Average Height in Sweden (2026 Data)
The average height in Sweden is approximately 5'11" (180 cm) for men and 5'6" (167 cm) for women, based on Statistics Sweden and NCD-RisC global height estimates. Sweden ranks among the tallest countries globally.
Average Height in Sweden: Men and Women
Adult height in Sweden 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 180 cm (5'11"); for women, about 167 cm (5'6"). 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 Sweden. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Sweden
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 182 cm (5'0") | 168 cm (5'6") |
| 26–35 | 181 cm (5'11") | 168 cm (5'6") |
| 36–50 | 180 cm (5'11") | 167 cm (5'6") |
| 50+ | 179 cm (5'10") | 166 cm (5'5") |
Age-group estimates derived from Statistics Sweden and NCD-RisC global height estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Sweden 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 covering hundreds of population studies. Compared to this, Sweden men are 9 cm taller and women are 8 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Sweden men are 5 cm taller than US men on average; Sweden women are 5 cm taller than US women.
Sweden's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Nordic genetics, excellent childhood healthcare, and high dairy and fish protein intake.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but those environmental factors—especially nutrition in the first 1,000 days of life—matter enormously at the population level. Sweden's average stature is shaped by Nordic genetics, excellent childhood healthcare, and high dairy and fish protein intake.
Swedish heights rose through the 20th century and remain among the world's highest.
Comparing your personal height to Sweden'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 Sweden's national distribution.
Data source: Statistics Sweden and NCD-RisC global height estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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