Average Height in Iran (2026 Data)
The average height in Iran is approximately 5'9" (174 cm) for men and 5'3" (161 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Iranian STEPS survey data. Iran ranks above the global average and just below the US average.
Average Height in Iran: Men and Women
Adult height in Iran 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 174 cm (5'9"); for women, about 161 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 Iran. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Iran
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 176 cm (5'9") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 26–35 | 175 cm (5'9") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 36–50 | 174 cm (5'9") | 161 cm (5'3") |
| 50+ | 173 cm (5'8") | 160 cm (5'3") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Iranian STEPS survey data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Iran 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, Iranian men are 3 cm taller and women are 2 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Iranian men are 1 cm shorter than US men on average; Iranian women are 1 cm shorter than US women.
Iran's position just below the US average reflects its Persian and Iranian plateau genetic heritage combined with a wheat-based diet rich in dairy and legumes, though significant urban-rural height differences persist across the country.
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. Iran's average stature is shaped by Persian and Iranian plateau genetics combined with a traditional wheat-based diet supplemented with dairy, legumes, and fruits.
There are significant urban-rural height differences in Iran, with Tehran and other major cities recording taller averages than rural provinces. Improved healthcare coverage and nutrition subsidies have contributed to steady height gains, particularly since the 1980s.
Comparing your personal height to Iran'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 Iran's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Iranian STEPS survey data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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