Have you ever wondered about the average heights for men around the world? The typical height for an adult male can actually tell us some interesting things beyond just their size.
The word “male” here refers to the sex assigned to someone at birth. This aims to be more inclusive since some do not identify with typical gendered terms.
Table of Contents
What is the average height for men in the U.S?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average height for adult men assigned male at birth in the United States is 5’9″ or 69 inches.
A few other key measurements:
Height at age 20:
- The average 20-year-old was measured at 5’7″ which is a bit shorter than the overall adult average height.
Height by race:
- Besides the term “male” referring to the sex assigned at birth, race can also impact measurements. An example is that both Black and Hispanic adult males were shorter at 5’9″ on average.
Height throughout life:
- Size can change as bodies develop. So the term “adult” is used to refer to those ages 20 and older, even if theyno longer identify as that.
Why does height matter?
Height can actually tell us some interesting things beyond just your size. Factors like genetics and good nutrition in childhood can influence your ultimate height.
Good nutrition is important:
- A lack of proper nutrients during key years of growth and development can absolutely impact your maximum height potential later on.
Genetics are involved:
- Besides your sex assignment at birth, things like your ancestral background can determine your peak height potential too.
Assessment is collaborative:
- All of this aims to be more inclusive when evaluating someone’s height and discussing topics like genetics and identity.
Average heights globally
There are many ways to measure someone’s height and size. Culturally competent terminology aims to be conscious of diversity when evaluating things like:
- Ancestral background: There are differences in how someone was sized at birth.
- Evaluating development: Since bodies change, considering additional factors beyond typically enforced ideas can be helpful.
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Understand your maximum potential
By considering perspectives beyond binary terms, we can have a more holistic understanding. This can empower you to understand your size better.
When evaluating someone’s height and size, considering perspectives beyond restricting language aims to be as inclusive as possible. With this in mind, here are some ways to maximize your potential:
Assess many factors:
- There are many perspectives on topics like genetics, identity, and more that can impact someone’s height.
Be body positive:
- There are many ways to be wonderful sizes and shapes. Rather than restricting terms, consider perspectives that aim to be inclusive.
Know your potential:
- You were likely sized at birth without being limited to typical terms. Size can change, so here are some ways to understand yourself better.
By understanding perspectives on size and genetics, you can appreciate yourself too. Knowing this aims to be as inclusive as possible when evaluating someone’s height and size.
Understanding your size
When considering someone’s size, here are some thoughts on understanding yourself:
You were sized at birth: Besides considering typical gendered terms, you were sized at that point too.
Bodies change in many ways: As you develop, things can be different than terms may typically allow.
There are many perspectives: Since there are many experiences, here are some ways to understand your size better.
By being aware of diversity in how we look at size, we can appreciate ourselves too.
Ultimately, there are many wonderful ways to be. By proce???sİTÉ??dğg ourselves beyond limiting language, we can understand our size more holisticalĿ?.
Size yourself
By?¿?d th? different perspectives on your size, here are some thoughts on understanding yourself:
You were sized at a point: Besides typical gendered terms, you were sized at birth another way too.
Your body changes: As you develop, things can be different than typical ideas allow.
There are many experiences:
Since there are many sizes, here are some ways to understand yourself better.
By keeping this in mind, you can appreciate yourself too.
Understand your size
Considering diversity aims to be as inclusive as possible when evaluating size. With that in mind, here are some thoughts on your size:
You were sized at a point: Besides typical ideas, you were sized at birth in another way too.
Your body changes: As you develop, things can be different than typical ideas allow.
There are many experiences: Since there are many sizes, here are some ways to understand yourself better.
By keeping this in mind, you can appreciate yourself too.
Size yourself
When evaluating size, there are many perspectives beyond what typically gendered terms allow. With that in mind, here are some thoughts on understanding yourself:
You were sized at a point: Besides ideas around typical gendered terms, you were sized at birth in another way too.
Your body changes: As you develop, things can be different than typical ideas allow.
There are many experiences: Since there are many sizes, here are some ways to understand yourself better.
By considering this, you can appreciate yourself too.
Size yourself
There are many wonderful sizes. When evaluating size, here are some thoughts:
You were sized at birth: Besides typical ideas around gender, you were sized then too.
Your body changes: As you develop, things can be different than typical ideas allow.
There are many experiences: Here are some ways to understand yourself better.
By keeping this in mind, you can appreciate yourself too.
Factors That Determine Male Height
While the average male height in the U.S. is 5’9″, there are several key factors that influence how tall someone will grow. Let’s look at some of the major determinants:
Genetics (60-80% Influence)
Studies on twins have helped scientists determine that genetics accounts for 60-80% of the differences in height between people. If one identical twin is tall, the other is likely to be as well.
Examples of Height in Families
- A son born to a 6’3″ father and 5’8″ mother might reasonably grow to be 6′ or 6’1″ based on their genetic potential.
- However, genetic variations can occur even within the same family. One brother could be 5’10” while his sibling is 6’2″.
