Understanding what is the height of the average American female is more than just a matter of curiosity. Average height statistics are used in health assessments, clothing design, ergonomics, sports science, military standards, medical research, and demographic studies. Height also reflects broader trends related to nutrition, healthcare access, genetics, and socioeconomic conditions.
In the United States, female height has been carefully measured and documented for decades by reputable institutions such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). These measurements provide reliable data that help define what is considered “average” across different age groups and populations.
This in-depth guide explains the exact average height of American women, how it has changed over time, how it compares globally, and what factors influence height.
What Is the Average Height of an American Female?
The average height of an American female is:
5 feet 4 inches (64 inches or 162.6 centimeters)
This figure is based on data collected by the CDC, which measures height using standardized physical examinations rather than self-reported estimates. This ensures high accuracy and consistency.
Average American Female Height in Different Units
| Measurement Unit | Height |
|---|---|
| Feet & Inches | 5 ft 4 in |
| Inches | 64 inches |
| Centimeters | 162.6 cm |
| Meters | 1.626 m |
This value represents the mean height of adult women aged 20 years and older in the United States.
How Is the Average Height Measured?
To accurately determine what is the height of the average American female, the CDC conducts large-scale surveys known as NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey).
How NHANES Collects Height Data
- Participants are physically measured by trained professionals
- Shoes are removed to ensure accuracy
- Measurements are taken using calibrated stadiometers
- Large sample sizes ensure national representation
Because of this process, CDC data is considered the gold standard for height statistics in the United States.
Average Height of American Females by Age Group
Height can vary slightly depending on age due to growth, posture changes, and age-related bone density loss.
Average Female Height by Age
| Age Group | Average Height |
|---|---|
| 20–29 years | 5 ft 4.1 in |
| 30–39 years | 5 ft 4.2 in |
| 40–49 years | 5 ft 4.0 in |
| 50–59 years | 5 ft 3.8 in |
| 60+ years | 5 ft 3.2 in |
Key Insight:
Women tend to lose a small amount of height after age 50 due to spinal compression and bone changes, which is normal.
Has the Average Height of American Women Changed Over Time?
Yes, but growth has largely plateaued.
Historical Trends in Female Height
- Early 1900s: ~5 ft 2 in
- 1950s: ~5 ft 3 in
- 1970s: ~5 ft 4 in
- 2000s–Present: ~5 ft 4 in
Why Height Growth Has Slowed
- Nutrition and healthcare reached stable high levels
- Genetic limits have largely been reached
- No major environmental shifts affecting growth
Unlike some countries where height continues to increase, the average American female height has remained stable for several decades.
What Factors Influence the Height of American Females?
Height is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and health-related factors.
1. Genetics
- Accounts for approximately 60–80% of height
- Tall parents tend to have taller children
- Ethnic background influences average stature
2. Nutrition During Childhood
- Adequate protein, calcium, and vitamins are crucial
- Childhood malnutrition can limit growth potential
3. Healthcare Access
- Early treatment of illnesses supports normal growth
- Hormonal disorders can affect final height if untreated
4. Socioeconomic Conditions
- Higher income levels often correlate with better nutrition
- Stable living environments support healthy development
Average Height of American Females by Ethnicity
Different population groups show slight variations in average height.
| Ethnic Group | Average Height |
|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic White | ~5 ft 4.3 in |
| Non-Hispanic Black | ~5 ft 4.1 in |
| Hispanic | ~5 ft 3.5 in |
| Asian American | ~5 ft 2.5 in |
These differences are statistical averages and do not reflect individual potential.
How Does the Average American Female Height Compare Globally?
When asking what is the height of the average American female, it’s helpful to compare it internationally.
Average Female Height by Country
| Country | Average Height |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | 5 ft 7 in |
| Germany | 5 ft 5 in |
| United States | 5 ft 4 in |
| United Kingdom | 5 ft 4 in |
| Japan | 5 ft 2 in |
| Philippines | 5 ft 0 in |
Global Ranking:
American women are taller than the global average, but shorter than women in Northern Europe.
Is 5 Feet 4 Inches Considered Tall or Short?
Height perception depends on context.
- Short: Below 5 ft 1 in
- Average: 5 ft 2 in – 5 ft 6 in
- Tall: Above 5 ft 7 in
At 5 ft 4 in, the average American female falls squarely in the middle of the distribution.
Average Height vs. Median Height
Many people confuse these two terms.
- Average (Mean): Sum of all heights ÷ number of individuals
- Median: Middle value when heights are ordered
For American women, average and median heights are very close, meaning the data is well balanced with no extreme skew.
Does Height Affect Health in Women?
Height alone does not determine health, but it can be associated with certain risks.
Taller Women May Have:
- Slightly higher risk of certain cancers
- Lower risk of cardiovascular disease
Shorter Women May Have:
- Higher risk of osteoporosis
- Higher risk of some metabolic conditions
However, lifestyle, diet, and genetics matter far more than height alone.
Height and Clothing Sizes in the U.S.
Clothing manufacturers often design apparel around the average American female height.
- Regular sizes typically assume 5 ft 4 in – 5 ft 6 in
- Petite sizes are designed for women under 5 ft 4 in
- Tall sizes are usually for women 5 ft 8 in and above
This is why 5 ft 4 in is often used as a baseline measurement in fashion design.
Can Adult Women Increase Their Height?
Once growth plates close (typically by age 18–20), natural height increase is not possible.
However, women can:
- Improve posture
- Prevent height loss with bone health care
- Appear taller with footwear and styling
Medical height-altering procedures exist but are rare and not recommended for cosmetic reasons.
Why Do People Search “What Is the Height of the Average American Female?”
This keyword is commonly searched for:
- School research projects
- Health and fitness comparisons
- Clothing and sizing guidance
- General curiosity and demographics
- Medical and ergonomic reference
Its consistent search volume makes it a high-value informational keyword.
Summary: What Is the Height of the Average American Female?
- Average height: 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm)
- Based on CDC-measured data
- Stable for several decades
- Influenced by genetics, nutrition, and health
- Taller than the global average
This measurement represents a reliable benchmark used across healthcare, fashion, research, and industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the height of the average American female?
The average American female is 5 feet 4 inches (64 inches or 162.6 cm) tall.
Is 5’4″ short for a woman in the U.S.?
No. 5’4″ is considered average for adult women in the United States.
Has the average height of American women increased?
It increased during the 20th century but has remained stable since the 1970s.
Are American women taller than women in other countries?
American women are taller than the global average, but shorter than women in countries like the Netherlands.
Does height affect health in women?
Height alone does not determine health. Lifestyle, genetics, and healthcare access are far more important.
What is the average height of young American women?
Women aged 20–39 average about 5 ft 4 inches, slightly taller than older age groups.
Can women grow taller after 18?
No. After growth plates close, height cannot naturally increase, though posture improvements may help prevent height loss.
