The Kamasutra has developed a reputation as the ultimate guidebook to every sex position ever, which is a bit of a misnomer, since the ancient Sanskrit book is so much more than a reference book for intricate genital gymnastics. That said, the original text—which was written by Indian philosopher Vatsyayana in the 4th century—was groundbreaking as one of the first erotic works of its kind.
As for specific sex positions, the section on sexuality is packed with several options that promote emotional intimacy between partners by way of touch and physical connection. While it might be known to many as a source of sexual positions, it’s also a philosophical work that covers much more, including advice on love, relationships, family life, nature, and the art of living well.
1. Bandoleer
While the woman lies on her back and lifts both knees towards her chest, the man kneels facing her. She can then rest her feet on his chest, while he places his forearms on her knees. The woman can then grab the man’s thighs and pull him closer for deeper penetration. The more he presses down on her knees, the greater the pleasure for her.
A relatively simple sex position that doesn’t require too much flexibility.
2. The Reverse Cowgirl
The Reverse Cowgirl involves the man lying on his back, with the woman sitting astride him, facing away from him. The woman is in full control of all the movements.
A really simple sex position, which almost anyone can do. Go on, give it a go!
3. The Grip
Similar to the missionary position, the grip requires the woman to lie on her back and raise her hips slightly (it may be more comfortable to place a cushion under the woman’s bottom). The man then places himself between her legs, while she moves her pelvis side to side.
Simple and good if you’re not feeling too energetic.
4. Afternoon Delight
The man lies on his side, while the woman lies on her back at a right angle to her partner. She puts her knees over his hip to allow easy penetration.
Extremely easy and perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon or if you need to slow it down a bit during a long sex session.
5. The Rider
Similar to reverse cowgirl, the rider involves the woman straddling the man while facing away from him. She then leans forward and, while balancing herself on his knees, slides up and down. The man can also control penetration by holding onto the woman’s waist.
Not much flexibility is required, and both sets of hands are free and well-placed for extra stimulation.
6. The Eagle
The woman lies on her back, legs in the air and knees slightly bent (she may need a cushion under her bottom to make it more comfortable). The man then kneels between her legs and holds onto her ankles while he enters her.
Relatively easy and deep penetration.
7. The Visitor
This position is ideal for an impromptu sex session. The man and the woman stand face to face, and he stimulates her genitals with his penis before penetrating her.
An easy position if the woman is similar in height to the man (or wearing heels), but if not, a table or work surface will help!
8. Doggy Style
The woman crouches on all fours, taking her weight on her hands, while her partner enters her from behind. While the woman can press back into him, the man controls most of the movement.
9. The Bridge
Only suitable for extremely strong and flexible men – he makes a bridge, while the woman straddles him. She can then move up and down by pushing off the floor with her feet – not for the faint-hearted!
10. The Slide
An easy sex position that requires minimal effort and increases tightness. The man lies flat on his back, while the woman lies on top of him with her legs together. He is then able to penetrate her as she slides up and down on his body.
And try this top tip: keeping your socks on could increase your chances of having an orgasm.
11. The Clasp
He stands, and she wraps her legs around his waist while he supports her by holding her bottom and back. For more support and deeper penetration, she can rest her back against a wall.
Ideal for anytime/anywhere sex, but does require a certain degree of strength and energy from both the man and woman.
12. The Tominagi
The man kneels while the woman lies on her back and rests her feet on his chest. The man controls the penetration, which can be very deep – the perfect position for less endowed men.
13. The Seated Ball
This position requires significant strength and flexibility. The woman crouches down onto the man’s lap, while she controls the penetration by rocking back and forth on her heels.
14. The Curled Angel
The woman curls up into a ball with her knees drawn up to her chest, while the man spoons her from behind. This position is ideal if you’re feeling lazy, and it is also great for pregnant people, too – the woman needs to lower her legs to accommodate her growing bump.