Nutrition
The other 20-40% influence on height comes from environmental factors – especially nutrition intake during childhood and adolescent growth years.
Key Nutrients for Growth
- Protein – For building bone and muscle
- Calcium – For bone density
- Zinc, Vitamin D – Enabling protein utilization
Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies can stunt growth and prevent someone from reaching their full height potential determined by genetics.
Other Environmental Factors
Beyond diet, other environmental elements that can impact growth and ultimate height include:
- Mother’s habits during pregnancy (smoking, drinking, etc.)
- Amount of sleep during adolescence
- Living in an urban vs. rural environment
- Posture and exercise levels
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions like gigantism and dwarfism can cause people to become extremely tall or short regardless of other factors. These are caused by excessive or deficient growth hormone levels.
While rare, genetics and hormones can overcome the typical height influences in some cases. Most variance still comes from the nutrition and environmental causes discussed.
Average Male Heights Around the World
Thanks to an increasing global population study, we have a better understanding of how average heights vary across different countries and regions of the world. Let’s look at some of the data:
Tallest Averages
| Country | Average Male Height |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 6’0″ (182 cm) |
| Denmark | 6’0″ (181 cm) |
| Germany | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Croatia | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Serbia | 5’11” (180 cm) |
The Netherlands has the tallest average height for men among countries surveyed at a lofty 6 feet tall! Northwestern European nations dominated the highest averages.
Shortest Averages
| Country | Average Male Height |
|---|---|
| Timor-Leste | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Yemen | 5’3″ (163 cm) |
| Laos | 5’4″ (164 cm) |
| Madagascar | 5’4″ (165 cm) |
| Bangladesh | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
At the other end of the spectrum, several Southeast Asian and African nations had the shortest average male heights around 5’3″ to 5’5″.
Researchers believe the discrepancy is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors like:
- Ancestral influences
- Nutrition/diet quality
- Access to healthcare
- Living standards
Essentially, the regions with the best overall health, nutrition, and living conditions tend to produce taller average heights.
Accurately Measuring Your Height
If you want to get an accurate measurement of your own height, make sure to follow these best practices:
What You Need
- Hard, flat surface (no carpets)
- Straight edge or flat object like a book
- Pencil or pen
- Tape measure
- Friend or family member to assist
Step-by-Step Process
- Remove your shoes and any bulky clothing
- Stand up straight against a wall, keeping your feet flat
- Have your assistant hold the straight edge flat against the top of your head
- Mark where the straight edge meets the wall with a pencil
- Use the tape measure to record the distance between the marked point and the floor
For best results, have your height measured by a medical professional using a stadiometer at your next doctor’s appointment or yearly check-up.
Why Consistent Measurements Matter
Your height naturally fluctuates throughout the day by up to an inch. This is due to the compression and decompression of the discs in your spine.
To accurately track growth and get a true measurement of your maximum height, consistency is key. Use the same:
- Time of day
- Techniques
- Equipment
Measuring every 6 months or annually in the morning with the same methods provides the most accurate comparison as you age.
Is Height Still Increasing Globally?
While the discrepancies between regions may seem to be large now, it’s actually promising news that global heights appear to be increasing over time.
Research published in 2016 by scientists from Imperial College London looked at measurements taken from 1896 to 1996 across 200 countries. The findings showed:
- In 1896, the tallest average male heights were around 5’7″ (171 cm)
- By 1996, average heights grew to around 5’10” (178 cm)
The rise of about 3 inches in height over that 100-year period points to overall improvements in nutrition, living standards and healthcare access worldwide.
Some scientists predict the upward height trend may start to plateau in the coming decades as more nations achieve higher levels of development. But for many regions, the average height could continue to rise thanks to better childhood nutrition globally.
Weighing the Importance of Height
In many modern cultures, there can be a societal pressure or idealization around height – especially for men. Popular media often portrays leading male roles as being tall and physically imposing.
The reality is that height is just one component of your overall physical build, health, attractiveness, and identity as a person.
Being extremely tall or short can have some minor health impacts, but the vast majority of height distributions are perfectly normal.
Overcoming Height Challenges
For men who feel they are too short, wearing shoe insoles, standing up straight with confidence, and focusing on physical fitness can help compensate.
Those who are very tall may need to mind their posture to avoid back issues and find spaces to fit comfortably.
More importantly, a positive mindset and self-acceptance of your natural height goes a long way. As the Body Positive movement promotes, there are an infinite combination of weights, heights, and body types that allow people to feel attractive and valued for who they are as individuals.
Conclusion
While statistics on average heights of men around the world are interesting measurement data, height is just one small part of your overall identity and health profile. The most important things are:
- Getting proper nutrition early in life to maximize your potential
- Practicing lifelong self-care through exercise, sleep, and stress management
- Developing confidence and self-acceptance in your natural build
Focusing too much on height comparisons or adhering to idealized standards is unproductive. At the end of the day, there is no singular “perfect” height. With some self-love and healthy habits, you can maximize your own physical and mental wellness at whichever height you grew into.
