Average Height in Finland (2026 Data)
The average height in Finland is approximately 5'11" (180 cm) for men and 5'5" (166 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Finland ranks well above the global and US averages.
Average Height in Finland: Men and Women
Adult height in Finland reflects Nordic and Finno-Ugric genetics combined with a dairy-rich diet and excellent public health infrastructure. The most recent pooled population studies provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 180 cm (5'11"); for women, about 166 cm (5'5"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region and birth cohort within Finland. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Finland
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 182 cm (6'0") | 167 cm (5'6") |
| 26–35 | 181 cm (5'11") | 167 cm (5'6") |
| 36–50 | 180 cm (5'11") | 166 cm (5'5") |
| 50+ | 178 cm (5'10") | 165 cm (5'5") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Finland 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, Finnish men are 9 cm taller and women are 7 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Finnish men are 5 cm taller than US men on average; Finnish women are 4 cm taller than US women.
Finland's position relative to global and US averages reflects its Nordic and Finno-Ugric genetics combined with a dairy-rich diet and one of the world's best public health systems.
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. Finland's average stature is shaped by Nordic and Finno-Ugric genetics combined with a dairy-rich diet that is among the highest in per-capita milk consumption worldwide.
Finland's excellent public health system, free school meals program, and strong welfare state have ensured that nearly all children reach their genetic height potential, contributing to the population's tall stature.
Comparing your personal height to Finland'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 Finland's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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