The 10 Most Common Penis Shapes And How to Use Them

Your illustrated guide to the phallic architecture of different sex positions.

---

All artwork: © Carlyn Beccia | www.CarlynBeccia.com

Buckle up, conversationalists. This is an illustrated long read compiled over years of penis anatomy research. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with a friend or consider becoming a paid subscriber. As always, Sunday’s article is for paid subscribers only.

In a previous illustrated feature, Researchers Asked Men To Choose Their Favorite Vulva Shape, I compared different vulva shapes to flowers — tulips, orchids, baby’s breath, dahlias, etc. We learned that no two vulvas are the same, and all are worthy of admiration.

But I left someone out. Men’s penises are also a field of wild variation.

So this time, we won’t compare men’s anatomy to flora. (Calling your penis “baby’s breath” would likely get me hate mail and maybe a few confused bouquets.) Instead, we’re turning to architecture — bold, proud, unapologetic, and penetrating the heavens with its erect steel virility sheathed in mathematical beauty. (Forgive the purple penis prose. This is why I don’t write romance novels.)

Now I am not saying penis shape matters more than a man’s character, communication skills, or those subtle trappings of seduction. However, when it comes to pleasure, shape can also determine fit.

The Kama Sutra understood this well. The ancient text categorized penises as three “lingam” sizes: hare (2in-4.8in), bull (4.9in-6.9in), and horse (7in+). For women, there are three “yoni” sizes: deer (short), mare (average), and elephant (deep). Consequently, every lingam had its matching yoni and vice versa.

Dating advice from the Kama Sutra. True compatibility is found in physics.

Now, I don’t recommend men call their partner’s lady bits an “elephant” unless you can make her vagina trumpet. However, the Kama Sutra was on to something, albeit a bit oversimplified.

It’s not size that matters during penetrative sex — it’s shape. Some people’s genitals simply match up better. In other words, you want the right dowel for the right joint. (That will be my last building pun. Maybe.) Aside from fit, some penis shapes work better with certain sexual positions. Or as the saying goes, form follows function. Every feat of engineering exists not for vanity, but for necessity. Build it and they will…

So here they are: The 10 Most Common Penis Shapes, paired with a fitting architectural doppelgänger and the best sex position for your shape. Whether you’re a Colosseum or a Space Needle, there’s a blueprint here with your name on it.

---

Before examining the different penis shapes, let’s remember our basic penis anatomy.

The Leaning Tower

(Leaning left or right. a.k.a “The John Thomas”)

Much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, some men’s penises have their own iconic tilt. This penis leans left or right, pointing at a slight angle when erect. Urologists refer to it as a “natural deviation” or “axial deviation.” That’s medical speak for your erection is totally normal. It’s not a curvature in the clinical sense (we will get to that one next). It’s more like your penis prefers one side of the bed.

Still, researchers couldn’t leave well enough alone, mainly because the question “Is my dick normal” is always deemed worthy of medical research. Thus, between 1938 and 1963, the Kinsey Institute surveyed 6544 men to ask a burning question — is there a correlation between left or right-handedness and a penis’ preferred tilt.