What Percentage of Men Cheat? The Truth About Male Infidelity

Michelle Wilson - July 15, 2025

When it comes to cheating, most people want a straight answer. What percentage of men actually cheat? Is it 10%? 50%? Is every third guy secretly texting someone else on the side?

Unfortunately, the truth isn’t just in the number. A significant portion of it lies in the context. Yes, there’s data. Studies show roughly one in five men in committed relationships admit to cheating. But percentages don’t tell you why it happens, how cheating has changed over time, or whether men are really being more unfaithful or just more willing to admit it.

This guide goes beyond the headline stat. We’ll break down when men are most likely to cheat, why they do it, and how it plays out in modern relationships, especially in a world of DMs, dating apps, and disappearing messages.

What Percentage of Men Cheat? Here Are the Numbers

Let’s get straight to the number. Multiple studies confirm that around 20% of men in the United States have admitted to cheating on their spouse or committed partner at some point during the relationship. That’s one in five men.

However, the percentage can vary depending on the type of relationship:

1. Among married men, about 20% report having had physical relations with someone other than their spouse.
   
2. Among unmarried but cohabiting men, cheating rates tend to be slightly higher.
   
3. Among single men dating casually, infidelity becomes harder to define, but surveys suggest the number of men admitting to overlapping relationships or emotional cheating can be significantly greater.

In addition to these variables, age also plays a role. Infidelity tends to rise with age, peaking in the 60s and 70s, when as many as 26–29% of men report cheating at least once in their lives. In contrast, younger men in their 20s and early 30s report lower rates, but are also more likely to cheat emotionally or through digital means.

It’s worth noting that these stats are based on self-reported data, meaning the actual numbers could be higher. Some men won’t admit to cheating, even anonymously, while others may downplay or redefine what “counts” as infidelity. So, while the 20% figure provides a baseline, it’s likely a conservative estimate of a much more complex behavior.

Why Men Cheat (And Why They Often Don’t Think It Counts)

The reasons men cheat rarely boil down to a single cause. More often, it’s a combination of unmet needs, personal insecurities, emotional blind spots, and learned behavior. Studies indicate that in many cases, they’re not trying to sabotage the relationship but trying to fill a gap, even if it’s temporary or self-destructive.

That said, here are some common reasons men cheat, according to several psychological research papers:

• Low Self-Esteem or Insecurity: When men feel undervalued or “not enough,” they may cheat to feel desired, powerful, or admired, especially if they aren’t getting that validation at home.
  
• Lack of Intimacy: Emotional and physical disconnect can drive men to seek closeness elsewhere. It’s less about physical desires and more about feeling seen or wanted.
  
• Impulsivity and Opportunity: Many men don’t plan to cheat. It happens in the moment. Alcohol, secrecy, and “no one will know” situations can override good judgment.
  
• Midlife Crisis: In their 40s and 50s, some men cheat to chase youth, escape aging, or “prove” they’ve still got it.
  
• Revenge or Anger: Sometimes, cheating is more about punishment than desire. Men may cheat to get back at a partner or express resentment they’re unwilling to verbalize in their existing relationship.
  
• Unrealistic Expectations: Men who expect one partner to meet every emotional, sexual, and psychological need may become disillusioned when reality sets in and look elsewhere.

Now that you know the reasons, it’s only logical for you to understand the psyche behind why men often don’t consider their actions as infidelity. 

Why Men Often Don’t Think “Cheating” Counts

Men, in particular, are prone to rationalizing or minimizing what they’ve done. Dr. Robert Weiss, a prominent American author, educator, and clinical expert, explains a spectrum of excuses, such as:

• “It Wasn’t Real Cheating”: Some men believe that emotional affairs, sexting, flirting, or even certain physical encounters don’t count because they didn’t involve intercourse.
  
• Blame Shifting: Rather than taking responsibility, men may blame their partner (“She pushed me away”) or the situation (“It just happened”) to avoid guilt.
  
• Terminal Uniqueness: This is the belief that the rules don’t apply to them. For instance, they think, “Other people shouldn’t cheat, but my situation is different.”
  
• Denial: Many men simply don’t process the emotional impact of their cheating. If they weren’t “in love” with the other person, or if it was “just physical,” they may convince themselves it didn’t hurt anyone.

