Women’s Favorite Sex Positions: Top Picks for Maximum Pleasure

If you’ve ever wondered what women's favorite sex position really is—and how to make your favorites feel even better—you’re in the right place. Below, you’ll get a clear, data‑informed look at the sex positions for women most often ranked as favorites, plus simple adjustments that boost comfort, clitoral contact, and intimacy. We translate the research into easy tips you can try tonight, solo or partnered.

Quick Answer: What’s the most common “favorite” position?

Large surveys consistently show a familiar top three: doggy style, missionary, and cowgirl (woman on top). In a multi‑country survey summarized by Bedbible’s research team (4,547 respondents across the U.S. and EU), doggy style led overall (35.1%), followed by missionary (22.5%) and cowgirl (19.4%). Women’s personal top three mirrored that pattern: doggy, missionary, cowgirl. 

But here’s the bigger story: Position preference is deeply tied to clitoral stimulation and feeling in control of angle/pressure. In a U.S. probability sample, only 18.4% of women said vaginal intercourse alone led to orgasm; 36.6% said they needed clitoral stimulation during intercourse, and another 36% said clitoral stimulation made orgasm feel better—even if not strictly required. Those numbers explain why small position tweaks can transform pleasure. 

What makes a position a “favorite” for many women?

Three ingredients come up again and again in research and real‑world reporting:

• Clitoral contact—steady, not sporadic. Many women climax more reliably with direct or indirect clitoral stimulation during intercourse. Positions that keep the vulva in contact with a body part, pubic mound, or toy get picked as “favorites” more often. 
• Control of angle and depth. In a large study of women’s techniques during penetration (N≈3,000), 87.5% used “Angling” (rotating/tilting the pelvis) and ~76% used “Rocking” (staying fully inside and rubbing the clitoris with the base rather than thrusting) to make penetration feel better. 
• Emotional closeness & comfort. Interviews and lifestyle reporting show that being face‑to‑face, able to kiss/talk, and feeling physically supported (pillows, slower tempo) all raise the odds a position becomes a couple’s go‑to. 

Top 10 Positions (and How to Make Each Even Better)

Below are the favorite sex positions most commonly named in surveys—refreshed with small, research‑backed tweaks that increase clitoral contact, tune depth, and reduce strain. Use water‑based lube, breathe, and keep the chat going.

1. Missionary—“CAT” upgrade (face‑to‑face intimacy + clitoral contact)

Why many women love it: Eye contact, kissing, hugging—plus easy access for hands or a toy.
CAT variation: Shift the top partner slightly higher and rock rather than thrust. The base/pubic mound rubs the clitoris continuously (the Coital Alignment Technique). Early clinical work and modern commentary link CAT to higher odds of female orgasm and simultaneity; recent overviews still recommend it.
Make it yours: Put a pillow under hips for angle; slow “grind” beats fast thrusts. A slim vibrating ring can keep external buzz steady without breaking rhythm. (Explore our Cock Rings for soft silicone, remote‑friendly designs.)

2. Cowgirl (woman on top)—control & customization

Why it ranks high: You control depth, speed, and angle—great for clitoral, G‑spot, or blended stimulation. Surveys often show women rank cowgirl among their top three.
Make it yours: Lean forward for clitoral contact with the pubic mound; lean back to emphasize G‑spot pressure. Plant your feet for micro‑squats or ride in slow circles.

3. Doggy Style—angle for comfort, add clitoral access

Why it’s #1 overall in many surveys: Deep sensations and free hands for external stimulation.
Make it yours: Start shallow, then angle hips (tuck or tilt) to direct pressure. Hands can reach under for clitoral touch; a remote‑controlled ring can add hands‑free clitoral buzz during thrusts (see E‑Intense Whale Remote‑Controlled Cock Ring for a low‑profile option).

Safety note: Injuries from sex are uncommon, but research on penile fracture severity finds doggy and man‑on‑top associated with more severe cases than woman‑on‑top. Keep motion controlled, communicate, and pause if alignment slips. 

4. Spooning—gentle, cozy, and highly adjustable

Why women rate it: Low‑effort, low‑impact, perfect for long sessions or period cramps/back tightness.
Make it yours: Pull the top leg up (figure‑4) to adjust depth; free the front hand for clitoral strokes. A compact bullet or ring set low can hum on the clitoris or perineum.

5. Reverse Cowgirl—new angles, different pressure

Why it’s fun: A fresh view and angle on the anterior vaginal wall.
Make it yours: Sit upright to minimize depth; lean forward for increased pressure. Grind in figure‑8s to find the best contact point.

6. “Butterfly” (hips on edge of bed)

Why it works: The receiving partner lies on the bed’s edge; the other stands. The angle can emphasize G‑spot contact while keeping faces close enough to kiss.
Make it yours: Stack pillows under hips; slow thrusts plus external touch or a ring for clitoral stimulation.

7. Seated Lotus—connection + clitoral access

Why many call it intimate: Both partners seated, chests together. The receiving partner rocks the pelvis to rub against the pubic mound.
Make it yours: Stay shallow and rock; add a small vibe between bodies for consistent clitoral contact.

