brits reveal magic number

Brits reveal their preferred 'magic number' of previous lovers before embarking on a lasting relationship

    12:47, 31 Aug 2016
    Updated 13:15, 31 Aug 2016
    By Kirstie McCrum

It's a hot topic in new relationships and now a dating site has worked out what it should before you're ready to meet your soulmate


Getty Young couple naked in bed
Previous sexual partners are a fact of adult relationships, but what's your magic number?

The 'magic number' of previous lovers for Brits seeking lasting love has been revealed - and it's 12.

More than a football team but less than a baker's dozen, the figure signifies the optimum number of previous sexual partners for those looking for their soulmate.

Research by dating experts Match has found that British singles would be happy for a partner to have had up to 23 previous sexual partners, and a minimum of at least three.

Any lower or higher than these numbers is perceived as a turn-off, making twelve the optimum number.

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Men are happy for new partners to be more experienced with an optimum number of 15, compared to 10 for females.
Getty Couple kissing in bed
Men are more happy for partners to have a larger number of previous lovers than women

And depending on where in the UK you live, there are regional variations.

Singles in London were seeking those with a minimum of 6 and maximum of 27 previous sexual partners - an average of 16 - whereas those in the North East want a partner with no less than two and no more than 14 (an average of just eight).

Brits are perhaps unsurprisingly less permissive than the Danes, Spaniards, Germans and French - but more liberal in their attitudes than Italians or Dutch.

The Danes were Europe’s most permissive lovers, saying that it would take a sexual history of more than 40 partners to put them off someone.
No hanky panky for youngsters today
The number of people you're happy that your partner's been to bed with differs across Europe

The Spanish (27), Germans (26) and French (24) were similarly liberal, but both Italy and the Netherlands had lower thresholds than the UK.

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Match dating expert Kate Taylor said: “ Sex is so much more than a numbers game . A small number doesn't equate to a lack of experience - couples who stay together for longer (instead of changing partners) can often experiment more than those who simply have a lot of one-night stands.
Sexual history is a hot topic when new couples get together

"But equally, a very high number of partners might suggest a lack of commitment, or someone who loves the thrill of the chase.

“Whatever your or your partner's numbers might be, there are three simple rules. Get your sexual health checked regularly. Only have sex when you're absolutely ready. And don't demand to know anyone else's number - it's a private matter.”
Ideal 'magic number' in UK regions

Scotland - 14

North East - 8

North West - 13

Yorkshire - 12

East Midlands - 14

West Midlands - 10

Wales - 11

East Anglia - 10

London - 16

South East - 12

South West - 13