Average Height in Portugal (2026 Data)
The average height in Portugal is approximately 5'9" (174 cm) for men and 5'4" (162 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Portugal ranks above the global average but slightly below the US average for men.
Average Height in Portugal: Men and Women
Adult height in Portugal reflects Iberian and Mediterranean genetics combined with significant nutritional improvements over the 20th century. The most recent pooled population studies provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 174 cm (5'9"); for women, about 162 cm (5'4"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region and birth cohort within Portugal. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Portugal
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 176 cm (5'9") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 26–35 | 175 cm (5'9") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 36–50 | 174 cm (5'9") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 50+ | 172 cm (5'8") | 161 cm (5'3") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Portugal 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, Portuguese men are 3 cm taller and women are 3 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Portuguese men are 1 cm shorter than US men on average; Portuguese women are equal to US women.
Portugal's position relative to global and US averages reflects its Mediterranean genetics and diet. The country experienced some of the most significant height gains in Western Europe during the 20th century as economic conditions improved.
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. Portugal's average stature is shaped by Iberian and Mediterranean genetics combined with the traditional Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fish, and vegetables.
Portugal experienced some of the most dramatic height gains in Western Europe during the 20th century, with younger cohorts significantly taller than their grandparents due to improved nutrition and healthcare access after democratization in 1974.
Comparing your personal height to Portugal'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 Portugal's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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