Size matters: how to measure and choose the right toy size

Measure, do not guess

Most returns we see have the same cause: a ring that was ordered by feel, a cage that is a size too long, a plug chosen by length instead of width. Every product page at GaySteel lists the sizes that matter, so five minutes with a tape measure or a piece of string saves you a return. You need a soft tape measure (or string and a ruler), a warm room and, for some measurements, an erection. Measure twice.

Cock rings and glans rings

A cock ring is sized by its inner diameter. Which circumference you measure depends on how you wear it.

Behind cock and balls (the classic way): pull the scrotum gently forward and measure the circumference around the base of the shaft and behind the balls together, while soft. Divide by 3.14 for the diameter. Between two sizes, take the larger one; a steel ring has no give. Most men land between 45 and 55 mm.
Around the shaft only: measure the circumference of the shaft at the base, soft for a ring you wear all day, semi-hard for a ring that grips during sex. Divide by 3.14. Typical shaft rings are 35 to 45 mm.
Glans rings sit behind the head: measure the circumference of the shaft just behind the glans while hard and divide by 3.14. They need a tight fit to stay put, so pick the size closest to your measurement, not larger.

Thickness matters too: a ring of 8 to 10 mm thick feels and weighs more than a 5 mm ring of the same diameter. A silicone or rubber ring stretches and forgives a wrong size; steel does not, which is exactly why it feels so good when it fits. New to rings? Start with silicone, then move to steel in the size that worked.

Chastity cages

A cage has two sizes: the base ring and the cage length. Measure the base ring like a cock ring worn behind cock and balls, while soft, and divide by 3.14. For the cage, measure your flaccid length from the base to the tip on a normal, relaxed day, and choose a cage that is the same length or a little shorter. A cage that is too long lets you grow inside it and defeats the purpose; a cage that is a bit short is what a cage is for. Also check the inner diameter of the tube: it should hold you snugly without pinching. Measure the shaft circumference while soft and divide by 3.14.

Think about your day: if you wear the cage under work clothes, a short, compact model shows less. Start with a lighter or silicone or plastic cage, wear it a few hours at a time and build up. Only move to steel and long-term wear once you know your size. Take it off at once if you feel numbness, cold, discolouration or pain, and never sleep in a cage you cannot remove by yourself. Locks, spare rings and spacers are in chastity accessories.

Butt plugs

Look at the widest diameter first, the insertable length second. A beginner is comfortable around 3 cm wide; experienced men take 4 to 5 cm, and XXL starts around 6 cm. The neck (the narrow part above the base) decides how the plug sits: a slim neck for a plug you wear for hours, a thicker neck for a fuller feeling. Always choose a flared base, use plenty of lube and go up one size at a time. An anal training set gives you three or four sizes in one box, which is cheaper than buying them one by one.

Dildos

Dildos are listed by insertable length, diameter and often circumference. Diameter tells you how much stretch, length how deep. Compare the diameter with the plug or partner you already handle comfortably, then add at most 0.5 to 1 cm per step. A soft, dual-density silicone dildo of a given size feels easier than a firm one of the same size; a steel or glass dildo has no give at all, so pick those in a size you already know. Long, flexible dildos for depth play and the big boys are in XXL and giant dildos. A suction cup lets you ride hands-free; check that the base fits your harness ring if you want both.

Fisting and stretching gear

Here you go by width and by your own progress, not by what a video shows. Stretching plugs and inflatable plugs let you build up over weeks. Fisting dildos and hands are listed with the circumference of the widest point: a closed fist of an average hand is roughly 25 to 28 cm around, which is where realistic hand dildos start. Use a thick fisting lube, take your time and stop at the first sharp pain.

Penis sleeves, extenders and strokers

A sleeve or extender is listed with its inner length and inner diameter: it must fit over your erect shaft, so measure your erect length and circumference (divide by 3.14 for the diameter). A sleeve that is a little tight holds better than a loose one. Strokers stretch to fit almost any size; only very girthy men need to look at the listed inner width.

Penis pumps

A pump cylinder must be a little wider and longer than your erection: measure your erect length and add 2 to 3 cm, and measure your erect circumference, divide by 3.14 and add roughly 1 cm for the cylinder diameter. Too wide a cylinder pulls in the balls; too narrow does not let you grow.

Ball stretchers

Measure the circumference of the neck of your scrotum, above the balls, in a warm room with everything relaxed, and divide by 3.14 for the inner diameter. Height and weight are the next choice. The full story, including how long to wear them, is in the ball stretching guide. Products are in ball stretchers and weights.

Urethral sounds and penis plugs

Sounds and plugs are sized by diameter in millimetres; sets run from about 4 to 12 mm in steps. Beginners start at 6 to 8 mm and go up half a millimetre or a millimetre at a time, always with sterile lube and a clean, smooth toy. This is one product group where you never size up to impress anybody.

Still unsure?

Mail your measurements to info@gaysteel.eu and tell us how you want to use the toy. We advise on the exact model and size, seven days a week. More answers are in the FAQ and the other guides.