15. The Glowing Juniper
Perfect for when you’re feeling a little bit lazy – the woman lies on her back with her legs parted and knees slightly bent. The man sits between her legs with his legs stretched on either side of her. He can then lift her hips for easier penetration while she lies back and enjoys!
16. The Cross
The woman lies on her back, one leg extended and the other raised, bent at the knee. The man then straddles the woman’s extended leg, while holding onto her other leg to control penetration.
Relatively easy and good if the woman is tired.
17. The Perch
The man sits on a chair or stool, and the woman sits on his lap. With her back to him, she can control the penetration by rocking back and forth on her heels. His hands are then free to play with her clitoris and breasts.
A good position for pregnant people and tired men.
18. The Toad
The woman lies back with her legs open, while the man lies between her legs and slowly penetrates her. For greater intimacy, she can wrap her legs around him and control the pressure of his grinding by gently pressing on his buttocks with her feet.
Simple and an ideal sex position for a slower pace of lovemaking.
19. The Plough
The woman lies on the edge of the bed with her legs hanging off. The man then positions himself between her legs and lifts her hips and thighs to allow penetration, while she supports herself on her elbows.
This position requires significant strength and flexibility.
20. The Hero
The woman lies on her back, knees pulled up to her chest, feet pointing to the ceiling. The man kneels and rests his things under her bum while penetrating her.
An easy position, but the woman may tire more quickly than the man, as she has to keep her legs in the air.
22. The Classic
While similar to the missionary, the classic position involves the woman lying on her back with a cushion under her bottom. This slight tilt of the pelvis allows for deeper penetration as the man places himself between her legs and enters her.
23. The Fan
With her back to her partner, the woman bends over, crosses her arms, and rests her elbows on a chair for support. Then the man then enters her from behind (ideal for anal sex) and can control the depth and pressure by holding the top of her thighs.
24. The Snail
The woman lies on her back and pulls her knees up to her chest. The man kneels and enters her. She can then rest her feet on his shoulders, while he supports himself with his hands on either side of her shoulders.
The penetration is very deep in his sex position, so be careful not to go too fast, as it may cause pain for the woman.
25. The Slip
The man kneels and leans back, supporting himself with his hands behind him, while the woman lies flat on her back. She then tilts her hips towards him to aid penetration, while positioning her legs on either side of his hips.
This is a relatively easy position, which is highly erotic with deep penetration.
26. The Hound
Similar to doggy style, but instead of being on all fours, the woman lowers herself onto her forearms while the man penetrates her from behind. He can also lean forward, and, as his hands are free, caress her body at the same time.
27. The Crouching Tiger
While the man lies on the bed with his knees off the edge, the woman squats over him, facing away. She is fully in control of the depth and pace of penetration.
While this sex position is easy for the man, it requires some decent thigh muscles from the woman, and be careful not to lose your balance and fall off the bed.
28. The Hinge
This position requires good balance, but once in the rhythm, it’s great for depth control.
The man kneels behind the woman and, while leaning backwards, uses one arm to support himself. The woman kneels in front of him and supports herself on her elbows, allowing her to thrust back onto him. He can then use his spare hand to touch her.
29. The Ship
While the man lies flat on his back, the woman sits on top of him with both legs to one side. The woman is in complete control. Ideal when the man is feeling tired/lazy.
30. From Behind
The man stands behind the woman and enters her. He’s in control of the thrusts. She may find it easier to balance with a wall to lean against.
This sex position is easy for some, but doesn’t work so well if you’re not of similar heights.
31. Balancing Act
The man lies on his back with his legs apart while the woman sits down between his thighs. The woman must then curl into a ball while the man supports her. Her hands are free to touch herself or touch his perineum.
This position requires a certain degree of strength from both parties.
32. Splitting Bamboo
The woman lies on her back with one leg stretched out and the other resting on her partner’s shoulder. The man straddles her thigh, holding her elevated leg to balance himself.
A relatively easy position that leaves both of the woman’s hands free to fondle herself or her partner.
33. The Frog
The man sits on the edge of the bed, his feet on the floor, while the woman crouches (like a frog) on his lap. She can then move up and down to control the penetration, while pressing on his thighs for support.
