Average Height in Spain (2026 Data)
The average height in Spain is approximately 5'9" (176 cm) for men and 5'4" (163 cm) for women, based on ENSA. Spain ranks above the global average.
Average Height in Spain: Men and Women
Adult height in Spain 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 176 cm (5'9"); for women, about 163 cm (5'4"). 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 Spain. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Spain
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 178 cm (5'10") | 164 cm (5'5") |
| 26–35 | 177 cm (5'10") | 164 cm (5'5") |
| 36–50 | 176 cm (5'9") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 50+ | 175 cm (5'9") | 162 cm (5'4") |
Age-group estimates derived from ENSA (Encuesta Nacional de Salud) and NCD-RisC estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Spain 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, Spain men are 5 cm taller and women are 4 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Spain men are 1 cm taller than US men on average; Spain women are 1 cm taller than US women.
Spain's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Mediterranean diet traditions combined with improved post-Franco era nutrition.
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. Spain's average stature is shaped by Mediterranean diet traditions combined with improved post-Franco era nutrition.
Spanish heights increased substantially after 1950 and have stabilized in recent decades.
Comparing your personal height to Spain'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 Spain's national distribution.
Data source: ENSA (Encuesta Nacional de Salud) and NCD-RisC estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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