Average Height in United Kingdom (2026 Data)
The average height in United Kingdom is approximately 5'10" (178 cm) for men and 5'5" (164 cm) for women, based on NHS Health Survey for England and NCD-RisC estimates. United Kingdom ranks above both the world and US averages.
Average Height in United Kingdom: Men and Women
Adult height in United Kingdom 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 178 cm (5'10"); for women, about 164 cm (5'5"). 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 United Kingdom. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in United Kingdom
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 180 cm (5'11") | 165 cm (5'5") |
| 26–35 | 179 cm (5'10") | 165 cm (5'5") |
| 36–50 | 178 cm (5'10") | 164 cm (5'5") |
| 50+ | 177 cm (5'10") | 163 cm (5'4") |
Age-group estimates derived from NHS Health Survey for England and NCD-RisC estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How United Kingdom 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, United Kingdom men are 7 cm taller and women are 5 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). United Kingdom men are 3 cm taller than US men on average; United Kingdom women are 2 cm taller than US women.
United Kingdom's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Northern European genetics mixed with improving post-war nutrition standards.
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. United Kingdom's average stature is shaped by Northern European genetics mixed with improving post-war nutrition standards.
British heights rose steadily through the 20th century and have stabilized in recent decades.
Comparing your personal height to United Kingdom'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 United Kingdom's national distribution.
Data source: NHS Health Survey for England and NCD-RisC estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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