Which country has the tallest men?

The Netherlands has the tallest men on average at approximately 183.8 cm, followed by Montenegro and Denmark.

Has male height been increasing?

Yes, men have grown significantly taller over the past century. Dutch men, for example, gained about 20 cm in average height since 1860.

What height is considered tall for a man globally?

Any height above 180 cm (5'11") places a man well above the global average. In Western countries, above 185 cm is typically considered tall.

Why are men taller than women on average?

Biological factors including hormones (testosterone promotes bone growth) and later puberty onset in males account for the approximately 12 cm difference.

Global Average Male Height

Last updated: January 15, 2026

171 cm

The global average height for adult men is approximately 171 cm (5'7"). The tallest populations are found in the Netherlands (183.8 cm) and the Dinaric Alps, while shorter averages are common in Southeast Asia and parts of South America.

Historical Trend

Source: NCD-RisC

Global Average Male Height by Country

Country	Value (cm) ↓	Source
Netherlands	183.8	NCD-RisC
Montenegro	183.2	NCD-RisC
Denmark	181.4	NCD-RisC
Germany	180.2	NCD-RisC
United States	177.1	CDC
Japan	171	NCD-RisC
India	166.5	NCD-RisC
Indonesia	163	NCD-RisC

Why This Average Exists

Male height averages help track nutritional and health improvements across generations and are commonly searched by individuals comparing their own height to global norms.

Factors That Affect Global Average Male Height

Genetics
Protein intake in childhood
Growth hormone levels
Healthcare during puberty
Socioeconomic factors
Disease exposure in youth

Frequently Asked Questions

Methodology & Data Sources

The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2024–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.