Average Height in India (2026 Data)
The average height in India is approximately 5'6" (167 cm) for men and 5'1" (155 cm) for women, based on NFHS-5. India ranks below the global average.
Average Height in India: Men and Women
Adult height in India 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 167 cm (5'6"); for women, about 155 cm (5'1"). 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 India. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in India
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 169 cm (5'7") | 156 cm (5'1") |
| 26–35 | 168 cm (5'6") | 156 cm (5'1") |
| 36–50 | 167 cm (5'6") | 155 cm (5'1") |
| 50+ | 166 cm (5'5") | 154 cm (5'1") |
Age-group estimates derived from NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey) anthropometry data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How India 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 covering hundreds of population studies. Compared to this, India men are 4 cm shorter and women are 4 cm shorter.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). India men are 8 cm shorter than US men on average; India women are 7 cm shorter than US women.
India's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of genetic diversity across regions, childhood stunting in some areas, and uneven nutrition access.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but those environmental factors—especially nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life—matter enormously at the population level. India's average stature is shaped by genetic diversity across regions, childhood stunting in some areas, and uneven nutrition access.
Average heights have risen over recent decades as nutrition and sanitation improve, but regional gaps persist.
Comparing your personal height to India'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 India's national distribution.
Data source: NFHS-5 (National Family Health Survey) anthropometry data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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