When you’re looking for the dildo of your dreams, you want a shaft that fills you well without being overwhelming – the perfect balance between stimulation and comfort.
Maybe you’re shopping for your first dildo, or maybe you’re ready for a little more in the sizing department; Whatever your needs, size does matter when it comes to buying a dildo!
Buying sex toys online is quick, convenient, and discreet, but it makes it difficult to judge the size of your new purchase.
Photos are helpful, but appearances can be disappointing. I’m not a fan of conspiracy theories, but I’m sure some sites use hand models with huge hands just to annoy us.
Not to mention, each store seems to use different measurement conventions!
The last thing you want is to receive your new dildo in the mail and discover that you ordered the wrong size, so we’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Different measures
Understanding how different brands and web stores measure dildos is the first step to finding the perfect pair. Here are the ones you need to know:
- Length: This usually refers to the total length of the dildo, including the base and balls (if any).
- Insertable length: This is the measurement of the shaft (the part that will be inside you) without balls or base.
- Diameter: This is the width of the shaft if measured from one side to the other.
- Girth circumference: This is the measurement around the outside of the shaft.
Some stores, such as love darling, list the circumference, while others, such as Spectrum Boutique gold too shyindicate the diameter.
It’s important to check which measurement is used so you don’t end up with more or less than you expected in the width department!
Also, be sure to check the measurements in the specifications and don’t limit yourself to what’s in the title – a title that says a 9-inch dildo can only have an insertable length of 6.5 inches!
Here at Bedbible, we’re team diameter because we think it’s easier to imagine what a 2-inch wide shaft looks like than to try to imagine 6.28 inches in diameter.
What size dildo is right for me?
The diameter (or girth or thickness, whichever makes the most sense to you) is the most important measurement, as it will determine how easy your dildo is to insert, how full it makes you feel, and the intensity of the stimulation.
Insertable length is also important, but you can control which part of the shaft you want to insert, so I recommend starting by selecting a dildo with the desired diameter.
Tips for choosing the correct diameter
- Think about a penis you enjoyed having sex with in the past: approximately what size was it?
- Use your fingers to try different widths.
- If you already have a dildo or insertable sex toy, check its measurements and then decide if you want something larger or smaller.
Choose a size based on experience
If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve put together a general guide on what to look for based on your experience level. However, it is important to remember that all bodies are different, so these guidelines are only a rough estimate.
Another thing to consider is how you are going to use the dildo. If your dildo is for anal use, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution when it comes to size and opt for something smaller, since the anus doesn’t stretch as easily as the vagina.
| Experience level | Diameter | Length |
|---|---|---|
| No penetration experience (with dildo or penis) | <1 inch | < 5 inches |
| Beginner | 1 – 1.5 inches | 5 – 6 inches |
| Intermediate | 1.5 – 2 inches | 6 – 8 inches |
| Advanced | 2 – 2.5 inches | 8 – 10 inches |
| Kings and Queens size | > 2.5 inches | > 10 inches |
Some last things to consider when choosing your dildo
- The larger the size, the more intense the texture details will feel.
- The larger the dildo, the softer you will want it to be
- If you plan to use your dildo in a harness for strap-on play, you’ll want to increase the length a bit.
Now you have the knowledge you need to buy dildos with confidence! And if you’ve already ordered the wrong size by mistake, don’t throw it away just yet! Check out this great advice on What to do if your dildo is too big.