The frequency of sexual activity for the average person might be higher than you’d expect.
Ever wondered if your bedroom habits measure up? Well, there’s a specific number that represents how often people typically have sex—and it might surprise you.
Back in 2022, a TikToker sparked a major discussion by revealing what he called the “magic number.” His reaction, along with many others, suggested that some people felt they had some catching up to do.
In a viral video, Daniel Schaal (@thatschaalfolks) shared:
“The average person has sex about 54 times a year—looks like the next few days are gonna be pretty crazy for me.”
The revelation had TikTok users laughing, with many chiming in with their own jokes.
“I’m the reason it’s not 100 times a year lol,” one person quipped.
Another added, “I’m bringing down the average so you guys feel better about yourselves.”
A third joked, “Well, someone here must be making up for me with 54 extra times.”
The statistic comes from a 2017 study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, which found that the average adult has sex about once a week. Interestingly, the study also noted a decline in sexual activity compared to the 1990s.
Additional research in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that this weekly frequency might be the sweet spot for happiness. Analyzing over 40 years of data from 30,000 Americans, the study found that while having sex more than once a week didn’t necessarily boost happiness, those who had sex less often reported lower levels of satisfaction.
However, external factors—like the pandemic—may have skewed these numbers
At the start of lockdowns, many assumed that couples spending more time at home would lead to a surge in sexual activity, with some even predicting a COVID-19 baby boom. But when condom sales dropped in March, it hinted at a different reality.
Laxman Narasimhan, CEO of Reckitt Benckiser (which owns Durex), pointed out in a BBC interview that the pandemic had actually reduced intimacy for many couples:
“What you see is this virus is having a toll on the number of intimate occasions in the UK. Intimate occasions are going down, and that is a manifestation of anxiety.”
So, while the “magic number” might surprise some, reality shows that various factors—from stress to societal shifts—can influence how often people are actually getting intimate.