An easy position for the man, but it requires strength and balance from the woman.
34. The Column
The woman stands in front of the man, facing him, with their arms intertwined. The man can then penetrate the woman from behind. The woman may find it easier to lean on a table.
35. The Candle
The woman lies on her back with one cushion under her head and another under her bottom. She then pulls her knees up to her chest and lifts her legs in the air. The man kneels with his legs on either side of her and enters her hips.
Great for deep penetration, and his hands are also free, which is a bonus.
36. The Basket
The man sits with one leg stretched out and the other leg bent at the knee to help him balance. The woman sits on his lap. While she can control most of the movement, he also has some control with his hands on her hips. He is also in the ideal position to kiss and suck her nipples while having sex.
37. The Galley
The man sits with his weight on one arm (the other is free to fondle) and his legs stretched out. The woman sits on top of him and leans forward. She can then support herself with her arms while being in full control of the movement and penetration.
A good position for a tired man and an energetic woman.
38. The Clip
The man lies on his back, his legs closed, while the woman sits astride him and leans back, supporting herself on her arms. She can then grind on him while he lies back and enjoys himself.
39. The Whisper
The man lies on his side while the woman wraps her legs around his waist and crosses her ankles. He is then free to thrust in and out.
40. The Challenge
This position requires a sturdy chair/stool and a great deal of balance. The woman crouches on the stool while the man enters her from behind. He will need to hold firmly onto her waist to stop her toppling over.
41. The Kneel
In this sex position, the woman and the man both kneel. The woman puts her legs on either side of the man’s so he can penetrate her. They can both wrap their arms around each other.
A relatively easy, yet extremely passionate position.
42. The Standing Wheelbarrow
Another challenging position, which requires a great deal of skill and balance.
The woman starts on all fours; she can rest her elbows on a pillow if that’s more comfortable. The man kneels behind the woman and enters her. Once he has penetrated the woman, he can slowly lift her off the ground by holding onto her ankles.
43. The Kneeling Wheelbarrow
The Kneeling Wheelbarrow is a slightly easier variation of the standing wheelbarrow. The woman kneels on one leg with her other leg stretched out. She then leans on the opposite elbow to the leg she is kneeling on, while her partner kneels behind her. The man can hold the woman’s hips to help her balance while he enters her.
Be warned, it’s a very tiring position for the woman, so make sure you don’t overdo it!
44. The Spider
The man sits with his legs stretched out and his hands resting on his back. The woman sits astride him, facing the man. She also leans back on her hands and rocks back and forth.
45. The Fold
The woman lies on her back with a cushion under her bottom to raise her hips. The man sits with his legs stretched out on either side of her, while she lets her legs hang behind his back.
An ideal sex position if you’re both lacking in energy.
46. The Sphinx
The woman lies on her front, resting on her elbows. She stretches one leg out and bends the other to the side. The man lies on top and can penetrate from behind while leaning on his hands for support.
A tiring position for the man, but worth it for the woman as the pressure of his body on her pelvis helps her to climax.
47. The Deckchair
The man sits with his legs stretched out and his hands resting on his back. The woman lies on her back, facing him, with a pillow under her bottom, and can comfortably rest her feet on his shoulders.
This is a good sex position for deep penetration.
48. The Waterfall
The man sits in a chair or on a stool, while the woman sits on his lap. Once he is penetrating her, she leans right back (if necessary, she can rest her head on a cushion on the floor) while he takes full control of all the movement.
Not for the faint-hearted! This sex position requires a lot of strength and flexibility.
49. The Double Decker
The double-decker is the perfect sex position for when you are transitioning between other positions.
While the man lies on his back, the woman lies on top of him with her back to him. She supports herself on her elbows, either side of the man’s waist, and to help her balance, she places her feet on his knees.
50. The Dolphin
The woman lies down on her back, and the man places himself between her legs. He then lifts her by the waist so that all her weight is on her head and shoulders.
