Average Height for Women: Global Numbers and What Determines Yours

There is no single average height for women, because the figure changes substantially depending on where you look. The global average for adult women sits somewhere around 159 to 161 cm, roughly 5 feet 3 inches, but national averages range across more than 20 cm from the tallest countries to the shortest.

Average female height by country

These are approximate adult figures drawn from national health surveys. Survey years and methods differ, so treat them as close estimates rather than exact values.

Country	Average height (cm)	Approximate feet and inches
Netherlands	170	5 ft 7 in
Latvia	169	5 ft 6.5 in
Australia	165	5 ft 5 in
United Kingdom	164	5 ft 4.5 in
United States	161.5	5 ft 3.5 in
China	159	5 ft 2.5 in
Brazil	158	5 ft 2 in
India	152.5	5 ft 0 in
Philippines	150	4 ft 11 in
Guatemala	149	4 ft 10.5 in

Why the gap between countries is so large

Genetics explains most of the variation between individuals within a population, usually estimated at 60 to 80 percent. It explains much less of the variation between countries. The gap between the Netherlands and Guatemala is not mainly a genetic story.

The main drivers of national differences are childhood nutrition, rates of infection during growing years, maternal health, and general living conditions. Height is effectively a record of how well a population was fed and cared for during childhood and adolescence.

The clearest proof of this is change over time. Average heights in South Korea rose by more than 20 cm for women over the twentieth century, far too fast for genetics to explain. Several countries have seen similar jumps as childhood nutrition improved.

What determines your own height

•     Genetics. Hundreds of gene variants each contribute a small amount, which is why children are not simply the average of their parents

•     Childhood nutrition, particularly adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D and overall energy during growth

•     Sleep during childhood and adolescence, when most growth hormone is released

•     General health, since repeated illness during growing years can reduce final height

•     Hormonal and medical conditions, including thyroid disorders and growth hormone deficiency

When women stop growing

Most girls reach their fastest growth during puberty and finish growing around age 14 to 16, typically within two years of their first period. Growth stops when the growth plates in the long bones close. After that point height cannot be increased, whatever a supplement or programme claims.

Adults also lose height gradually with age, usually 1 to 3 cm between the ages of 40 and 70, as spinal discs compress and bone density changes.

Does height affect health?

Population studies find small associations in both directions. Taller people show slightly higher rates of some cancers, while shorter people show slightly higher rates of some cardiovascular conditions. These are weak population level patterns and tell you almost nothing about an individual. Diet, activity, smoking and sleep influence health far more than height does.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average height for women in India? Approximately 152.5 cm, or 5 feet, based on national health survey data.

Can an adult increase their height? No. Once growth plates close, height is fixed. Posture improvement and core strengthening can recover a small amount of apparent height that slouching has cost you.

Which country has the tallest women? The Netherlands, at around 170 cm on average.

Is being below average height a health concern? On its own, no. In children, a growth curve that falls away from its established pattern is worth discussing with a doctor, but a consistently short child growing steadily is usually healthy.

This article is general information, not medical advice. For concerns about growth in a child, speak to a paediatrician.