Complete Guide on Height
This complete guide explains everything about height measurement, conversions, average height by country, and growth factors. Whether you’re filling forms, tracking growth, or comparing global averages, understanding your height is essential.
1. Average Human Height Around the World
The average height of men worldwide is around 170 cm (5 ft 7 in), and for women it’s about160 cm (5 ft 3 in). However, height differs by region and genetics. For example:
- The Netherlands: men average 183 cm (6 ft), women 170 cm (5 ft 7 in)
- India: men average 167 cm (5 ft 6 in), women 153 cm (5 ft)
- USA: men average 175 cm (5 ft 9 in), women 162 cm (5 ft 4 in)
2. How to Measure Height Accurately
To get an accurate height reading:
- Stand straight without shoes against a flat wall.
- Keep your heels, shoulders, and back touching the wall.
- Look straight ahead, with eyes parallel to the floor.
- Use a stadiometer or flat object on the head and mark the height.
- Measure from the floor to the mark with a measuring tape.
Height is best measured in the morning since the spine compresses slightly during the day, reducing height by up to 1–2 cm.
3. Height Conversion Chart
Here’s a quick reference for converting between centimeters and feet/inches:
- 150 cm = 4 ft 11 in
- 160 cm = 5 ft 3 in
- 170 cm = 5 ft 7 in
- 180 cm = 5 ft 11 in
- 190 cm = 6 ft 3 in
You can use the above height converter to get precise values for any measurement.
4. Factors That Influence Height
Your height depends on both genetic and environmental factors:
- Genetics: Determines about 70–80% of your height potential.
- Nutrition: Protein, calcium, and vitamins are essential for bone growth.
- Sleep: Growth hormone is released during deep sleep.
- Exercise: Activities like stretching and swimming improve posture and bone health.
5. Height and Health
While height itself doesn’t determine health, it’s often correlated with nutrition and early childhood development. Both very tall and short individuals can lead healthy lives if they maintain balanced lifestyles.
6. Interesting Height Facts
- People are tallest right after waking up due to spinal decompression overnight.
- The tallest man recorded was Robert Wadlow at 8 ft 11 in (272 cm).
- Humans typically shrink by 1–2 cm with age after 40.
7. Related Tools
Explore more useful tools:
Understanding your height isn’t just a number — it’s a reflection of genetics, lifestyle, and growth. Use our converter and guides to make accurate, informed measurements.