Average Height in Bangladesh (2026 Data)
The average height in Bangladesh is approximately 5'5" (165 cm) for men and 4'0" (152 cm) for women, based on BDHS. Bangladesh ranks below the global average.
Average Height in Bangladesh: Men and Women
Adult height in Bangladesh reflects decades of genetics, childhood nutrition, healthcare access, and living conditions. The most recent national health surveys provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 165 cm (5'5"); for women, about 152 cm (4'0"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Bangladesh. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Bangladesh
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 167 cm (5'6") | 153 cm (5'0") |
| 26–35 | 166 cm (5'5") | 153 cm (5'0") |
| 36–50 | 165 cm (5'5") | 152 cm (4'0") |
| 50+ | 164 cm (5'5") | 151 cm (4'11") |
Age-group estimates derived from BDHS (Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey) and WHO data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Bangladesh Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Compared to this, Bangladesh men are 6 cm shorter and women are 7 cm shorter.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Bangladesh men are 10 cm shorter than US men on average; Bangladesh women are 10 cm shorter than US women.
Bangladesh's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of South Asian genetics, historically high stunting rates now improving.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but nutrition in the first years of life matters enormously at the population level. Bangladesh's average stature is shaped by South Asian genetics, historically high stunting rates now improving.
Bangladesh has dramatically reduced childhood stunting since 2000, which should increase adult heights over time.
Comparing your personal height to Bangladesh's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Bangladesh's national distribution.
Data source: BDHS (Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey) and WHO data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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