20 Sex Positions to Try Before You Die

Ranked by Search Popularity

Thinking about which sex positions to try tonight? You’re not the only one. We rounded up the 20 most searched positions and rated each on how it works, how tricky it might be, how much pleasure it could deliver and if it comes with added bonuses. We dove into expert advice and plenty of spicy reading to bring you the essentials. No matter how you seek your pleasure, we’ve got something for everyone. And let’s face it, we’re in the best position for this job.

Missionary Position

Classic and cosy, missionary is the ultimate face-to-face connection. The receiver lies on their back, the giver climbs on top, resting on elbows—or fully laying down for max closeness. Here, it's all about eye contact, deep kisses, and full-body intimacy. Whether you're using a penis, strap-on, or just going skin-to-skin, missionary is about connection and closeness—with the bonus of easy access and rhythm control.

Cowgirl & Reverse Cowgirl Positions

Cowgirl is all about taking the reins. The partner doing the penetrating lies back, while the receiver straddles them, knees out wide and faces forward. Flip it around for reverse cowgirl, where the top partner rides facing away—same straddle, different view. Add toys or strap-ons, and any pairing can play!

The Full Nelson Position

The Full Nelson starts with a twist on Reverse Cowgirl. The rider leans back and lifts their legs into a wide V, while the partner underneath wraps their arms around those legs, holding them back with their elbows and locking their hands behind the top partner’s neck. It’s acrobatic, intense, and definitely takes things up a level.

Speed Bump Position

The speed bump is doggy style’s laid-back cousin, with a plushy upgrade. The receiving partner lies face-down with a pillow or sex wedge under their hips to lift the booty high, while the penetrating partner kneels behind and gets into a tabletop stance, hands on either side of their partner’s chest. It’s ideal for deep, easy access, whether that’s vaginal or anal.

Sixty-nine Position

Welcome to 69, where giving and receiving happen all at once. One partner lies down while the other flips around and straddles their face, lining up just right for mutual oral pleasure. Named after the numbers it resembles, 69 works for all genders and orientations.

Doggy Style Position

Doggy style is a rear-entry classic. One partner gets on all fours while the other kneels or stands behind, ready to penetrate with a penis or toy, either vaginally or anally. It delivers deep intensity with total access, and you can always tweak the angles to make it work just right for both of you.

Lotus Position

In the Lotus position, one partner sits cross-legged while the other straddles them, wrapping their legs around their partner’s back. It’s all about closeness, with bodies entwined and movement kept to a slow, sensual rock. Think tantric, not turbo – this one's made for deep connection.

Butter Churner Position

A wild name, for a wild position. The receiving partner lies on their back and lifts their lower half up, supporting their hips with their hands. Depending on flexibility, feet go straight up or fold back down beside the head. The giver stands over and squats down for penetration using a penis or toy.

Butterfly Position

In the butterfly position, the receiving partner lies on their back at the edge of the bed or a table, while the penetrating partner stands or kneels between their legs. It’s a simple setup with maximum access, perfect for a face-to-face connection and plenty of pelvic power from the top.

The Eagle Position

The eagle (or spread eagle) is all about access and openness. The receiving partner lies on their back and stretches their legs wide into a V shape, like wings in flight. The top partner takes the lead, whether it’s for penetration, oral, or manual play. For extra stretch and control, the bottom partner can hold their ankles or thighs.

The Pretzel Position

In the pretzel position, the receiver lies on their left side while the giver kneels and straddles their bottom leg. The receiver’s top leg wraps around the giver’s waist, opening up access for penetration. It’s comfy, intimate, and great for those who love depth without the back strain of rear-entry positions.

Spoon Position

Spooning isn’t just for cuddles. This side-by-side position lets both partners lie facing the same way, with the giver slipping in from behind. The receiver lifts their top leg just enough to let the magic happen, and from there you can rock, thrust or swirl your hips like you’re dancing under the sheets. Simple, snug, and sexy.

