The average height of males varies from one country to another. Socioeconomic, nutritional, and biological factors may affect a person’s height.
Anthropometry is the study of the human body’s composition, which includes measurements of height, weight, and shape. This data may help indicate a person’s general health status, nutrition and dietary adequacy, and growth.
Height and other anthropometric data are published in
These measurements could be used to:
assess the socioeconomic, environmental, and nutritional status of a specific demographicevaluate for diseases and health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer- formulate averages and trends in human growth
- create more ergonomic spaces, furniture, and assistive devices
Keep reading to learn more about the average heights of males around the world.
Note on sex
We use the term “male” in this article to reflect the anatomy and chromosomes of sex assigned at birth.
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From 2015–2018, the average height for males in the United States ages 20 and over was
| Age | Height (inches) |
|---|---|
| 20–29 | 69.2 |
| 30–39 | 69.4 |
| 40–49 | 69.4 |
| 50–59 | 69.0 |
| 60–69 | 68.7 |
| 70–79 | 68.1 |
| 80 and over | 67.1 |
There were slight changes in the average adult male height from 2000–2015. However, these weren’t as significant as the weight, waist circumference, and BMI
The range of average male heights across the world is quite broad.
The table below shows the average male heights in 2019 for 15 countries.
| Country | Average height (inches) |
|---|---|
| The Netherlands | 72.4 |
| Germany | 70.98 |
| Australia | 70.4 |
| Canada | 70.35 |
| United Kingdom | 70.16 |
| Jamaica | 69.69 |
| Brazil | 69.17 |
| Iran | 69.13 |
| China | 69.17 |
| Japan | 69.76 |
| Mexico | 67.04 |
| Nigeria | 67.56 |
| Peru | 65.67 |
| India | 65.55 |
| Philippines | 65.04 |
This data was compiled by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration. This is a global group of researchers and health scientists that provide data for noncommunicable diseases in more than 200 countries.
Data from 1896–1996 suggests the global average height for males increased from 63.78 to 67.32 inches.
During this century, Iranian males may have seen the biggest change in height, gaining nearly 6.5 inches.
From shortest to tallest
The shortest male was Chandra Bahadur Dangi from Rhimkholi, Nepal. In 2012, he was 21.5 inches tall.
The tallest male was Robert Pershing Wadlow from Alton, Illinois. He stood at 107.1 inches tall!
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Several biological, nutritional, and socioeconomic factors may affect a person’s height.
Genetics
It’s estimated that 80% of your height could be determined by genetics. If your family is tall, chances are, you might be tall, too.
The other 20% may be due to nutritional and environmental factors.
Nutrition
Malnutrition or a person’s access to nutrient-dense whole foods at a young age, may impact their height.
The
Not getting enough of certain minerals
Chronic malnutrition may be associated with poor socioeconomic conditions, illness and disease, or poor maternal health.
Environment
Environmental factors may also affect someone’s height, including:
- a mother’s nutrition and lifestyle habits during pregnancy, such as smoking
- sleep quality as a child and teen
- where someone lives, such as in an urban area
- a person’s posture
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions may affect a person’s height, such as gigantism or dwarfism.
Gigantism refers to an extremely tall stature. It may be caused by:
- acromegaly
- Carney complex
- McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS)
- multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1)
- neurofibromatosis
In contrast, dwarfism refers to an extremely short stature, which may be caused by:
How tall is the average male?
Data from 2015–2018 reports that the average male height in the United States ages 20 and over was
Globally, the average height for 18-year-old males born in 1996 was 67.45 inches.
What is the average height of males in the world?
The global average height in 2014 for males born in 1996 was 67.45 inches.
In 2019, the country with the shortest average male height was Timor-Leste, at 63.01 inches. The tallest average male height was 72.36 inches in the Netherlands.
While there may be trends and overall averages with regard to height in the world, it’s important to remember that humans come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Countless factors may affect someone’s height, including age, genetics, socioeconomic status, and nutrition. Averages may help statisticians observe health and growth trends, but they should not serve as a measure of self-worth.
I am an expert in anthropometry, the scientific study of the human body's composition, encompassing measurements of height, weight, and shape. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted factors that influence human height, including biological, nutritional, and socioeconomic aspects.
In the provided article, the discussion revolves around the average height of males worldwide, touching upon key concepts related to anthropometry. The article begins by highlighting the variations in average male height across different countries and the potential impact of socioeconomic, nutritional, and biological factors on an individual's height.
Anthropometry, as mentioned, plays a crucial role in assessing general health status, nutritional adequacy, and growth. It involves the measurement of various body parameters, including height, to generate valuable data used in national growth charts. These charts are instrumental in understanding population health and development trends.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of using height and other anthropometric data to assess the socioeconomic, environmental, and nutritional status of specific demographics. Such measurements are also instrumental in evaluating diseases and health conditions, ranging from obesity and diabetes to cancer.
The international perspective on average male heights is provided through a table showcasing data from 15 countries in 2019. This data, compiled by the NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, underlines the global variation in male heights and the importance of considering diverse populations.
Additionally, historical data from 1896–1996 suggests an increase in the global average height for males, with notable changes observed in specific regions. The article touches upon extreme cases, citing the shortest and tallest males in recorded history, highlighting the significant range of human height.
Factors influencing height are discussed, covering genetic, nutritional, and environmental aspects. Genetics, contributing to 80% of height determination, is highlighted, with the remaining 20% attributed to factors like nutrition and environment. Malnutrition, environmental conditions, and certain medical conditions are identified as potential contributors to height variations.
The article concludes by addressing frequently asked questions about average male height, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual diversity and refraining from using averages as measures of self-worth. It underscores the nuanced interplay of factors affecting height and the need for a holistic understanding of anthropometric data in assessing human health and development.
