Scale to GramsAverage Height for Men and Women in the US
Quick Answer
The average adult man in the US is 5 ft 9 in (175 cm). The average adult woman is 5 ft 4 in (162 cm). Numbers come from CDC NHANES, the US national health survey.
Measure Your Height From a PhotoAverage man
5'9"
175 cm
Average woman
5'4"
162 cm
Difference (M-F)
5 in
13 cm
Average Height by Gender (Adults 20+)
The CDC publishes adult height data through NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). The most recent figures show a small decline from peak heights reached around 2000.
| Group | Height (ft/in) | Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Men 20+ | 5'9.1" | 175.3 cm |
| Women 20+ | 5'3.7" | 161.5 cm |
Average Height by Age
Adults peak between 30-39, then start losing height around age 40 due to spine compression and posture changes. Expect to lose about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) per decade after 40.
| Age range | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 5'9.4" | 5'4.2" |
| 30-39 | 5'9.5" | 5'4.0" |
| 40-49 | 5'9.3" | 5'3.9" |
| 50-59 | 5'9.1" | 5'3.7" |
| 60-69 | 5'8.8" | 5'3.3" |
| 70-79 | 5'8.0" | 5'2.6" |
| 80+ | 5'7.0" | 5'1.7" |
Average Height by Ethnicity
Heights also vary across major US demographic groups. Differences are smaller than common stereotypes suggest.
| Group | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic White | 5'9.8" | 5'4.4" |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 5'9.1" | 5'4.1" |
| Hispanic | 5'7.2" | 5'1.7" |
| Non-Hispanic Asian | 5'7.4" | 5'2.2" |
How Do You Compare?
If you are within 2 in (5 cm) of the average for your gender, you are in the bulk of the bell curve. Anything more than 4 in (10 cm) above or below is in the outer 15% of the population. Heights of 6 ft (183 cm) for men or 5'8" (173 cm) for women are roughly the 85th percentile.
Why Heights Are Slightly Decreasing
Peak average heights in the US were reached around 2000. Since then, both men and women have lost about 0.4 in (1 cm) on average. Researchers attribute this to changing demographics (more immigration from shorter-stature populations) rather than a real biological decline. Genetic potential remains the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average height for an American man?+
The average American man is 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) tall, based on CDC NHANES data for adults 20 and older.
What is the average height for an American woman?+
The average American woman is 5 ft 4 in (162 cm) tall, per the most recent CDC NHANES data.
Is 6 feet tall above average in the US?+
Yes. At 6 ft (183 cm), a man is in roughly the 85th percentile, meaning taller than about 85% of American men. The average is 5'9".
What is the average height of a 16 year old?+
A 16-year-old American male averages about 5'7" (170 cm) and a female about 5'4" (162 cm). Boys often grow until 18-19, girls usually peak by 16.
Do people get shorter with age?+
Yes. Adults lose about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) per decade after age 40 due to spine disc compression, vertebrae shrinkage, and posture changes. By age 80 most people are 1-2 in shorter than at peak.
How do I measure my height accurately?+
Stand barefoot against a wall, heels back, and place a hardcover book flat on top of your head. Mark the wall, then measure with a tape. Best done in the morning, when you are at your tallest. Or photograph yourself and use our AI Height Measure Tool.
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