Average Height in South Africa (2026 Data)
The average height in South Africa is approximately 5'7" (169 cm) for men and 5'3" (159 cm) for women, based on SANHANES. South Africa ranks near the global average.
Average Height in South Africa: Men and Women
Adult height in South Africa 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 169 cm (5'7"); for women, about 159 cm (5'3"). 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 South Africa. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in South Africa
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 171 cm (5'7") | 160 cm (5'3") |
| 26–35 | 170 cm (5'7") | 160 cm (5'3") |
| 36–50 | 169 cm (5'7") | 159 cm (5'3") |
| 50+ | 168 cm (5'6") | 158 cm (5'2") |
Age-group estimates derived from SANHANES (South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How South Africa 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, South Africa men are 2 cm shorter and women are 0 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). South Africa men are 6 cm shorter than US men on average; South Africa women are 3 cm shorter than US women.
South Africa's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of diverse ethnic groups (Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaner, etc.) with different average statures.
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. South Africa's average stature is shaped by diverse ethnic groups (Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaner, etc.) with different average statures.
National averages mask large differences between population groups within South Africa.
Comparing your personal height to South Africa'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 South Africa's national distribution.
Data source: SANHANES (South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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