There Are 20 Different Penis Types — and They’re All Normal!
Penises are as unique as the people they hang from, and they’re all good. More than good, really.
There’s no such thing as a bad shape or size — just bad information on how to use it.
Here’s how to feel great about what you’ve got and what to do with it.
What’s the typical shape?
If there’s anything typical about penis shape, it’s that most tend to be cylinder-ish, often with a wider — or at least a more pronounced — head.
Curved upward
Like a banana, this penis curves slightly upward, at least when it’s erect.
The upward curve means an advantage when it comes to stimulating all the right spots for toe-curling, full-body orgasms: the G-spot, A-spot, and prostate.
Pro tip: You can keep it simple with any variation of the missionary position and still rock their world thanks to that curve. That goes for P-in-V and anal sex.
Curved downward
Flip that banana around and you’ve got this shape, which is basically a penis with a slight downward curve. Again, the curve is noticeable only during an erection.
Pro tip: Turn that frown upside down with rear-entry positions that make A-, G-, and P-spot stimulation a breeze. Riding into the sunset is a must-try!
C-shaped
This type of penis has a noticeable curve to the right. If you or your partner is rockin’ a major curve, a willingness to experiment with different angles is a must.
Positions that allow you to work the curve toward the front wall of the vagina or rectum give you the same hot-spot advantage as those with banana shapes.
Pro tip: Try the T-bone. This delectable position begins with the penetrating partner on their side with their curve pointed toward the sky. The receiving partner lies on their back in a T angle and drapes their legs over their partner’s hip, ready for P-in-V or anal.
Straight
The straight penis maintains pretty much the same shape from shaft to head.
With no angles to accommodate, you can eenie-meenie-miney-mo your way through every sex position you both consent to with little-to-no tweaking required.
Pro tip: Give and get the most with any position that makes it easy to reach each other’s erogenous zones for simultaneous manual or sex toy play.
Bigger base with narrow head
This penis is thicker at the base and narrows as you get closer to the head, giving it a cone-esque shape.
Like other shapes, this one’s got some solid perks. The narrower head makes for easier entry, and a wider base provides more stimulation the deeper you go.
Pro tip: If you’re both open to anal, the cone is basically built for butt play because the gradual increase in girth is perfect for stretching the anus. Use a lot of lube and tease with just the tip before going deeper.
Narrow base with larger head
The hammer penis, which is long and thin with a much larger head, has all the makings for a good nailing. Wink.
The extra girth at the tip stimulates the vaginal or rectal walls, which will feel good for both of you.
Pro tip: Choose positions that allow the receiver to open wide and stimulate their clit or penis at the same time for easier entry. Classics like missionary and cow are totally hammer-friendly.
Where do length and girth come in?
Penises don’t just come in different shapes, but lengths and thicknesses, too.
Regardless of the combo you’re working with, the right moves can make them all O-inducing.
Smaller-than-average length and girth
The “gherkin” falls on the shorter and narrower side of average, but don’t let its smaller stature fool you. It doesn’t need to be big to be ahh-mazing.
Pro tip: If you wanna go deep, some positions are better than others. Doggy style is one of the best for any type of sex with a smaller-than-average penis. If you’re flexible, the pile driver is fan-freaking-tastic.
Shorter-than-average length and thick girth
The “kielbasa” is shorter, stout, and able to stimulate the vaginal or rectal walls like nobody’s business.
There are oodles of sensitive nerve-endings packed in and around either entry point, so the shorter length makes for some pretty toe-curling penetration for both parties.
Pro tip: Use lots of lube, take it slow, and master the dog positions, like traditional doggy or downward-facing dog (yes, like the yoga pose), if you want to go deep and hit the G-, A-, or P-spot.
Average length and girth
Congrats, Goldicocks! The “cucumber” isn’t too big or too small, but just right for any position you want to try.
Pro tip: Experiment to find your most mind-blowing positions! Try variations on all the classics and throw some standing sex positions into the mix.
Larger-than-average length and girth
The “salami” is the type of appendage you’re most likely to see in porn: long and thick.
While it may leave some jumping for joy, it can also be a little daunting to take in — literally.
The key to making the most of it is lots of lube and positions that let the receiver have more control.
Pro tip: Lube up and try positions that allow the partner on the receiving end to keep their legs tight to control the depth. You can do this with missionary, spooning, and even rear-entry positions.
Larger-than-average length and thin girth
To be clear, the “pencil” type isn’t actually pencil-thin, but it’s notably longer and narrower than average.
To make the best use of a thin penis, stick to tight-legged positions. The tighter space is pleasurable for both and still lets the receiver control how much of the length they take in.
Pro tip: You’ve gotta try spooning. Coming in from behind creates a tight space and requires extra length — which this type’s got — to reach. Spooning also works for anal and can be ramped up by adding a dildo for some DP action. You’re welcome.
How does skin tone affect the color?
Regardless of race, a penis can be considerably different from the rest of the person it’s attached to. The same goes for vulvas and nipples.
This is because of our sex hormones regulate melanocyte cells. These are skin cells that release melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation.
Rising testosterone levels throughout life leads to darker skin down there. The color can appear brown or grayish.
And during erection, blood flow can make it reddish or even purple.
It’s all totally normal and has zero impact on function.
Hair, foreskin, and more
Adding to their charm and character are other traits like hair, foreskin, and veins.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these attributes and how to handle them.
Circumcised
Circumcised penises — which make up around 70 percent of penises in the United States — have had the foreskin removed. This means the head is on display at all times, and there’s no need to pull back skin to access it.
Pro tip: Foreskin doesn’t make any difference in regard to your partner’s pleasure, but using lube could minimize chafing for you during a long or particularly snuggly sesh.
Uncircumcised
An uncircumcised penis has the foreskin intact. Only part of the head is visible unless it’s erect and, even then, it depends on how much skin there is.
Pro tip: Foreskin works like a sleeve o’ pleasure when enjoying solo or partnered hand action. Alternate between sliding it back and forth over the head and gently pulling it back and exposing the head for some targeted attention.
Hairy
Hair around the base of the penis and balls is pretty much a given unless it’s shaved off. You may even notice a few stragglers on the shaft. It’s all good!
Pro tip: If you’re going au naturel, be sure to keep things clean and fresh. If you or your partner prefers a trim or hairless nether region, take care to avoid painful mishaps.
Smooth
With not a vein or bump in sight, a smooth penis makes for a silky smooth entry.
Pro tip: Want more? Mix things up with textured condoms or a cock ring for a totally different sensation.
Veiny
Some cocks have uber-accentuated veins, especially when they’re aroused.
A veiny penis comes down to genetics and muscle and is totally not a big deal.
Pro tip: Too much? Look to thicker or differently textured condoms to help prevent overstimulation.
Freckled
Freckles come down to pigmentation that can be more pronounced in some areas than others. It’s purely aesthetic.
Pro tip: Freckles on any skin is totally normal, but if you or your partner is worried about the spotted appearance, hit pause and talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider before taking things further.
Shower
A shower refers to a penis that stays pretty much the same size whether it’s erect or not.
Experts don’t know why it happens, but it appears to be relatively common according to the research available.
Pro tip: Proceed as usual!
Grower
Most penises are growers, which mean they get bigger when they’re hard.
Pro tip: Nothing more to do except get busy!
The bottom line
No one type is better than another, so try to focus on the pleasure it’s capable of instead of its appearance.
That said, keeping an eye out for any new or unusual changes in appearance is important.
See a doctor or other healthcare provider if you or your partners notice any new lumps or areas of discoloration. These could be a sign of an STI, injury, or other underlying a condition.