other hand, an 8 inch dildo is slightly “above-average size” usually with 7 inches for penetration and is normally thicker than the previous. As a standard rule of thumb, the thickness is proportionate to the length.

Width / Girth

There are two different ways to measure width: Diameter or circumference.

If the measurement lists the width from side to side, you would take a tape measure to visualize it by looking straight down at the tape measure, this is how big it will be across the shaft.

If the measurement lists the circumference around the shaft, you would take a tape measure and hold it next to a piece of string at the listed girth. Then wrap the string ends around together and this is the measurement around the whole shaft.

Average Dildo Sizes

As mentioned previously, dimensions vary, but the median for each type is listed below:

• Realistic dildos - typically between 1.5 – 2 inches wide and 6 - 9 inches long
• Anal dildos - typically between .75 – 1.25 inches wide and 5 - 7 inches long
• Strap on dildos - typically between 1.5 – 2 inches wide and 7 - 9 inches long
• Double headed dildos - typically between 1.5 – 2 inches wide and 12 - 18 inches long
• Strapless dildos - usually aren't bigger than 7 inches, while their circumference averages between 4 - 5.5 inches. Most of them have a bulb that goes into your vagina for a hands-free use, so if you're thinking about purchasing this type of dildo, you should think about whether it will fit inside you.
• DP dildos - usually, the length of the vaginal part is around 6 inches, while the anus one comes at about 5 inches. Their circumference varies, with the vaginal shaft one ranging from 4 - 6 inches and the anus part measuring between 3 - 4 inches in girth.

The Correlation Between Length & Width

Generally speaking, the girth will go hand in hand with the length – the longer it is, the wider it will be. We must note that's not always the case however, so to find out the exact measurements, you should check out the description of the product you're interested in.

LENGTH	6”	7”	8”	9”	10”	11” - 12”
GIRTH	4.5” – 4.75”	4.5” – 4.75”	5” – 5.5”	5.5” – 6.75”	7”	7” – 7.75”

Converting Diameter to Circumference

There are two ways in which the girth of a dildo can be presented - either as a diameter, which would be the width of the shaft, or as a circumference around it. Below, you will find a table that will help you better understand both of them.

DIAMETER	1”	1.25”	1.5”	1.75”	2”	2.5”	3”
CIRCUMFERENCE	3” – 3.5”	3.75” – 4”	4.5” – 4.75”	5” – 5.5”	5.5” – 6.75”	7” – 7.75”	8” – 8.5”

What Is the Most Popular Size?

The most popular dildo size is close to the average penis size, designed to be anatomically correct at between 5.1 and 5.5 inches in length and 4.59 in average penis girth.

The exceptionally large ones are for size queens and experts only whereas beginners will chose something more slim. That leaves the average intermediate user who prefer a good "medium" length and girth, especially during partner play.

What Size Dildo Do Women Prefer?

There is no specific measurement that women prefer - it all depends on the person’s individual preferences. As we already mentioned, there are some who enjoy smaller dildos rather than larger models, but there are also those who get more pleasure from using larger dildos rather than shorter models.

That’s why there are so many variations even some with different combinations of tall & wide so that anyone can find exactly what they’re looking for to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

How do I Choose the Ideal Size for Me?

The decision should generally depend on your experience level with sex toys & partnered sex. Here's a few points of consideration:

• First timers, virgins, petite women and seniors ideally should choose an item from our “Small Dildos” category.
• If you want a dildo to mimic penetrative sex, think about your partner's penis size and choose something similar from the “Real Feel Dildos” category.
• If you'd like to upgrade size just a little bit and experience slight stretching during penetration, consider a dildo that is 7-8 inches insertable and 1.75 – 2 inches wide.
• If you'd like to engage in full fetish play, choose one from our “Large Dildos” category and 9 inches should suffice for experiencing what it would be like to have sex with a giant cock or well-hung porn star.

The Bottom Line

Dildos continue to be one of the most commonly chosen sex toy types for a variety of reasons, with one of the main ones being how diverse they are. Not only do you have several materials to choose from, but you can also pick whether you want them to look realistic or not really, whether you want them to have a motor so that it doubles as a vibrator and more.

You also have the option to choose a size so that you can get the most pleasure out of your new companion. Know you know our method for measuring toys, and hopefully, after reading this guide you have a better understanding of how to confidently choose the right dildo size for yourself.

Don’t hesitate to take a look at our selection of dildos to find the best options once you know what proportions you’re looking for. Chances are your new friend will be there waiting for you!