What Is The Average Height For Women in 2025?

Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by Grace Oluchi

TL;DR

The global average height for adult women in 2025 is 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm), varying by region due to genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. Women in the Netherlands are among the tallest (5 feet 7 inches), while women in Guatemala are among the shortest (4 feet 11 inches). Advances in healthcare and nutrition continue to influence these trends, with urban populations generally taller than rural ones. Explore our interactive height comparison tool to see how you compare globally.

Ever Wondered How Tall Women Are Around the World?

Height varies by location and is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle. This article presents the latest 2025 global height statistics, regional trends, and expert insights. You’ll also discover future predictions, urban vs. rural differences, and an interactive tool to compare your height to others worldwide.

Global Average Height for Women

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the 2025 Global Anthropometric Study, the average adult female height worldwide is 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm). Variation between countries and regions is significant due to genetic and environmental factors.

Source: WHO Global Anthropometric Study (2025)

Average Height by Region

• North America: 5 feet 4.5 inches (164 cm)
• Europe: 5 feet 5.5 inches (166 cm)
• South America: 5 feet 2 inches (158 cm)
• Africa: 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm)
• Asia: 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm)
• Oceania: 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)

Women in the Netherlands are among the tallest worldwide, averaging 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), while women in Guatemala are among the shortest, at 4 feet 11 inches (150 cm).

Future Height Predictions & Trends

• Developed nations may see height stabilization with marginal gains due to optimized nutrition and healthcare.
• Developing regions like parts of Africa and South Asia could experience a 2-4 cm height increase over 30 years as access to healthcare and nutrition improves.
• Urban populations are generally taller than rural ones due to better healthcare, nutrition, and lower childhood disease exposure.
• Emerging gene therapies and medical advances might influence future height trends.

Source: Global Anthropometric Research Institute (2025)

Expert Insights: Genetics & Endocrinology

Dr. Emily Cartwright, a leading geneticist, highlights that height is about 80% genetic and 20% environmental. Advances in gene editing and targeted hormone therapies could slightly increase adult height, though lifestyle factors remain important.

Dr. Robert Klein, endocrinologist, emphasizes that early hormonal balance and growth hormone treatments play key roles in height potential worldwide.

Source: International Center for Human Growth Studies (2025)

Urban vs. Rural Height Differences

Urban women are on average 2-5 cm taller than rural women due to:

• Better nutrition and access to nutrient-rich foods in urban areas
• Superior healthcare, prenatal care, and vaccination coverage
• Lower incidence of stunted growth caused by diseases
• While rural populations engage in more physical labor, it has limited impact on genetic height potential

A 2024 Global Human Development Institute study confirms these urban-rural height disparities globally.

Source: Global Human Development Institute (2024)

Try Our Interactive Height Tool

Compare your height with global averages:

• Enter your height in cm or inches
• Select your country to see regional comparisons
• Toggle dark mode for comfortable viewing

Explore how you rank against others worldwide and regional averages.

Related Articles

• What Is The Average Height For Men?
• How To Improve Posture For A Taller Appearance
• Nutrition & Growth: Essential Nutrients for Maximizing Height
• Genetics vs. Environment: What Affects Human Growth More?

Does Height Matter?

Height is a number; it might influence fashion and sports, but it doesn't determine your worth. Confidence and self-love are what truly matter.

FAQs About Female Height

What is the global average height for women?
5 feet 4 inches (162 cm) as of 2025 according to WHO.

Which country has the tallest women?
The Netherlands, at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).

Can adults grow taller naturally?
No, but posture correction and stretching can improve perceived height.

Does height impact health?
Taller women tend to have lower heart disease risk; shorter women may have better bone density.

References and Studies

• World Health Organization. Malnutrition factsheet. 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
• Global Anthropometric Research Institute. Height Trends Report 2025. https://www.globalanthropometricinstitute.org/reports/2025
• International Center for Human Growth Studies. Expert Panel on Height Genetics. 2025. https://ichgs.org/experts/height-genetics
• Global Human Development Institute. Urban-Rural Health Disparities. 2024. https://ghdi.org/research/urban-rural-health