Menstrual Cups Comparison Chart

Published 25 November 2025 Last reviewed 11 September 2026 By Brenda Tootell 22 min read

Menstrual cups in different shapes and sizes for comparison

Choosing a menstrual cup is about more than picking a small or large size. Cup length, diameter, shape, firmness, capacity and removal design can all affect how a cup fits, opens, feels and performs.

Start with fit. Your cervical position and the cup's actual dimensions are usually more useful than the size name on the box. Once you have narrowed the options by length and overall fit, compare shape, firmness, capacity and the features that may make insertion and removal easier for you.

Quick guide: If you have a high cervix, look at longer cups or designs that are easier to reach. If you have a low cervix, start with a shorter cup body. If pressure around your bladder bothers you, consider a softer or more flexible cup. If you are very active or have had trouble getting softer cups to open, a firmer cup may suit you better. For heavy flow, compare capacity only after narrowing your options by fit.

Cup sizes are not standardised across brands. A small cup from one manufacturer may be longer, wider, firmer or higher-capacity than a regular or large cup from another. Compare the measurements and design rather than relying on the size label alone.

Menstrual cup comparison chart

For the most useful comparison, consider cup features in approximately this order:

Cup length and cervical position
Diameter and overall shape
Firmness
Capacity
Stem and removal design

Use the search box to find a particular brand or model or select a column heading to sort the table. On smaller screens, swipe horizontally to see all specifications.

About the chart: Sizing guidance reflects information supplied by manufacturers and may use factors such as age, flow or birth history. Treat these recommendations as starting points rather than universal rules. Product measurements and specifications can change, so check the current product page and the instructions supplied with your cup before purchasing or using it.

How to use the menstrual cup comparison chart

There is no single menstrual cup that will suit every body. The chart is designed to help you narrow the options by comparing the features most likely to affect fit, comfort and usability.

Start with fit rather than capacity or popularity. A high-capacity cup is only useful if it fits comfortably, opens properly and is easy enough for you to insert and remove.

Begin with cup length and your cervical position. Then compare diameter and shape, followed by firmness. Once you have a shortlist of cups that are likely to fit, compare capacity, stems and other removal features.

If you would prefer personalised starting recommendations rather than working through the chart yourself, take our Find Your Best Fit Quiz.

Understanding menstrual cup measurements and features

Feature	What it means	Why it is important
Cup length	The length of the cup body from the rim to the base, excluding the stem	Helps determine whether the cup body is likely to fit comfortably beneath or around the cervix
Total length	The cup body and stem measured together	Can influence whether the stem sits fully inside and how easy the cup is to locate
Diameter	The width across the cup, usually measured at the rim	Can influence how substantial the cup feels and how it sits against the vaginal walls
Shape	The cup's overall profile, such as tapered, bell-shaped, rounded, bulbous, U-shaped or anatomical	Affects where the cup is widest, how much space it occupies and how it may feel during wear and removal
Firmness	How much resistance the cup has when compressed	Firmer cups may spring open more readily while softer cups may feel gentler for people who are sensitive to pressure
Capacity	The volume of menstrual fluid the manufacturer states the cup can hold	Can affect how frequently the cup needs to be emptied, particularly on heavier-flow days
Stem or removal design	The grip feature at the cup base, such as a stem, tab, loop, ring, ladder or stemless base	Can affect how easily you locate and grip the cup for removal
Material	The material specified by the manufacturer, commonly silicone or TPE	May matter if you have a material sensitivity or personal preference

Manufacturers do not all measure capacity or firmness in the same way. Treat these figures and ratings as useful comparison tools rather than precise clinical measurements.

Firmness is not standardised either. A cup described as “medium” by one manufacturer may feel softer or firmer than another brand's medium cup.

Choosing a menstrual cup for a high, average or low cervix

Cervical position is one of the most useful clues for estimating the cup length that may feel comfortable and remain easy to reach.

Your cervix can move throughout your cycle, so measure it during your period and, if possible, on more than one day. Our guide to measuring your cervical position explains how.