A moderately easy sex position, but it may be hard to maintain for a long time, as the woman may get uncomfortable.
51. The Lotus Blossom
The man sits with his legs crossed, while the woman sits on his lap, her legs wrapped around his waist.
An easy, intimate sex position if you are relatively flexible.
52. The Amazon
The man sits in a chair – ideally not too high, so the woman’s feet can touch the ground. The woman sits on his lap, facing him, and bounces up and down with her feet.
Enjoy giving your thighs a good workout with this sex position!
53. The Close-Up
The man and woman both lie on their sides, legs pulled up to their chests. The woman faces away from the man and pushes her hips down into his crotch.
A very easy, gentle sex position, which can be extremely intimate too.
54. The Star
The woman lies on her back, one leg stretched out and the other bent. The man slides in between her legs and pushes one of his legs underneath her to raise her hips. To help him balance, the man leans back on his hands.
55. The Indian Handstand
This position is quite challenging; it requires a great deal of strength and balance from the woman.
The man stands while the woman does a headstand. The man enters the woman from behind and helps her to balance by holding onto her hips.
56. The Rocking Horse
The man sits with his legs crossed, leaning back and resting his arms. The woman sits astride him with her knees bent on either side of his waist. The woman can then rock back and forth in a rocking horse motion.
57. The Super 8
The woman lies flat on her back with a small cushion under her bottom to raise her hips. The man lies between her legs, resting on his arms. Both the man and the woman are free to move in rhythm with each other.
58. Ascent to Desire
The man stands with his knees slightly bent, and the woman faces him. He then lifts her off the ground, and she wraps her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck while he penetrates her.
It may be easier to start with the man sitting, and once in position, he can stand.
59. The Glowing Triangle
The glowing triangle position is a simple, yet extremely effective, twist on the classic missionary position.
The woman lies on her back, while the man moves on top of her. But instead of lying on top of her, he gets onto all fours, and she must raise her pelvis so he can penetrate her. He then stays still, and she does all the work.
60. The Nirvana
In this Kamasutra sex position, the woman lies flat on her back with her legs closed and her arms stretched out holding the bedposts (if possible).
The man lies on top of her with his legs on either side of hers. He slowly penetrates her while her legs remain shut.
61. The Padlock
In this sutra sex position, the woman sits on the edge of a high piece of furniture, for example, a table or a washing machine. She leans back and supports herself with her arms. The man stands in front of her. She can wrap her legs around his waist as he enters her.
62. The Rock’ n’ Roller
As the couple is making love, the woman lies on her back with a pillow behind her head. She then lifts her legs in the air and rocks back – like she’s going to do a backwards roll. The man kneels behind her and keeps her hips elevated on his thighs while entering her.
63. The Backward Slide
The man sits on the edge of the bed, his legs hanging down, with a cushion behind him for support. The woman sits astride him and bends her legs, so her knees are level with his shoulders. She then carefully leans back and rests her hands on the floor, either side of his feet, to balance.
64. The Crossed Keys
One of the easier Kamasutra sexual positions, the woman lies on her back with her legs in the air. Her bottom needs to be at the edge of the bed, and her legs must be crossed. The man stands facing her and holds onto her legs while he penetrates her.
An easy sex position.
65. The Ape
If you fancy something a little bit different, give this position a try.
The man lies on his back and brings his knees up to his chest. The woman sits down on her partner, facing away from him, while he rests his feet on her back and penetrates her. The woman uses her feet to balance and control the motion.
Great for deep penetration.
66. The Reclining Lotus
This position requires a great deal of flexibility from the woman, who lies on her back with her legs crossed.
The man lies on top and uses his arms to balance as he penetrates her.
67. Wide Opened
The woman lies on her back with a pillow under her head. The man kneels between her legs and slides his thighs under her back to raise her hips as he enters her.
68. The Peg
The man lies on his back, legs stretched out and parted. The woman lies on top of him with her legs closed and stretched out.
This is a good sex position for well-endowed partners, as the man can’t penetrate too deeply, since the woman’s legs are closed. Also good for intimacy, as you are face-to-face.
