A new study examining penis size across the United States is shedding light on a topic that has long been surrounded by curiosity, anxiety and cultural obsession: how much size actually matters.
The research, conducted by New York-based private medical practice Bespoke Surgical, surveyed more than 3,000 adults across the US to better understand penis size, sexual confidence and perceptions around anatomy.
Participants with a penis were asked to self-report their flaccid and erect length, while an additional 500 women were surveyed about their views on penis size and sexual preferences.
The results offer a mix of statistics, insights and reminders that size may not be the most important factor when it comes to sexual satisfaction.
The average size, according to the survey
One of the headline findings from the report is the average self-reported erect penis length in the United States: 6.34 inches.
On average, respondents reported that their penis grows 3.09 inches between flaccid and erect.
When the data was broken down by state, Iowa topped the list with an average reported erect length of 7.13 inches. Other states rounding out the top five included:
- South Carolina – 7.04 inches
- Arizona – 7.01 inches
- New York – 6.72 inches
- Indiana – 6.68 inches
However, researchers note an important caveat: the data relies entirely on self-reporting.
According to the study, 67% of respondents with a penis admitted they overestimate their size, while 28% said they actually underestimate their size when speaking with friends or potential partners.
Confidence and comparison among gay men
The survey also explored differences between LGBTQ+ respondents and heterosexual participants.
One notable finding was that gay men were more likely to report anxiety about penis size, particularly when being intimate with a new partner.
- 47% of gay men said penis size affects their confidence, compared with 36% of straight men.
The research also found that 84% of gay men said they have compared themselves to others, compared with 45% of straight men.
These numbers reflect how body comparisons and expectations can be amplified within some dating and social environments.
Girth vs length
The age-old debate between girth and length also appeared in the survey results.
Across all respondents, 60% said girth matters more than length.
Similarly, 63% of straight men and women said they prioritise girth over length when it comes to sexual preference.
Gay men offered a slightly different perspective, however, with 60% saying length matters more than girth.
What actually matters most in bed
Despite the ongoing fascination with size, the study suggests that physical measurements rank surprisingly low when people consider what matters most in a sexual relationship.
When respondents were asked to rank the most important factors in bed:
- Emotional connection – 63.9%
- Chemistry and compatibility – 63.5%
- Physical attraction – 38.4%
- Penis size – 8.1%
An overwhelming 96% of respondents said being a good or skilled lover matters more than penis size.
Dr Evan Goldstein, founder of Bespoke Surgical, says the findings highlight the gap between cultural narratives and real-life priorities.
“It’s no secret we’re culturally obsessed with inches,” Goldstein said.
“Guys inflate, round up, add a little ‘creative math,’ and this study proves it. But when it actually comes down to it, people care a lot more about connection, both mentally and physically.”
In other words, while size might dominate conversations and locker-room jokes, the data suggests something far less measurable may matter more.