Wheelbarrow Position

Here’s some bedroom gymnastics. The receiver starts in a plank, while the giver grasps them by their hips and lifts their legs, just like a wheelbarrow. For less heavy lifting, try the seated version: the giver sits on the edge of a bed or chair while the receiver backs into their lap and plants their hands on the floor.

Frog or Leapfrog Position

Take doggy style, add a little twist, and voilà, you’ve got the leapfrog. The receiver stays on all fours, but drops their chest to the bed while keeping that butt high. Legs wide, hips up, and the giver slides in from behind. It’s a visually stunning angle and great for going deep.

Piledriver Position

Get ready to flip the script. In the piledriver, the receiver lies on their back and lifts their legs up and over, hips high in the air. The giver helps hold them up, then straddles and leans in to slide into position. It’s an upside-down, gravity defying thrill ride.

Superman position

If doggy-style had a superhero upgrade, this would be it. In the Superman position, the receiving partner looks like they’re flying, with their legs lifted, torso extended, fully supported by the penetrating partner. You can go full lift-off or get a boost from a bed or sturdy furniture.

Scissor Position

Scissoring may look like a leggy puzzle, but it’s all about angles and intimacy. One partner lies back while the other slides in from the side, legs crossing to form an X-shape. The giver’s leg goes under the receiver’s butt, while the other leg drapes over. Thrusting takes a back seat. This position is all about slow, sensual grinding and clitoral contact. If leverage feels tricky, shift to your side and let your hips find the rhythm.

Flatiron Position

The flatiron (a.k.a. lazy or downward dog) is all about smooth, deep strokes for lasting pleasure. The receiver lies face down, legs straight, knees slightly bent with a pillow under their hips to lift the butt just enough. The giver mounts from behind, keeping their weight off with their arms.

The Corkscrew Position

Corkscrew is a twisty, intimate move with a side of spice. The receiver lies on their side at the edge of the bed, bum out. The giver straddles one of the receivers legs and enters from behind, whilst the receiver twists toward that leg, hooking their free leg around the giver’s waist. Twist locked, pleasure unlocked.

The Helicopter Position

Get ready for lift-off! The receiver drops to elbows and knees while the giver positions themselves side-by-side, facing the receiver’s feet. Then, with some acrobatic flair, the giver lifts their legs over the receiver’s hips and lowers their pelvis onto their partner’s bum, arms in push-up mode to stay steady. Entry is from above, with gravity adding an extra twist to the ride.

Choosing the Right Sex Position: What to Think About Together

When it comes to picking the perfect sex position, what works best depends on comfort, connection, and a bit of creativity. Here's a practical guide to help you find your groove:

Control and Timing

In heterosexual sex, positions where the man may be more active (like missionary or doggy style), it may help to delay ejaculation, as shallower thrusting might help to slow things down.

Context Matters for Men Who Have Sex with Men

Sex positions in male–male relationships can shift based on factors such as power dynamics, partner type, masculinity .…not random at all.

Face-to-Face Favourites

Face-to-face positions are great for kissing, talking, and deep emotional connection. Plus, noticing your partner's pleasure makes it more likely you'll revisit that move.

Prostate Play

Prostate stimulation can bring intense pleasure—sometimes even more than penile stimulation, but scientists are still figuring out exactly how it works.

Lube up

Lube isn’t just for slippery fun, it can be a game-changer for comfort, pleasure, and satisfaction. Whether it’s for vaginal dryness, easing anal play, or turning up the good vibes, people of all ages and orientations can use it to boost intimacy and ease discomfort.

Mind the Body

Some positions (like Superman or the Helicopter) may strain the shoulders, hips, or back. So just be careful, and try to stretch, especially before attempting the more adventurous positions.

Your Body and Orgasms

Each body is different, and while some women can orgasm during vaginal sex, others may prefer different types of added stimulation such as clitoral rubbing. Scientists also suggest that orgasms may be influenced by biological gender, sociocultural factors and sexual orientation.

Bottom line? Talk it out, try things out, and keep it safe and consensual. Stay tuned in to your own and your partner’s limits, both body and mind. That’s the secret to finding what feels best for both of you.