[Chrissiegirl]

See my post on NB cup size. I wear a 38 band; a 36 is way too small. I suspect you have grossly overestimated your cup size. In terms of the volume off flesh, as opposed to the distance, it protrudes from the chest wall, it inevitably will increase with band size, the equivalent of a cup size per 2 inches, I reckon.
Finding the best bra for you does mean trial & error.