Average Height in Pakistan (2026 Data)
The average height in Pakistan is approximately 5'6" (167 cm) for men and 5'1" (154 cm) for women, based on Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey. Pakistan ranks below the global average.
Average Height in Pakistan: Men and Women
Adult height in Pakistan 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 154 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 Pakistan. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Pakistan
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 169 cm (5'7") | 155 cm (5'1") |
| 26–35 | 168 cm (5'6") | 155 cm (5'1") |
| 36–50 | 167 cm (5'6") | 154 cm (5'1") |
| 50+ | 166 cm (5'5") | 153 cm (5'0") |
Age-group estimates derived from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and NCD-RisC data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Pakistan 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, Pakistan men are 4 cm shorter and women are 5 cm shorter.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Pakistan men are 8 cm shorter than US men on average; Pakistan women are 8 cm shorter than US women.
Pakistan's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of South Asian genetics, childhood stunting in some provinces, and income-based nutrition gaps.
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. Pakistan's average stature is shaped by South Asian genetics, childhood stunting in some provinces, and income-based nutrition gaps.
Average heights are rising slowly as nutrition programs expand, though regional disparities remain.
Comparing your personal height to Pakistan'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 Pakistan's national distribution.
Data source: Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and NCD-RisC data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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