Couples have sex on average about once a week. Studies commonly show that around 50% or more of couples report having sex about once weekly, with some having it more or less often. This frequency is often cited as the "magic number" associated with relationship happiness, though satisfaction is more important than any specific count.
Average Frequency
- About 25% of couples have sex once a week.
- Around 16% have sex two to three times weekly.
- A smaller percentage (around 5%) have sex four or more times a week.
- About 17-19% have sex once or two to three times a month.
- Roughly 10% or more might have very infrequent sex or none in the past year.
Relationship and Satisfaction Insights
- A 2015 study found couples are happiest when having sex about once a week.
- Having sex less frequently than once a week is linked to lower happiness, but having sex more often than once a week does not increase happiness.
- Quality and mutual satisfaction in sex life matter more than hitting a particular frequency number.
- Factors like age, health, relationship duration, and life stressors influence how often couples have sex.
Summary
While the average is about once a week, there is wide variation based on individual couple preferences. The key is mutual agreement and satisfaction rather than a fixed number. Couples who communicate and find a comfortable frequency tend to have happier relationships. This information is based on multiple surveys and studies reported in 2023-2025, including the General Social Survey, Archives of Sexual Behavior, and research summarized by health and relationship experts.
