Average Height in the United States (2026 Data)
The average height in the United States is approximately 5'9" (175 cm) for men and 5'4" (162 cm) for women, based on CDC/NCHS NHANES body measures. the US ranks above the global average but below Northwestern Europe.
Average Height in the US: Men and Women
Adult height in the United States 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 162 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 the United States. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in the US
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 177 cm (5'10") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 26–35 | 176 cm (5'9") | 163 cm (5'4") |
| 36–50 | 175 cm (5'9") | 162 cm (5'4") |
| 50+ | 174 cm (5'9") | 161 cm (5'3") |
Age-group estimates derived from CDC/NCHS NHANES body measures (adults ≥20, 2017–2020). Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How the US 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, the United States men are 4 cm taller and women are 3 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). the US men are 0 cm taller than US men on average; the US women are 0 cm taller than US women.
The US sits above the global average for both sexes but below Northwestern European leaders like the Netherlands and Sweden.
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. the US's average stature is shaped by diverse genetics, varied regional diets, and socioeconomic disparities in childhood nutrition.
US adult height has plateaued since the late 20th century, unlike some Asian countries still gaining.
Comparing your personal height to the US'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 the US's national distribution.
Data source: CDC/NCHS NHANES body measures (adults ≥20, 2017–2020). For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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