Kamasutra Positions: How Many Are There and Which to Try First

What is the Kamasutra?

The Kamasutra is an ancient Indian text on love, pleasure and relationships, usually attributed to the philosopher Vatsyayana and dated to roughly the 3rd century CE. Despite its reputation, it isn't a book of sex positions. It's a guide to living a good life – how to find a partner, how to court, how to keep a relationship happy, how to be an attractive and cultured person. Only one of its seven parts deals directly with sex.

The modern idea of "Kamasutra positions" comes mostly from later illustrated editions and from the way the word has been used for decades: today, "kamasutra" is shorthand for creative, sensual sex positions in general. That's how we use it on this site too.

How many positions are in the Kamasutra?

It's one of the most common questions – and the honest answer is "it depends how you count".

• The original text organises lovemaking into 64 practices: eight topics (such as embracing, kissing, scratching and positions) with eight variations each. Positions are only part of those 64.
• The number of distinct positions described in the original is much smaller than most people expect – a few dozen at most, many of them variations of each other.
• Popular "Kamasutra books" today often feature 100 or more positions, because they add modern positions and variations that never appeared in the original.

So when someone asks how many positions are in the Kamasutra, the best short answer is: the original groups lovemaking into 64 arts; modern illustrated Kamasutra guides usually cover between 50 and 100+ positions. Our own illustrated guide has 90 sex positions in seven categories.

Best Kamasutra positions for beginners

These positions are easy to try, comfortable and great for building closeness.

The Lotus Blossom

A seated, face-to-face position inspired by the lotus posture. Full-body contact, eye contact and slow movement make it one of the most intimate positions there is. See how to do the Lotus Blossom.

The Catherine Wheel

A seated, face-to-face position where you wrap your legs around each other and lean back on your arms – slow, intimate and full of eye contact. How to do the Catherine Wheel.

The Curled Angel

A spooning variation: cosy, tender and ideal for lazy mornings. How to do the Curled Angel.

The Classic

A classic face-to-face position with a few simple tweaks – like a pillow under the hips – that change the whole feel. How to do the Classic.

Kamasutra positions where she's in control

Woman-on-top positions hand control of the angle, depth and pace to her – one of the reasons they're many couples' favourites.

• The Reverse Cowgirl – she faces away and sets the rhythm. Guide.
• The Spider – both partners lean back on their hands, moving together. Guide.
• The Amazon – a chair position where she controls everything. Guide.
• The Supernova – an adventurous variation at the edge of the bed. Available in the app.

Browse all woman on top positions.

Kamasutra positions for adventurous couples

Advanced positions need more flexibility, balance or strength – and reward you with new sensations. Warm up first, use pillows for support and stop if anything feels uncomfortable.

• The Butterfly – a standing position at the edge of a table or bed. Guide.
• The Propeller, Indrani and the Glowing Juniper – classic names from the Kamasutra tradition for more acrobatic moves. Full illustrated guides are in the app.

See all advanced sex positions and standing positions.

How to try a new Kamasutra position

1. Choose together. Browse a guide and let each partner pick one position.
2. Change one thing at a time. Start from a position you already enjoy and adjust the angle, a leg or a pillow.
3. Warm up. Stretching together can be part of the foreplay – see our list of foreplay ideas.
4. Use props. Pillows, the edge of the bed, a sturdy chair or a wall make many positions much easier.
5. Talk. "Like this?" and "a bit slower" keep things comfortable.
6. Laugh. Not every attempt works. That's part of the fun.

Can't decide? Let the random sex position generator pick one for you.

Kamasutra categories at a glance

• Woman on top – she sets the pace.
• Man on top – classic, close and easy to adjust.
• Standing – spontaneous and passionate.
• Kneeling – deep angles and free hands.
• Close – slow, tender, full of body contact.
• Advanced – for flexible, adventurous couples.
• On a chair – one prop, many new angles.

FAQ

How many positions are in the Kamasutra?

The original Kamasutra organises lovemaking into 64 practices (eight topics with eight variations each), and only some of them are positions. Modern illustrated Kamasutra guides usually include anywhere from 50 to more than 100 positions.

What is the most popular Kamasutra position?

The Lotus Blossom (a seated, face-to-face position) is one of the best-known Kamasutra-style positions because it combines full-body contact with eye contact. Woman-on-top positions like the Reverse Cowgirl are also among the most popular.

Is the Kamasutra only about sex positions?

No. The Kamasutra is a broader guide to love, relationships, courtship and pleasure. Only one of its seven parts is about sex.

Where can I find illustrated Kamasutra positions?

Our sex positions guide has illustrated positions in seven categories, and the Spicy Couples app includes all 90 with step-by-step descriptions.