Average Height in Chile (2026 Data)
The average height in Chile is approximately 5'8" (172 cm) for men and 5'3" (159 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Chilean National Health Survey (ENS) data. Chile ranks above the global average and is the tallest country in South America after Argentina.
Average Height in Chile: Men and Women
Adult height in Chile 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 172 cm (5'8"); for women, about 159 cm (5'3"). 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 Chile. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Chile
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 174 cm (5'9") | 160 cm (5'3") |
| 26–35 | 173 cm (5'8") | 160 cm (5'3") |
| 36–50 | 172 cm (5'8") | 159 cm (5'3") |
| 50+ | 171 cm (5'7") | 158 cm (5'2") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Chilean National Health Survey (ENS) data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Chile 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, Chilean men are 1 cm taller and women match the global average.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Chilean men are 3 cm shorter than US men on average; Chilean women are 3 cm shorter than US women.
Chile's position above the global average reflects its mixed European and indigenous heritage combined with South America's strongest healthcare system and nutrition programs. Chile ranks as the tallest South American country after Argentina.
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. Chile's average stature is shaped by mixed European and indigenous heritage, with one of South America's most developed healthcare systems supporting childhood growth.
Chile has invested heavily in maternal and child nutrition programs since the 1970s, resulting in dramatic reductions in childhood stunting and steady height gains across generations. The country's strong public health infrastructure has made it the tallest South American nation after Argentina.
Comparing your personal height to Chile'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 Chile's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Chilean National Health Survey (ENS) data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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