How Tall Are Women On Average?
Would you consider yourself short, tall, or average height? Women's average height varies around the world, and while height doesn't generally offer much insight into your overall health, knowing your height can help with certain medical recommendations, according to experts at the Cleveland Clinic. So, where do you fall on the ruler? If you're a woman of average height in America, you're likely right around 5 foot 4 inches.
In a 2018 statistical report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was noted that while women's average height has stayed relatively stable for the last 20 years, their age-adjusted average waist circumference increased by a little over two inches from 1999 to 2015. These findings also indicated the BMI — body mass index — for both men and women also increased within that time span.
Overall weight has been on the rise for decades, while overall height isn't increasing as rapidly. "On average, both men and women gained more than 24 pounds between 1960 and 2002. During the same time, height increased approximately one inch," the report notes.
How average height can vary
It's important to note that increases in weight and BMI isn't automatically an indication that people are gaining fat mass (via the Cleveland Clinic). BMI and weight can go up with the addition of muscle as well as fat, so you may be a CrossFit champion with next to no body fat, but still experience an increase in weight from the added muscle.
While the CDC reports women's average height to be at around 5 foot 4 inches, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) reported that out of over 18,000 participants, the average height in the U.S. was actually closer to 63.5 inches, just shy of 5 foot 4 inches. Therefore, depending on the population surveyed, results can differ. Height will also vary between ethnicities: In the U.S., non-Hispanic white women are an average of 63.9 inches, while Black women average 64 inches, Asian women average 61.5 inches, and Hispanic women average a height of 62 inches (via Very Well Fit). Looking worldwide, the average shifts even more: In Europe, women average 5 foot 6 inches, while in east Asia and China, women average around 5 foot (via Greatist.com).