Introduction: The average height for women varies widely around the globe. On average, adult women worldwide measure about 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) tall. However, this global figure masks large differences between countries and regions. European nations generally report the tallest women, while many Asian and Latin American countries show shorter female statures. In the U.S., for example, adult women average roughly 163 cm (5 ft 4.3 in), a figure similar to the global mean. Nutrition, healthcare, genetics, and socioeconomic factors all contribute to these patterns. This article provides a detailed, country-by-country look at women’s height in 2025, including average height for women worldwide, regional comparisons, and how height is measured (in centimeters and in feet/inches). We also cover differences by age and discuss the factors influencing height. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive, data-driven overview tailored for readers interested in height statistics and health trends.
Global map of average female height by country (at age ~19). Women in the Netherlands and Montenegro are among the tallest (~170 cm), while women in Guatemala, Laos and the Solomon Islands are among the shortest.
Global and Regional Averages
- Worldwide average: Research shows the average height for women worldwide is about 162 cm (5 ft 4 in). A major analysis of 200+ countries confirms this global mean. However, regional averages differ significantly.
- Europe: European women tend to be tallest. Northern and Eastern European countries lead the world rankings. For example, Dutch and Montenegrin women average about 170 cm (5 ft 7 in), the highest known averages. Other European nations like Estonia, Iceland, Denmark, Latvia, and the Czech Republic all report female averages around 168–169 cm.
- Americas: North American and Latin American women fall near the global average. In the United States, adult women average roughly 161–163 cm (around 5 ft 3–5 in). (CDC data specifically reports ~5 ft 3.5 in [~161 cm] for U.S. women.) South and Central American countries show more variation. For instance, Brazilian and Argentinian women average about 160–161 cm (5 ft 3–5 in), while women in Guatemala average only about 150 cm (4 ft 11 in).
- Asia: Many Asian countries have shorter female statures. Global studies report that average height for Asian women is around 155 cm (5 ft 1 in). For example, women in China average ~163 cm (5 ft 4 in), in South Korea/Japan around 158–159 cm (5 ft 2–5 in), and Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia and the Philippines average near 152–154 cm (about 5 ft 0–1 in). Genetic background, nutrition and healthcare differences explain much of this variation.
- Africa: Sub-Saharan African countries generally report average female heights in the range 155–162 cm (5 ft 1–5 ft 4) depending on the country. For example, South African women average about 160 cm (5 ft 3 in), while in some West African nations averages are closer to 158 cm. Limited data and regional variation mean African averages cover a broad range.
- Oceania: Data is sparse, but women in Australia and New Zealand average around 167–168 cm (5 ft 6–5 ft 6 in), similar to the U.S. and Europe.
Overall, women in wealthier nations with good nutrition and healthcare tend to be taller. As one source notes, “[w]omen in countries with robust healthcare systems and consistent access to nutritious foods during childhood typically achieve greater adult heights”. Regions experiencing economic and health improvements (e.g. East Asia) are seeing gradual increases in female average heights over recent decades.
By Country: Tallest and Shortest Women
We can rank countries by their female averages (often measured for young adults around age 19). According to global data:
- Tallest Countries (Women’s average): The Netherlands and Montenegro top the list at about 170 cm (5 ft 7 in). Several other European nations follow closely: Estonia, Iceland, Denmark, Latvia all around 169 cm. Even Latvia and Ukraine (not shown above) report averages ~169 cm. France, Germany, Belgium and Australia are around 165–167 cm.
- Shortest Countries (Women’s average): On the lower end, Central and Southeast Asian nations have the shortest averages. Guatemala and Indonesia/Philippines are near 150 cm (4 ft 11 in). Laos, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands also report averages in the 153–157 cm range. In Africa, countries like Bangladesh (often included in South Asia) average about 152 cm.
Top 5 Tallest and Shortest (female averages):
- Tallest: Netherlands (170 cm), Montenegro (170 cm), Estonia (169 cm), Iceland (169 cm), Denmark (169 cm).
- Shortest: Guatemala (149 cm), Indonesia (150 cm), Philippines (150 cm), Bangladesh (152 cm), Laos (153 cm).
These country-level differences are illustrated in the world map above: Europe is shaded with the tallest values, while parts of Asia and Central America show the shortest heights. Notably, World Population Review highlights Timor-Leste, Laos and the Solomon Islands as among those with the smallest female averages. The United Nations’ NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC) confirms these findings, noting “women in the Netherlands and Montenegro had the tallest average… (5 ft 7 in), while women in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Guatemala had the shortest (~5 ft and 4 ft 11 in)”.