8. Side‑Saddle (modified scissor)

Why it’s friendly: Low strain on knees/backs; great for gradual depth and external access.
Make it yours: Keep motions short and circular. A hand or mini toy can bridge any clitoral gap.

9. Prone Pillow (face‑down, hips propped)

Why some love it: Even, firm pressure with limited depth—less “poking,” more rubbing.
Make it yours: Use a soft pillow under the hips. Short glides instead of full thrusts; add clitoral strokes from behind.

10. Tabletop (for the curious)

Why it shows up as a “want to try”: Novel angles and a supported surface. Survey data often lists tabletop among top “try next” picks. Keep cushioning and go slow. 

How to turn any position into a favorite (simple formula)

Set angle first, then add motion.
Use Angling (rotate/tilt hips) to find where pressure feels best before you speed up. This echoes large‑sample findings that women actively change hip position to improve sensation. 

Switch thrusting to rocking.
Once inside, try rocking—stay fully inserted and rub the clitoris with the base/pubic mound. Many women report this “rocking” increases pleasure during penetration. 

Layer clitoral stimulation.
Hands, a compact bullet, or a low‑profile ring provide the steady external contact most women say boosts or enables orgasm during intercourse.

Pace like a DJ: build, dip, build.
Try 45–60 seconds at your favorite rhythm → 10–15 seconds slower/softer → repeat 2–3 times, then crest.

Prop your body.
Pillows, wedges, or a rolled towel under hips or lower back reduce strain and keep angles consistent.

A note on “the one best position”

There isn’t a single best position for all women. Instead, data suggest favorites cluster where clitoral contact is easiest and angle is controllable—which explains why cowgirl (control) and missionary/CAT (rocking contact) consistently show up alongside doggy style (hands free for clitoral touch).

If you want your current go‑to to feel brand new, adopt the CAT mindset: go higher, slow down, rock, and let the clitoris, not the depth, set your pace. Clinical and popular sources alike recommend CAT as a practical, face‑to‑face way to increase female orgasm odds. 

Toy assists (light, optional, couple‑friendly)

• Vibrating cock rings: Keep a steady external buzz during penetration—especially helpful in missionary or doggy, where consistent clitoral contact can be tricky. Browse our Cock Rings; a remote‑controlled ring lets one partner change patterns without breaking flow (see E‑Intense Whale Remote‑Controlled Cock Ring as a feature example).
• Mini bullets/eggs: Tuck between bodies in lotus, spooning, or butterfly.
• Pillows/wedges: These aren’t just comfort props; they’re angle tools.

Quick routines you can copy tonight

“CAT Missionary” (5–8 min)

• Start low and close; top partner shifts up 1–2 inches.
• Rock in slow waves (no full thrusts) for 45s → pause 10s → repeat 3x.
• Add hand or ring for clitoral contact; finish with a slow, firm press.

“Cowgirl Compass” (5–8 min)

• Receive on top; do quarter‑turns every 30–45s (forward, back, left, right).
• Plant feet, micro‑squat for 15s bursts; breathe and rotate hips between bursts.

“Doggy Duo” (6–10 min)

• Start shallow; the giving partner’s hand (or a ring) handles consistent clitoral contact.
• Increase depth gradually; blend short glides with slow circles.
• Check alignment every 1–2 minutes to keep it comfortable.

Bottom Line

Data says the “most common” favorite sex positions are doggy style, missionary, and cowgirl—but the real secret is how you do them. Most women benefit from steady clitoral contact, fine‑tuned angles, and controlled motion. Start with the positions you already like, add Angling and Rocking, and (if you want) let a vibrating cock ring keep the external buzz consistent so you can relax into the rhythm. That’s how a standard position becomes your favorite. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is womens favorite sex position overall?

Surveys consistently list doggy style as #1 overall, with missionary and cowgirl close behind. Women’s own rankings typically put doggy first, missionary second, cowgirl third. Preferences vary person‑to‑person.

Which sex positions help most women orgasm?

Those that keep steady clitoral contact—for example missionary with CAT (rocking) or cowgirl (you control angle/depth), plus doggy style with external stimulation. Only ~18% of women report orgasm from penetration alone.

What’s the coital alignment technique (CAT)?

A missionary tweak where the top partner rides higher and rocks to rub the clitoris with the base/pubic mound instead of thrusting. It’s long been linked to higher female‑orgasm odds and is widely recommended by clinicians and educators.

What position is best for deeper penetration?

Doggy, butterfly (hips at bed edge), and shoulders‑up missionary tend to be deeper. Adjust with pillows and go slow; depth is optional and not required for pleasure.

What’s the safest way to explore new positions?

Warm up, use lube, add props (pillows), and keep movements controlled. Research on penile fractures suggests doggy and man‑on‑top see more severe injuries than woman‑on‑top if alignment slips—so slow down and communicate. 

Can a cock ring help in women’s favorite sex positions?

Yes—a vibrating cock ring adds hands‑free clitoral stimulation in positions like missionary and doggy, helping many couples maintain steady external contact that research shows is key for female orgasm. Explore our Cock Rings to compare soft, quiet options. 

How do we make missionary feel new again?

Try CAT: shift higher, slow the thrusts to a rock, and layer external stimulation (hand, toy, or ring). Small angle changes can make a big difference.