Understanding why men cheat doesn’t excuse the behavior, but it does make it easier to spot patterns early, especially if you’re navigating new relationships or recovering from betrayal.

When Are Men Most Likely to Cheat?

Cheating, irrespective of who does it, follows patterns. And for men, the likelihood of infidelity tends to rise and fall with age, relationship stage, and life stressors.

In Their 20s: Impulsive and Experimental

Young men in their 20s report lower overall rates of infidelity, but when they do cheat, it’s often impulsive. These are usually short-term relationships with looser boundaries, and cheating is frequently driven by thrill-seeking, opportunity, or lack of maturity. Some don’t even define it as cheating if they weren’t officially exclusive.

In Their 30s and 40s: Stress, Disconnection, and Opportunity

As responsibilities pile up (kids, careers, mortgage), so does pressure. Emotional and physical disconnect becomes more common in long-term relationships, and infidelity can become an outlet. Workplace affairs or emotional bonds with coworkers are prevalent in this environment. For some men, it’s not about physical intimacy but about being seen and heard.

In Their 50s and 60s: Crisis-Driven Infidelity

This is where male cheating peaks. Statistically, men in their 60s report the highest rates of infidelity, with some studies estimating up to 29% have cheated. Often tied to midlife identity crises, changes in libido, or fears about aging, this stage can lead men to seek validation or novelty outside the relationship.

In Their 70s and Beyond: Loneliness or Habit

Even in later life, cheating doesn’t disappear. Men in their 70s still report infidelity at rates above 25%, though often driven by long-standing emotional disconnect or boredom within decades-long marriages. The behavior may not be as physically driven, but the emotional distance can be just as real.

As you can see, timing matters. It’s not just in how long you’ve been together, but in where “he” is in life. Understanding these age-related patterns can help explain not just if your spouse might cheat, but when he’s most vulnerable to it.

How to Spot a Cheating Man: Signs to Watch For

Many men who cheat exhibit similar behavioral patterns that often emerge before the truth is revealed. Here are some of the most common red flags:

1. He Guards His Phone Like It’s Fort Knox: If his phone suddenly becomes off-limits, stays flipped over, or is always taken to the bathroom (even during quick trips), there’s a reason. Most affairs today leave a digital trail.
   
2. He’s Overly Defensive About Innocent Questions: If he snaps when you ask simple things like where he’s been or who he’s texting, chances are the outcry is because of guilt and not your questions.
   
3. Emotional Withdrawal or Overcompensation: He might stop sharing feelings or showing affection. Or he might suddenly shower you with gifts and compliments. Both can be cover-ups. One is distance, the other is guilt.
   
4. Changes in Routine Without a Clear Reason: New gym sessions, last-minute meetings, or vague “nights out with the guys” can be normal, but when they become frequent and unexplained, it’s worth paying attention.
   
5. He Mentions Someone Quite a Lot: If a new coworker, “just a friend,” or someone he met online keeps coming up in conversation, even casually, take note. Overmentioning is sometimes a subconscious leak.

These are just a few of the key signs to watch for. Just remember that your intuition is a powerful tool. If you’re anxious without a clear cause, if something feels different or “off,” don’t dismiss it.

What to Do If You’re Suspicious of Your Man Cheating on You

Cheating doesn’t always look like a hotel receipt or lipstick on a collar. Sometimes, it’s a silent phone, a missing emotional connection, or a gut feeling that won’t go away. Men who cheat often rationalize, deny, or convince themselves that it doesn’t count.

So, how do you deal with a man who’s cheating on you?  It’s simple. Start by gathering facts, not accusations. You don’t need to snoop to get clarity. Tools like CheckPeople’s people search and reverse phone lookup can help you learn more about someone new in their life, or confirm if someone is hiding more than they claim.

What Percentage of Men Cheat? Look for the Patterns 

Sure, about one in five men admit to cheating. However, focusing solely on the stat misses the point. Infidelity isn’t about percentages. It’s about behavior, patterns, and trust, or the lack of it. 

Don’t fixate on the number. Instead, pay attention to the signs, ask better questions, and use the tools at your disposal to check what words alone won’t tell you.