69. Indrani
The woman lies on her back with a pillow under her head. She pulls her knees up to her chest while the man slides between her legs. The woman has her hands free to pull the man towards her and control penetration.
70. Suspended Congress
The man leans against a wall while lifting the woman off the floor and supporting her with his hands under her bottom. The woman can grip the man’s waist with her thighs.
Requires strength from both parties, but it is well worth the effort.
71. The Suspended Scissors
Warning: this position requires lots of strength and plenty of balance.
The woman lies right on the edge of the bed, with only her feet on the mattress for support. She then balances on the floor with her left arm. The man stands astride her left leg and raises her right leg with his hands.
It’s a bit tricky, but not so difficult once you’re in position.
72. The Propeller
This one won’t work for everyone. In fact, it will only work if the man is extremely well-endowed.
The woman lies flat on her back, legs closed. The man lies on top of her, facing the opposite direction. Once inside her, he can slowly move his hips in a circular motion.
73. The Prone Tiger
The man sits on the bed with his legs stretched out in front of him. The woman lies on her front, parts her legs, and slowly backs into him, lowering herself onto his penis. The woman’s legs should be stretched out behind the man.
74. The Crisscross
The woman lies on her side, facing away from the man, with her legs slightly parted. The man also lies on his side, but at a right angle to the woman, and slides in between her legs to enter her.
75. The Erotic V
The woman sits on the edge of a table, and the man stands in front of her. The woman needs to lift her legs right up and rest the back of her knees on the man’s shoulders. She can also wrap her arms around his neck for support, while he can grip her bottom to help control the motion.
76. The Catherine Wheel
This one’s a bit bendy! The man and woman sit down facing each other. She wraps her legs around his waist while he enters her. He then wraps one of his legs over her waist. To maintain balance, the woman can lean on her arms, while the man rests on his elbows.
Quite a tricky sex position to master.
77. The Triumph Arch
This position requires an extremely supple woman, as she must lie flat on her back with her legs bent beneath her. The man then slides in between her legs with his legs stretched out so they are on either side of her head.
78. The X-Rated
The man lies flat on his back with a pillow under his head. The woman lies on top of him, facing away from him, with her legs on either side of his waist and her arms wrapped around his legs. She is in the perfect position to slide up and down, while he has an X-rated view.
79. The Shoulder Stand
The woman lies on her back and lifts her legs and entire torso in the air, with help from the man. The man kneels behind her and enters her while she rests her legs on his shoulders.
This sex position is best if you go slow.
80. The Rowing Boat
The best way to start this position is with the man lying back and the woman sitting astride him. Once he is penetrating her, the man can slowly sit up, so they are facing each other with their legs intertwined. For added comfort, they can both slip their arms under each other’s knees.
81. The Zen Pause
This position is ideal if you need to slow down the pace during a long sex session.
The man and the woman both lay on their sides facing each other. The man enters the woman as she wraps her legs around him.
82. The Landslide
The woman lies on her stomach, with her legs stretched out, and raises her torso by resting on her elbows. The man sits between her legs, facing the back of her head, with his legs parted on either side of her waist. He tilts his body at a slight angle to enter her, and while doing so, supports himself with his hands propped up behind him.
83. The Supernova
This sex position is a slight variation of the classic woman-on-top, but this time the man lies with the top half of his body hanging off the edge of the bed, while the woman sits astride him and leans back onto her arms for support.
Careful not to topple over the edge of the bed.
84. The Squat Balance
The woman stands on the bed with the man standing behind her. He places his hands on her bottom, and she slowly lowers herself onto him. He can then penetrate her while she uses his arms to balance.
85. The Shoulder Holder
The woman lies on her back, a pillow under her head, her legs straight up in the air. The man kneels to penetrate her, while gripping her legs and resting them against one of his shoulders. He can use his other hand for support.
Ideal for deep penetration.