High cervix

If you have a high cervix, a longer cup or an easy-to-reach removal design may be helpful. A very short cup can sit higher in the vaginal canal and may be more difficult for you to reach.

Total length can be useful when comparing options, but do not choose a cup solely because it has a long stem. The stem is primarily there to help you locate and grip the cup. With a conventional menstrual cup, you should still release the seal at the cup base before removing it.

You can also browse our period care options for a high cervix.

Average cervix

If your cervix is neither particularly high nor low, you may have a broader choice of cup lengths. Diameter, shape, firmness, capacity and removal design may then become more useful ways to narrow the options.

Low cervix

If your cervix sits relatively low, a shorter cup body is often a better starting point. A longer cup may feel crowded, press against the cervix or sit too close to the vaginal opening.

Many cup stems can be trimmed if the cup body fits well but the stem rubs or protrudes. Check the manufacturer's instructions first and trim only a small amount at a time.

Trimming a stem will not fix a cup body that is itself too long.

For a low cervix, prioritise fit before capacity. Shorter or more rounded cups can still offer useful capacity, but a very long high-capacity cup may simply not suit the available space.

Browse our period care options for a low cervix if you want to see products already grouped around this need.

How menstrual cup shape can affect fit

Menstrual cups come in several broad shapes. These descriptions are useful for comparing designs, but they are not standardised across the industry. Two cups described as the same shape can still differ considerably in length, diameter, firmness and capacity.

Shape affects where the cup is widest, how much space it occupies and how its body may feel during insertion, wear and removal. Consider shape alongside your cervical position and the cup's actual dimensions rather than choosing by shape name alone.

V-shaped menstrual cups

V-shaped menstrual cups taper towards the base, creating a narrower lower profile with more of the cup's width towards the rim.

This shape is common across menstrual cup ranges and may feel less bulky during insertion and removal for some people. A V-shaped cup is not automatically better for a particular cervix height or flow level, so compare the individual cup's length, diameter and firmness as well.

Bell-shaped menstrual cups

Bell-shaped menstrual cups generally have a rounded or flared profile through the body before narrowing towards the base.

This is a common all-round cup shape, but bell-shaped cups can still vary considerably in body length, rim width and firmness. Compare the actual measurements rather than assuming every bell-shaped cup will fit in the same way.

Round or bulb-shaped menstrual cups

Round or bulb-shaped menstrual cups have a fuller body rather than a strongly tapered profile.

The rounded lower body can provide useful capacity without necessarily requiring a particularly long cup. Some people also prefer the more substantial lower shape for stability, although fit will still depend on the cup's diameter, firmness and your individual anatomy.

U-shaped menstrual cups

U-shaped menstrual cups have a curved profile with rounded sides and base rather than a pronounced V-shaped taper.

This can provide a middle ground between a strongly tapered cup and a very rounded or bulbous design. As with every shape category, compare the individual dimensions and firmness rather than relying on the shape label alone.

Asymmetrical or angled menstrual cups

Asymmetrical or angled menstrual cups have a body or rim that is deliberately shaped differently from one side to the other.

These designs may be worth comparing if your cervix tends to sit off-centre or at an angle, or if you prefer a cup with a different overall profile. However, an angled cup is not guaranteed to suit a tilted uterus or cervix because cup fit depends on the complete design and your individual anatomy.

Narrow-shaped menstrual cups

Narrow-shaped menstrual cups have a slimmer overall profile and may be worth comparing if you prefer less width during insertion and removal.

A narrow cup is not necessarily small in every dimension. Some narrow cups are relatively long and may suit a higher cervix, so always check both diameter and cup-body length.

For a more detailed explanation of how the different profiles compare, read our Menstrual Cup Shapes Guide.

Should you choose a soft or firm menstrual cup?

No firmness is universally better. The right balance depends on your anatomy, comfort, pelvic floor function, activity and previous experience.