Height by Region / Ethnic Groups
Asia: Asian countries vary, but generally female heights are on the lower side globally. East Asians (China, Korea, Japan) average 158–163 cm (5 ft 2–5 ft 4), though nations like Vietnam and Indonesia are lower (~150–155 cm). South Asian women (India, Bangladesh, Nepal) average 150–155 cm. Regional studies show that “Asian women typically record the shortest average heights at 155 centimeters”, though urbanization and diet improvements have increased heights in countries like South Korea and Japan by ~6 cm over the past century.
Europe: European women are tallest. Western/Eastern Europe: average ~165–170 cm. Northern Europe often leads (Netherlands, Scandinavia ~168–170 cm). Eastern European states (Poland, Czechia, Latvia) ~166–169 cm.
North America: The United States average is about 162 cm (~5 ft 4 in). According to CDC data, American women aged 20+ average 5 ft 3.5 in (≈161 cm). This masks ethnic variation: Non-Hispanic White and Black women average ~163 cm, Hispanic women ~159 cm, and Asian American women ~156 cm. Canadian women are similar, around 163 cm (5 ft 4 in).
Latin America: Average female heights fall in the 153–162 cm range. For example, Mexican women average ~158 cm (5 ft 2 in), Brazilians ~160 cm, Argentinians ~161 cm, but Guatemalan women are shorter (~150 cm).
Africa: Varied. South African and North African women are around 158–160 cm. Sub-Saharan countries range roughly 155–162 cm. Data is less complete, but many areas have average around 158 cm (5 ft 2 in).
In summary, American women (U.S., Canada) average around 5 ft 4 in, Asian women tend to average closer to 5 ft 1–2 in. These patterns align with global studies: “Asian women have the lowest average height at 5 ft 1.5 in” (about 156 cm), whereas Northern Europeans are tallest.
Height by Age and Growth Trends
Female height increases rapidly from infancy through adolescence. According to standard growth charts (CDC/WHO):
- By age 5, average girls worldwide are roughly 105–110 cm tall (~3 ft 5–7 in).
- By age 10, average height is about 137 cm (4 ft 6 in).
- By age 15, girls typically reach ~160 cm (5 ft 3 in), about 95% of adult height.
- Growth usually finishes by age 18–20, yielding the adult averages discussed above.
While specific figures vary by country and source, these milestones reflect global growth patterns. (For example, U.S. CDC charts show the 50th percentile girl is ~148 cm at age 14 and ~160 cm by age 16.) Thus, average height for women by age increases from around a meter at school age to about 1.6 meters by late teens.
Height in Centimeters and Feet
Most of the world uses the metric system (centimeters) for height, but a few countries (USA, Liberia, Myanmar) report in feet & inches. It’s useful to convert between them:
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- 1 foot = 30.48 cm
Common heights:
- 150 cm ≈ 4 ft 11 in
- 160 cm ≈ 5 ft 3 in
- 162 cm (global female avg) ≈ 5 ft 4 in
- 170 cm (tall countries) ≈ 5 ft 7 in
For example, the global female average ~162 cm equals about 5 ft 4 in. The tallest averages (~170 cm) correspond to about 5 ft 7 in, while some of the shortest (~150 cm) are roughly 4 ft 11 in. (Indeed, Wikipedia notes the shortest female averages – ~4 ft 10 to 5 ft – occur in parts of Asia and Latin America.)
Key Factors Affecting Height
Height is determined by both genetics and environment. Genetics account for roughly 60–80% of a person’s height. Tall parents tend to have tall daughters. However, nutrition and health conditions during childhood play a crucial role in realizing that potential. Adequate protein, calcium, vitamins, and overall food security support growth; malnutrition or illness can stunt growth significantly. For example, populations with historical undernutrition often have shorter averages (e.g. rural or low-income regions in Asia and Africa). Improved living standards over time can raise average height: South Korean women, for instance, grew about 6 cm taller than their grandmothers due to better childhood nutrition.
Other factors: hormonal conditions (growth hormone, thyroid function), chronic disease, and even socio-economic trends (urban vs. rural) influence height. Generally, richer countries with good healthcare see taller averages. Nutrition’s effect is illustrated by saying: “Inadequate nutrition during childhood… can prevent individuals from reaching their full genetic height potential”.
How to Measure Height Accurately
Accurate measurement is important for reliable statistics. To measure a person’s height correctly, experts recommend the following steps:
- Remove shoes and hair accessories (no heels, flats only).
- Stand straight with heels against a flat wall.
- Keep feet together and eyes looking forward (Frankfort plane).
- Use a flat, firm object (like a book) on top of the head touching the wall.
- Mark the wall at the highest point of contact.
- Measure the distance from floor to the mark with a rigid tape (in centimeters).
