Let's be real for a second. If you’re searching for what are all the positions in sex, you’re probably bored. Or curious. Or maybe you’re just tired of the same three moves you’ve been doing since 2018. We’ve all been there, staring at the ceiling and wondering if there’s a secret menu of human geometry we somehow missed out on in health class.
The truth is a bit messy. There isn't a finite "master list" because the human body is basically a biological LEGO set. You can snap pieces together in infinite ways. However, most experts, including researchers like those at the Kinsey Institute, generally categorize sexual positions into a few "base" archetypes. Everything else is just a remix.
If you’re looking for a number, some ancient texts like the Kama Sutra claim there are 64 "arts" or positions, but even that is more about the spiritual and athletic connection than a strict limit. In a modern context, we’re usually talking about five or six foundational shapes that everything else evolves from.
The Foundation: Missionary and its Underrated Cousins
Missionary gets a bad rap. People call it "vanilla" like that's an insult, but honestly, vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor for a reason. It works. It provides the most skin-to-skin contact and eye contact, which is huge for emotional intimacy.
But if you want to make it better, you don't need a whole new position. You need a pillow.
Sex therapists often point out that a slight change in pelvic angle—often called the Coital Alignment Technique (CAT)—can completely change the sensation. It’s less about thrusting and more about a rhythmic grinding motion. Dr. Debby Herbenick, a prominent sex researcher at Indiana University, has noted in her work that small adjustments in angle are often more effective for reaching orgasm than switching to a completely different, more "athletic" position.
Variation is the point
You’ve got the standard face-to-face. Then you have the "Legs on Shoulders" variation, which changes the depth and the "Prone Bone," which is basically missionary but from behind while lying flat. It’s the same horizontal plane, just different entry points. Simple.
Why Doggy Style is the Universal Go-To
There is a reason why "from behind" ranks as one of the most popular positions in almost every global survey, including the massive "Great British Sex Survey." It’s primal. It allows for deep penetration. It also gives the receiving partner a lot of mobility to move their hips.
But here’s what people forget: you don’t have to stay on all fours.
💡 You might also like: How Much Should a 5 7 Man Weigh? The Honest Truth About BMI and Body Composition
- The Flat Dog: One partner lies completely flat on their stomach while the other enters from behind. It’s tighter and more intimate.
- The Elevated Bench: Using the side of a bed or a couch to support the weight.
- The Leapfrog: A lower-profile version that’s less about "the view" and more about the physical sensation of closeness.
Most people get stuck in the "all fours" version and wonder why their knees hurt after ten minutes. Grab a rug. Use a cushion. Your joints will thank you.
Taking Control with Cowgirl and Creative Straddling
When we talk about what are all the positions in sex, we have to talk about power dynamics. Positions where one person is on top—commonly called Cowgirl or Cowboy—are statistically the most likely to lead to climax for the person on top. Why? Control.
You control the depth. You control the speed. You control the rhythm.
The Reverse Factor
Reverse Cowgirl is a classic, but it’s also statistically one of the more "dangerous" positions for men. According to a study published in the Journal of Impotence Research, this position is responsible for a significant percentage of penile fractures because if the partner on top slips, the angle can cause a literal break.
Don't let that scare you off, though. Just be mindful.
If you’re bored of the standard "up and down," try leaning forward. Or leaning back. Or shifting to a "grinding" motion instead of a "bouncing" one. Small shifts. Huge results.
Side-Lying and the Art of the Spoon
Spoonining isn't just for sleeping. It’s probably the most underrated position for long-term couples. It’s lazy. It’s comfortable. It’s incredibly intimate.
The "Spooning" position allows for full-body contact without the exhaustion of supporting someone else's body weight. It’s great for morning sex when neither of you has the energy for a gym workout.
📖 Related: How do you play with your boobs? A Guide to Self-Touch and Sensitivity
The Scissors
This is a variation of side-lying where partners interlace their legs. It’s less about depth and much more about the sensation of the clitoris or the base of the penis rubbing against the other person. It’s slow-burn stuff. If you’re rushing, you’ll hate it. If you’re taking your time, it’s a game-changer.
Standing and the "Gymnastics" Problem
We’ve all seen the movies. The characters walk in the door, clothes fly off, and suddenly someone is pinned against a wall.
In reality? Walls are cold. Floors are slippery. Gravity is a relentless enemy.
Standing positions require a significant height difference or a lot of core strength. If you’re trying to figure out what are all the positions in sex that actually work in the real world, "The Wall" is usually better supported by a piece of furniture. Use a sturdy table. Use the kitchen counter. (Clean it first, please.)
The "7" position is a standing variation where one partner bends over a surface while the other stands behind them. It’s more stable than the "lift and carry" moves you see on screen, which mostly just result in pulled hamstrings.
The Misconception of the "Perfect" Move
People think they need a repertoire of 50 positions to be a "good" lover.
That’s nonsense.
A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that for most women, clitoral stimulation is the primary driver of orgasm, regardless of the position. This means that the "best" position is actually whatever allows for the most external stimulation. If you're doing a complex "Acrobat" move but nobody is actually feeling the right things, you're just doing a weird workout.
👉 See also: How Do You Know You Have High Cortisol? The Signs Your Body Is Actually Sending You
Physics over Fantasy
Think about it like this:
- Closeness: Missionary, Spooning.
- Depth: Doggy Style, Legs-up variations.
- Control: On-top positions.
- Visuals: Standing, Reverse Cowgirl.
Once you understand those four pillars, you stop looking for "new" positions and start looking for "better" angles.
Practical Next Steps for Your Bedroom
If you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, don't go buy a 500-page manual. Start with these three adjustments.
First, change the location. Sometimes "The Kitchen Counter" version of a position you already know feels entirely different because the height and the environment have changed.
Second, incorporate props. A firm wedge pillow is the single best investment you can make for your sex life. It changes the pelvic tilt in missionary or doggy style without requiring you to be a professional yogi.
Third, focus on the "transition." The best sex isn't a series of static poses. It’s the movement between them. Move from missionary to side-lying without breaking contact.
Stop worrying about the "all" in what are all the positions in sex. Focus on the three or four that actually make you feel something. Mastery is always better than a long list of things you’re doing poorly. Experiment with the "slow" version of your favorite move tonight. Slowing the tempo down by 50% often reveals sensations you’ve been blowing right past for years.