Average Height in Netherlands (2026 Data)
The average height in Netherlands is approximately 6'0" (184 cm) for men and 5'7" (170 cm) for women, based on Dutch CBS health surveys and NCD-RisC global height data. Netherlands ranks the tallest major population worldwide.
Average Height in Netherlands: Men and Women
Adult height in Netherlands 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 184 cm (6'0"); for women, about 170 cm (5'7"). 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 Netherlands. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Netherlands
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 186 cm (6'1") | 171 cm (5'7") |
| 26–35 | 185 cm (6'1") | 171 cm (5'7") |
| 36–50 | 184 cm (6'0") | 170 cm (5'7") |
| 50+ | 183 cm (6'0") | 169 cm (5'7") |
Age-group estimates derived from Dutch CBS health surveys and NCD-RisC global height data (2020). Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Netherlands 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, Netherlands men are 13 cm taller and women are 11 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Netherlands men are 9 cm taller than US men on average; Netherlands women are 8 cm taller than US women.
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the world's tallest nations—Dutch men average nearly 9 cm more than the global mean.
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. Netherlands's average stature is shaped by generous dairy intake, high-quality childhood nutrition, and strong public health infrastructure.
Dutch men and women topped global height rankings for decades, though some Northern European neighbors now rival them.
Comparing your personal height to Netherlands'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 Netherlands's national distribution.
Data source: Dutch CBS health surveys and NCD-RisC global height data (2020). For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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