A firmer cup may suit you if:

you have previously struggled to get a very soft cup to open
you prefer a cup that springs back into shape more readily after folding
you are very active and have found softer cups move or collapse during exercise
you prefer a more structured cup during insertion

A firmer cup may spring open more readily for some people, but fold, insertion angle, anatomy and technique also affect how easily a cup opens.

If you exercise frequently, swim or want products grouped around movement and sport, see our period care options for active and sporty people.

A softer cup may suit you if:

you are sensitive to internal pressure
firmer cups make you more aware of your bladder or urethra
you experience discomfort from rigid-feeling rims
you simply prefer a more flexible cup

A softer cup may feel gentler but can require more attention to folding, positioning and checking that it has opened fully.

If pressure around your bladder is a concern, browse our comfort-focused options for sensitive bladders and bladder leaks.

If inserting internal products itself is uncomfortable, see our period care options for insertion pain. Persistent or significant insertion pain is worth discussing with a healthcare professional rather than simply trying progressively smaller or softer products.

For a deeper comparison, read Should You Choose a Soft or Firm Menstrual Cup?

Choosing a menstrual cup for heavy flow

If you have a heavier flow, capacity should be considered but narrow your options by fit first.

A higher-capacity cup may mean fewer trips to the bathroom, but a cup that is too long, wide or firm for your body is unlikely to become a good fit simply because it holds more.

A useful order is:

identify cups likely to suit your cervical position
narrow by diameter, shape and comfort
then compare capacity within that shortlist

Capacity figures can also be measured differently. Some manufacturers quote capacity to the rim while others measure to the air holes, so two stated capacities are not always directly comparable.

On heavier days you may need to empty your cup well before the maximum stated wear time.

You can browse our period care options for heavy periods if capacity is one of your priorities.

If your bleeding is unusually heavy, prolonged, has changed significantly or is affecting your everyday life, speak with a healthcare professional rather than relying only on a higher-capacity period product.

Pelvic floor, activity and comfort

Pelvic floor muscle tone and coordination can influence how a cup feels and stays in place, but they are only part of the picture.

A cup that feels secure for one person may feel too firm, too narrow or too wide for another. Someone with stronger pelvic floor muscles may prefer a more structured cup, while someone who is sensitive to pressure may prefer a softer design.

However, pelvic floor function cannot be predicted from age, body size or whether you have given birth.

If you have pelvic pain, difficulty inserting internal products, bladder symptoms or pelvic organ prolapse, a pelvic health assessment may be more useful than trying to diagnose your pelvic floor from cup fit alone.

Do age and birth history determine menstrual cup size?

No. Some manufacturers use age, birth history or flow as part of their sizing recommendations, and those guidelines can be useful starting points for that particular brand. They are not universal rules about anatomy.

Being over 30 or having given birth does not automatically mean that you need a larger menstrual cup. Likewise, being younger or not having given birth does not automatically mean that you need a small cup.

Age and birth history do not reliably tell you:

how high or low your cervix sits
your vaginal dimensions
your pelvic floor muscle tone
whether you are sensitive to pressure
which shape will feel comfortable
which firmness you will prefer

Use manufacturer age and birth recommendations as context, then compare the cup's actual measurements and design.

If you are new to reusable internal products, you can also browse our beginner-friendly period care options or take the Find Your Best Fit Quiz.

Stems, loops, rings and menstrual cup removal

Removal design can make a meaningful difference, particularly if your cervix is high, you have limited dexterity or you have found traditional stems difficult to grip.

Depending on the cup, the removal feature may include:

a traditional straight stem
a flat tab
a ball stem
a loop or ring
a ladder-style stem
a pull-tab or other manufacturer-specific mechanism
no stem at all

A longer or easier-to-grip feature may help you locate the cup, but with a conventional cup it does not replace releasing the seal before removal.

Pinch the cup base or follow the manufacturer's instructions to release the seal before guiding the cup down. Avoid simply pulling forcefully on the stem.

