Average Height in the Philippines (2026 Data)
The average height in the Philippines is approximately 5'5" (165 cm) for men and 5'1" (154 cm) for women, based on DOH National Nutrition Survey and WHO anthropometry data. Philippines ranks below the global average.
Average Height in Philippines: Men and Women
Adult height in the Philippines 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 165 cm (5'5"); 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 the Philippines. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Philippines
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 167 cm (5'6") | 155 cm (5'1") |
| 26–35 | 166 cm (5'5") | 155 cm (5'1") |
| 36–50 | 165 cm (5'5") | 154 cm (5'1") |
| 50+ | 164 cm (5'5") | 153 cm (5'0") |
Age-group estimates derived from DOH National Nutrition Survey and WHO anthropometry data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Philippines 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, the Philippines men are 6 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). Philippines men are 10 cm shorter than US men on average; Philippines women are 8 cm shorter than US women.
Philippines's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Southeast Asian genetics with malnutrition challenges in some rural areas.
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. Philippines's average stature is shaped by Southeast Asian genetics with malnutrition challenges in some rural areas.
Filipino heights have increased gradually as food security and healthcare access improve.
Comparing your personal height to the Philippines'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 the Philippines's national distribution.
Data source: DOH National Nutrition Survey and WHO anthropometry data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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