Average Height of Men Worldwide (Global Average, Country Rankings, and Full Data Explanation)

The average height of men worldwide differs substantially across countries and regions due to long-term differences in nutrition, childhood health, disease exposure, and socioeconomic conditions. While genetics influences individual variation, global height differences are primarily environmental and developmental, reflecting living conditions during early life.

This article provides a complete, data-driven reference on male height worldwide, including:

• The global average height of adult men

• Country-by-country rankings

• Regional averages

• Measurement methodology

• Historical trends

• Clear statistical context

All figures refer to adult men (ages 18+) unless otherwise stated.

What Is the Average Height of Men Worldwide?

The global average height of adult men worldwide is approximately:

➡ 171–173 cm (5 ft 7 in to 5 ft 8 in)

This value represents a population-weighted global average, meaning countries contribute proportionally based on their male population size. Countries with large populations therefore influence the global figure more than small countries.

Why the Worldwide Average Is Not a Single Exact Number

The worldwide average is typically shown as a range because:

• Different datasets use different reference years

• Some values come from measured surveys, others from statistical models

• Population weighting vs simple country averaging changes the result

For worldwide comparisons, population-weighted averages are the most meaningful representation.

Average Height of Men by Country (Global Rankings)

The table below shows average adult male height by country, expressed in centimeters (cm). Values are harmonized from large international health survey datasets and global statistical models designed to ensure cross-country comparability.

Population: Adult men (18+)
Units: Centimeters (cm)

Tallest Countries in the World (Men)

Shortest Countries in the World (Men)

Average Height of Men by Region

Regional averages help identify broad geographic patterns but should not replace country-level comparisons, as variation within regions is often large.

Key Regional Observations

• Europe dominates the upper end of height rankings due to long-term nutritional and public-health stability.

• Asia shows wide variation, with East Asian countries generally taller than South and Southeast Asian countries.

• Africa is highly diverse, with substantial differences between countries.

United States Average Male Height

In the United States, nationally representative measured health surveys report an average male height of:

➡ 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) for men ages 20+

This figure is based on direct physical measurements, not self-reported height, making it one of the most reliable national estimates available.

How Men’s Height Is Measured Worldwide

Height statistics come from three main data sources, each with different strengths and limitations.

1. Measured National Health Surveys

• Physical measurement by trained professionals

• High accuracy

• Limited geographic and temporal coverage

2. Modelled Global Estimates

• Combine thousands of surveys

• Adjust for missing years and countries

• Account for birth-cohort effects

• Used to calculate global and regional averages

These models are essential for worldwide comparisons.

3. Self-Reported Height

• Common in questionnaires

• Less reliable due to over-reporting

• Not used for authoritative global comparisons

Why Men’s Height Varies Worldwide

Childhood Nutrition

Protein intake, calorie availability, and micronutrient sufficiency during childhood strongly influence adult height.

Disease Burden

Frequent infections in early life reduce growth potential even when food is available.

Healthcare and Maternal Health

Prenatal care, birth weight, and early childhood health play critical roles in growth outcomes.

Socioeconomic Stability

Long-term economic security allows populations to reach closer to their biological height potential.

Genetics (Limited Role)

Genetics explains variation within populations, but global height differences are largely driven by environmental conditions.

Historical Trends in Men’s Height

Over the past century:

• Men in many European countries grew 10–12 cm taller on average

• East Asian countries experienced rapid increases after mid-20th-century development

• Height growth has plateaued in several high-income nations

• Some regions continue to experience growth constraints

Height trends closely follow public health improvements and childhood living conditions, not evolutionary change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average height of men worldwide?

Approximately 171–173 cm, depending on data year and calculation method.

Which country has the tallest men?

The Netherlands consistently ranks at or near the top, with an average male height around 183 cm.

Is male height still increasing globally?

Yes, but unevenly. Growth continues in some regions while plateauing in others.

At what age do men stop growing?

Most men reach final height between 18 and 21 years old.

How tall is average compared to me?

• Below 165 cm: shorter than most adult men worldwide

• 170–173 cm: close to the global average

• 180+ cm: taller than the majority of adult men globally

Key Takeaway

The average height of men worldwide reflects nutrition, health, and socioeconomic conditions, not genetics alone. Country-level comparisons provide far more insight than a single global number, and height trends offer a powerful indicator of long-term population health.