Some newer cup designs use a specific removal mechanism intended to help release the seal. Where this applies, follow the instructions supplied with that particular product rather than assuming all cups are removed in exactly the same way.

What should you not choose a menstrual cup by?

Try not to choose a cup based only on:

the words small, regular or large as sizing is not standardised
your age alone as it does not determine your internal anatomy
whether you have given birth as birth history doesn't always determine cup fit
the biggest capacity as fit comes first
the most popular brand as popularity does not tell you whether a design suits your body
the longest stem as a stem can assist retrieval but length of the body of the cup is important too
a firmness label alone as firmness scales differ between brands

The most useful cup is not the one with the most impressive specification. It is the one whose combination of length, shape, diameter, firmness, capacity and removal design is most likely to work with your body and preferences.

Menstrual cup wear time and safety

Always follow the instructions supplied with your specific menstrual cup.

In Australia, menstrual cups must comply with the Therapeutic Goods (Standard for Menstrual Cups) (TGO 99) Order 2018. Product information must include instructions about use, cleaning and hygiene and a maximum duration of use that does not exceed 12 hours.

This does not mean that every person should wait 12 hours before emptying their cup. You may need to empty it sooner because of your flow, comfort or the manufacturer's instructions.

For safer use:

wash and dry your hands before insertion and removal
clean the cup according to the manufacturer's instructions
do not exceed the stated maximum wear time
empty the cup sooner if it fills
release the seal before removing a conventional cup
inspect the cup regularly for damage or deterioration
stop using it if it causes ongoing pain or unusual symptoms

Toxic shock syndrome is rare but serious. Remove your cup and seek urgent medical care if you develop symptoms such as a sudden high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, confusion, muscle aches or a widespread red rash.

For more detailed information, read Are Menstrual Cups Safe? What the Science Says and our step-by-step guide to using a menstrual cup.

Can you use a menstrual cup with an IUD?

The evidence on menstrual cup use and IUD expulsion is mixed. Research suggests there may be an association between menstrual cup use and IUD expulsion, but the level of risk and the roles of IUD type, individual anatomy and removal technique are not fully understood.

A 2023 systematic review found that the available studies were limited and disagreed about whether menstrual cup use was associated with higher IUD expulsion rates. A later analysis of a copper-IUD trial found different results for the two IUD designs studied, so those findings should not be generalised to every IUD.

If you have an IUD and want to use a menstrual cup:

discuss cup use with the healthcare professional who fitted or manages your IUD
make sure you know how to release the cup's seal before removal
remove the cup slowly rather than pulling on the stem alone
take care not to catch the IUD threads between the cup and vaginal wall
seek medical advice if you think the position or length of your IUD threads has changed

Read Can You Use a Menstrual Cup or Disc with an IUD? for a fuller explanation.

How to create your menstrual cup shortlist

Once you have used the comparison chart, work through this checklist:

Cervical position: Is your cervix usually high, average or low during your period?
Cup body length: Is the body likely to fit comfortably?
Total length: Will the cup remain fully inside while still being reachable?
Diameter: Does the width look appropriate for your comfort and previous experience?
Shape: Would you prefer a V-shaped, bell-shaped, round or bulb-shaped, U-shaped, angled or asymmetrical or narrow-shaped cup?
Firmness: Do you prioritise a gentler feel or a cup that may spring open more readily?
Capacity: Among the cups likely to fit, which provides suitable capacity for your flow?
Removal: Would a stem, loop, ring, tab or other grip feature make retrieval easier for you?
Material: Does the manufacturer's material information meet your needs?

You can also use our Shop by What Matters to You page to browse period care grouped around needs such as cervical height, heavy flow, activity, sensitive bladder and insertion comfort.

If you are still deciding whether a cup is the right type of product for you, visit the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub.

Frequently asked questions

Are menstrual cup sizes standard across brands?

No. Size names such as mini, small, regular, size 1 or large are specific to each manufacturer. Compare the actual cup length, diameter, shape and capacity rather than assuming two cups with the same size name will fit similarly.

