What is the foreskin Coverage Index?

The Coverage Index (CI, also written RC) is a 1–10 visual scale that describes how much foreskin covers the glans. It is read in both the flaccid (soft) and erect (hard) states, because coverage changes between them. CI-1 means the head is fully exposed and the skin is taut; CI-10 means loose skin overhangs the tip even during an erection.

How do I find my Coverage Index number?

Compare yourself to the photo scale twice — once soft and once erect — and note the closest number for each. If the two match, that is your CI. If they differ, a circumcised man uses the number matching his erect state and an intact man uses the number matching his soft state.

Does the Coverage Index work for circumcised men?

Yes. The Coverage Index applies to every man regardless of circumcision status. A tightly circumcised man typically sits around CI-1, an intact man with a long foreskin around CI-9 or CI-10, and someone restoring moves up the scale over time — which is why it is used to set a baseline and track restoration progress.

What is a good Coverage Index number for restoration?

There is no single 'good' number — it is a personal goal. Many restorers aim for around CI-7, the point where the foreskin fully covers the glans when flaccid (full flaccid coverage), and continue toward CI-8 to CI-10 for overhang. Progress is gradual, so any sustained increase is meaningful.

Why measure foreskin coverage when both flaccid and erect?

A penis can look very different soft versus erect, so a single state can be misleading. The Coverage Index asks you to judge both and combine them, which gives a more accurate, repeatable number to compare over time.

Measurement system

The Coverage Index

A clinical scale from RC-1 to RC-10 that describes how much foreskin covers the glans in both flaccid and erect states. It helps you track changes, set realistic goals, and communicate clearly.

RC-1 → RC-10 Flaccid Erect Anatomy guide

This page contains medical-education content and explicit reference photos, for information only. It does not replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Not medical advice

1 What the Coverage Index measures

The Coverage Index (RC, historically abbreviated CI) describes how much foreskin covers the glans and how that coverage behaves in soft (flaccid) and hard (erect) states.

The key is tracking change over time. A small shift you can't clearly see day to day can add up. RC helps you turn that change into a number you can actually track and compare.

It applies to everyone — circumcised or not. It's a practical tool for progress, not perfection.

2 Quick anatomy refresher

The scale looks at two landmarks: the glans (the head) and the corona (the ridge behind the head). The foreskin is the movable skin that can cover the glans.

Flaccid (soft) reference state — These two states respond differently. RC captures both.

Erect (hard) reference state — These two states respond differently. RC captures both.

3 Finding your RC number

Use the steps and decision tree to choose the number that best matches you in both states.

Match flaccid first

Find the card where the head looks most like you when soft.

Do the same when erect

Switch to erect and find that number too.

If numbers differ

Write both down (e.g., RC-5 flaccid / RC-6 erect). Use the higher number as your "current" for goal-setting.

Tip: Small daily changes add up. Track weekly, not hourly.

Decision tree: how to determine your RC

Do you get the same RC number in both states?

Yes

Are you circumcised?

Yes

Use the higher number as your current RC.

Use the RC from the state with more skin coverage.

That is your current RC.

If unsure between two numbers, choose the one that feels most consistent across multiple days.

4 The scale, RC-1 to RC-10

Browse the scale below. Select a number to see details for both flaccid and erect states.

Flaccid (soft)

RC-1Least coverage

Little to no skin covers the glans. The head is mostly exposed.

Skin rests behind the corona
Minimal mobility forward

Coverage: ~0–10%

Erect (hard)

RC-1Least coverage

With tension, the head is fully exposed.

Skin does not reach the corona
No forward movement

Coverage: ~0–10%

Tighter / Less coverageFuller / More coverage

Progression is gradual. Small increases in RC create meaningful functional change over time.

5 When it's not a clean fit

Some situations make matching harder. Use your judgement and pick the closest fit.

Big change in size

If you grow a lot from soft to erect (>2 RC levels), record both states and use the higher number.

Very little change in size

If soft and erect look alike (≤1 RC level), use that number for both.

Short frenulum

A short or tight frenulum can pull skin back and limit forward movement, lowering the RC.

Unusually long glans

A longer glans may show less coverage at the same RC. Match by how the skin behaves, not appearance alone.

The frenulum is the band of tissue under the glans. When it's short or tight it can limit forward movement. Coverage gains may come in lower than expected.

Learn more about anatomy

6 Log your number. Track your progress.

Your RC is the baseline. Use it to build your plan, track weekly, and celebrate small wins.

Log my RC in the Tracker View the Roadmap Continue learning

The Coverage Index concept and its reference photography originated at NewForeskin.biz (offline since 2016) and is preserved by RestoringForeskin.org. Reproduced here for education with descriptions written by AntiCirc; the original chart text remains the copyright of its author.