Average Height in Norway (2026 Data)
The average height in Norway is approximately 5'11" (180 cm) for men and 5'5" (166 cm) for women, based on Statistics Norway and NCD-RisC global height estimates. Norway ranks among the tallest countries globally.
Average Height in Norway: Men and Women
Adult height in Norway 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 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, ethnicity, and birth cohort within Norway. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Norway
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 182 cm (5'0") | 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+ | 179 cm (5'10") | 165 cm (5'5") |
Age-group estimates derived from Statistics Norway and NCD-RisC global height estimates (2020). Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Norway 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, Norway 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). Norway men are 5 cm taller than US men on average; Norway women are 4 cm taller than US women.
Norway's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Nordic genetics, excellent welfare-state nutrition, and high living standards.
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. Norway's average stature is shaped by Nordic genetics, excellent welfare-state nutrition, and high living standards.
Norwegian heights rose through the 20th century and remain among Europe's highest.
Comparing your personal height to Norway'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 Norway's national distribution.
Data source: Statistics Norway and NCD-RisC global height estimates (2020). For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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