How do I know what size menstrual cup I need?

Start with your cervical position and cup length. Then compare diameter, shape and firmness according to your comfort, sensitivity and previous experience. Capacity is usually more useful after you have identified cups likely to fit.

For a more detailed explanation, see What Size Menstrual Cup Do I Need? A Practical Fit Guide.

Which menstrual cup is easiest for beginners?

There is no single beginner cup that suits everyone. A first cup should have dimensions that suit your cervical position and a firmness and removal design you feel comfortable learning to use.

You can browse our beginner-friendly period care options or take the Find Your Best Fit Quiz for a more personalised starting point.

What menstrual cup is best for a high cervix?

A longer cup or a design with an easy-to-reach removal feature may be easier to retrieve if your cervix sits high. The cup should still suit your diameter, firmness and capacity preferences.

See our high-cervix period care options for a filtered starting point.

What menstrual cup is best for a low cervix?

A shorter cup body is usually the most useful starting point for a low cervix. Some short, rounded designs can provide useful capacity without adding unnecessary length.

See our low-cervix period care options.

Should capacity be the first thing you compare?

No. Start with dimensions and fit. Capacity becomes useful once you have narrowed the options to cups likely to sit comfortably in your body.

What menstrual cup is best for heavy periods?

Look for enough capacity to suit your flow, but only after checking that the cup's length, diameter, shape and firmness are likely to fit comfortably.

Browse our heavy-flow period care options for products selected around higher-capacity needs.

Is a soft or firm menstrual cup better?

Neither is universally better. Firmer cups may spring open more readily for some people, while softer cups may feel gentler for people who are sensitive to pressure. Your pelvic floor, anatomy, activity and previous cup experience can all influence which feels better.

Is a firmer menstrual cup better for exercise?

Yes. A firmer cup may open readily and remain resistant to compression for some active users. However, it may also feel more noticeable. Fit and comfort still depend on the individual.

Can menstrual cup shape affect fit?

Yes. Shape affects where the cup is widest, how much space the body occupies and how the cup may feel during insertion, wear and removal.

You can compare our V-shaped cups, bell-shaped cups, round or bulb-shaped cups, U-shaped cups, asymmetrical or angled cups and narrow-shaped cups.

Can a menstrual cup be too long?

Yes. If the cup body is too long for the available space, it may feel crowded, press against the cervix or sit too close to the vaginal opening. Trimming the stem will not shorten the cup body itself.

Can a menstrual cup be too firm?

Yes. A cup that feels too firm may create uncomfortable pressure around the bladder, urethra, rectum or vaginal walls. If you consistently experience pressure or pain, stop using the cup and consider a different design or professional advice if symptoms persist.

Does having a baby mean I need a large cup?

No. Birth history can be one part of a manufacturer's sizing system, but it does not reliably predict cervix height, vaginal dimensions, pelvic floor function or which cup will fit comfortably.

Does someone over 30 need a larger menstrual cup?

Not necessarily. Some manufacturers use age in their sizing guidance, but age alone does not determine cup fit. Cervical position, anatomy, flow, sensitivity and personal preference may be more useful.

What if the cup I choose is uncomfortable?

Remove it rather than pushing through pain. Discomfort may relate to the cup's length, diameter, firmness, position or stem. Read What to Do If Your Menstrual Cup Is Hurting for troubleshooting guidance.

Need help choosing?

Choosing your first cup? Take our Find Your Best Fit Quiz for personalised starting recommendations based on your anatomy, flow, previous experience and preferences.

Know what matters to you? Browse Shop by What Matters to You for products grouped around needs including high or low cervix, heavy flow, activity, bladder sensitivity, insertion comfort and cup shape.

Still comparing product types? Visit the Menstrual Products Comparison Hub or compare the dimensions and removal features of menstrual discs.

Already have a cup that leaks, will not open, slips down or feels uncomfortable? Our menstrual cup troubleshooter checks technique, capacity, placement and fit before suggesting what to try next.