Following a standardized procedure minimizes errors. World Population Review notes that most countries publish height in centimeters, but a few (USA, Myanmar, Liberia) still report in feet/inches.
Trends Over Time
On average, women’s height has increased over the past century, though rates vary by region. Many European countries saw 3–4 cm gains due to better health and nutrition. East Asian nations have seen even larger increases: Japan +6 cm, South Korea +5 cm on average since the early 1900s. In contrast, some African regions have stagnated or even declined slightly, reflecting ongoing challenges.
Today, continued improvements suggest slight increases in the coming decades for developing nations, while already tall populations are likely to stabilize. Notably, urban populations tend to be taller than rural ones by 2–5 cm due to better living conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average height for women worldwide?
A: Recent global analyses estimate the average height for women worldwide at about 162 cm (5 ft 4 in). This is a broad average – many populations are taller or shorter. Europe’s averages push above 165 cm, while parts of Asia and Latin America fall below 155 cm on average.
Q: Which country has the tallest women, and which has the shortest?
A: Data show Dutch and Montenegrin women have the tallest averages (~170 cm or 5 ft 7 in). By contrast, women in Guatemala (and the Philippines/Indonesia) are among the shortest, averaging about 149–150 cm (4 ft 11 in). World Population Review highlights Timor-Leste, Laos, Solomon Islands as having very short averages (~153–157 cm).
Q: What is the average height for women in the USA?
A: American women average roughly 161–163 cm. CDC data (2015–2018) give an average of about 5 ft 3.5 in (161 cm) for U.S. women aged 20+. Quantumrun reports ~163.3 cm (5 ft 4.3 in) for U.S. women. (Differences reflect sample methods and years.) Menopause, genetics, and other factors cause population averages to plateau; the U.S. figure has held steady for decades.
Q: How does average height vary by age?
A: Girls grow from about 110 cm at age 5 to roughly 160 cm by age 15, reaching adult height by age 18–20. For example, growth charts indicate a U.S. girl’s median height is ~148 cm at 14 years and ~160 cm by 16 years. Percentile charts (WHO/CDC) can provide country-specific growth curves. In short, females attain most of their height in childhood and adolescence, so the adult average height (like 162 cm globally) is usually reached by late teens.
Q: How do we convert heights in cm to feet/inches?
A: Multiply centimeters by 0.3937 to get inches. For quick reference: 160 cm ≈ 5 ft 3 in, 162 cm ≈ 5 ft 4 in, 170 cm ≈ 5 ft 7 in, 150 cm ≈ 4 ft 11 in. As noted, Liberia, Myanmar, and the USA use the imperial system (feet/inches).
Q: What causes height differences between countries?
A: The main drivers are genetics and environment. Genetics determine about 60–80% of height, so ancestrally taller or shorter populations reflect inherited traits. The remaining influence is environment: childhood nutrition (protein, minerals, vitamins), general health, disease exposure, and socioeconomic conditions. Countries with well-nourished children and good healthcare produce taller adults. Historical malnutrition (e.g. famine, poverty) can reduce average height. Urbanization, education, and healthcare access also play roles; urban populations often average 2–5 cm taller than rural ones due to better living conditions.
Q: Have women’s heights increased over time?
A: Yes, in most regions. Over the past 100 years, average heights rose as nutrition and health improved. European women grew ~3–4 cm taller on average. East Asian gains were even larger (+6 cm in Japan). However, the gains are leveling off in developed countries. Some regions (parts of Africa, South Asia) saw little change, highlighting ongoing health challenges.
Q: Why are males generally taller than females?
A: Biologically, males have a higher average height due to differences in hormones and growth patterns. On average, men are about 10–12 cm taller than women globally. Nevertheless, the country rankings for male vs female height are similar: countries with tall women also tend to have tall men. But this article focuses on female figures.
Q: Can adults increase their height?
A: Naturally, after growth plates close (around 18–25 years old), you can’t grow taller. Proper posture and exercise can optimize one’s appearance, but won’t add true height.
Conclusion
In summary, the average height for women in 2025 is about 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) globally, with significant country-to-country variation. European women are generally tallest (Netherlands/Montenegro ~170 cm), Asian women shortest (~155 cm). American women (USA/Canada) average around 161–163 cm, and differing ethnicities in the U.S. range from ~156 cm (Asian American) to ~163 cm (non-Hispanic White). These figures are expressed in centimeters and feet/inches to serve all readers. Understanding average height for women by country can inform health assessments, ergonomic design, and cultural studies.
If you found this overview useful, please share it on social media and let us know in the comments: How does your country compare? Are you above or below the average height for women? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