86. The Seduction
The woman lies on her back with her legs bent underneath her body – only attempt this if you are quite flexible and don’t have knee trouble. The man then lies on top of the woman to penetrate her.
87. The Lustful Leg
Another position that requires a great deal of flexibility.
The man and the woman both stand facing each other. The woman starts by placing her leg on the bed so the man can enter her. Once inside, he can slowly help her to raise her leg onto his shoulder.
Careful not to lose your balance and topple over!
88. The Y Curve
This is quite a tricky position.
The woman lies face down on the bed and lets the top half of her body hang off the edge. She may need a pillow to rest her head on. The man lies between her legs to penetrate her and pushes his body up, so he isn’t lying on her back.
89. The Magic Mountain
First, you need to stack a pile of firm pillows to form your ‘mountain’. Then the woman kneels and bends over the pillows, so her chest is flat on the cushions. The man kneels behind her and, with his legs on either side of her, penetrates her deeply.
90. The Lap Top
A twist on the classic chair position: The man sits on a chair with a pillow under his knees to elevate them. The woman sits on his lap and raises her legs, wrapping them around his neck. The woman can then rock back and forth on his penis while he supports her back with his hands.
91. The Stair Master
The woman kneels on one step while her partner stands a couple of steps lower and enters her from behind. She can use the step in front of her or the banister to help her balance, while the man can hold on to her hips as he penetrates her.
92. The Mermaid
The woman lies on a table, her bottom resting on the edge. She then lifts both legs in the air (she can place a pillow under her bottom if it’s more comfortable) while the man stands and penetrates her. For extra stability, he can steady himself by holding her feet.
93. The Sidekick
The woman lies on her side, facing away from the man. He kneels behind her, facing towards her head, and straddles her leg while entering her. She then stretches out her top leg to allow him more room to maneuver.
94. The Thigh Master
The man lies on his back, legs bent and slightly parted. The woman faces away from the man and straddles one of his thighs. With her body at a slight angle, she then holds onto his knees while slowly lowering herself onto him.
95. The Butterfly
Like the Mermaid, the Butterfly position involves having sex while the woman lies on a relatively low table with her bottom right on the edge. The man stands and helps her raise her hips with his hands. He penetrates her while she rests her legs on his shoulders.
96. The Sideways Samba
The woman lies on her side, legs stretched out in front of her at 90 degrees. She needs to tilt her pelvis inwards, while the man lies behind her and raises his torso with one arm on either side of her waist for support as he penetrates her.
97. The Side Saddle
An easy sex position and great if you fancy trying something a little bit different, which doesn’t require too much effort.
The man lies on his back, with a pillow behind his head and his legs stretched out. The woman sits across him with her legs on one side of his waist and her hands on the other, supporting her weight. As he penetrates her, she can slowly open and close her legs, while making swiveling motions to drive him wild.
98. The Proposal
Both the man and the woman kneel facing each other (it helps if you are of similar height). He puts one foot on the ground (as if he were proposing), and she puts the opposite foot on the ground, ready for penetration to begin.
You may need to wiggle around a little bit to get into a comfortable position. A relatively easy sex position, and good if you want to try something new.
99. The G-Force
In this sex position, the woman lies on her back and pulls her knees right up to her chest. The man kneels behind her and lifts her torso off the ground so her back is parallel to his thighs. She can help herself balance by holding onto his legs, while he holds onto her feet and penetrates her.
100. The Right Angle
The woman lies on her back, with her bottom at the edge of the bed or table for the right-angle sex position. Her partner enters her while caressing her breasts or clitoris.
The right-angle position also works well without thrusting: if the woman grips hold of the man by crossing her ankles behind his back and he presses himself against her, the pressure will mount, giving both partners intense pleasure. This is a very stimulating position if she can squeeze her pelvic floor muscles.
While most people think the Kamasutra is all about sex positions, it’s actually about the philosophy and theory of love. It covers topics including finding a life partner, flirting, and the nature of love. It’s best known for its descriptions of different sex positions, though. And you’re looking for some sexual inspiration, it’s a great place to start.