Average Height in Turkey (2026 Data)
The average height in Turkey is approximately 5'9" (175 cm) for men and 5'3" (161 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Turkish Demographic and Health Survey data. Turkey ranks above the global average and at par with the US for men.
Average Height in Turkey: Men and Women
Adult height in Turkey 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 175 cm (5'9"); for women, about 161 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 Turkey. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Turkey
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 177 cm (5'10") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 26–35 | 176 cm (5'9") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 36–50 | 175 cm (5'9") | 161 cm (5'3") |
| 50+ | 174 cm (5'9") | 160 cm (5'3") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Turkish Demographic and Health Survey data. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Turkey 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, Turkish men are 4 cm taller and women are 2 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Turkish men match the US male average; Turkish women are 1 cm shorter than US women.
Turkey's position relative to global and US averages reflects its Anatolian and Mediterranean genetic heritage combined with a diet traditionally rich in grains, dairy, and legumes, with notable regional variation between eastern and western provinces.
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. Turkey's average stature is shaped by Anatolian and Mediterranean genetics combined with a traditional diet rich in grains, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
There is significant regional variation in Turkey, with western provinces typically recording taller averages than eastern regions, reflecting differences in urbanization, income, and dietary diversity. Heights have been steadily increasing with improved healthcare and nutrition.
Comparing your personal height to Turkey'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 Turkey's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates and Turkish Demographic and Health Survey data. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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