Standing 5 feet 6 inches might be a little bit short for a man if he was born and raised in the US. But 5 feet 6 inches might not be a short height for men in other nations.
Over the last century, males’ average size has significantly accelerated. This rise is mainly because of improved nourishment. In particular, a guy’s height might also be determined by other variables.
Essential figures gathered by nationwide health organizations are used to quantify and record median peaks. These organizations begin collecting standing tallness data at the young age of two years old, using a digital stadiometer to measure folks to the closest 0.1 cm.

As such, they can easily decide the average height for a man or woman of a certain age group. So, one of the most popularly asked queries regarding this is, “is 5’6 short for a guy?” Let’s make it clear right away in this blog post.
What Is The Average Height of Men Around The Globe?

Generally speaking, human size is a partially inherent characteristic. Even so, non-genetic cultural variables such as well-being and nutritional status during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence have an influence on the population-wide dispersion of tallness. As a result, distinctions in tallness all across the globe reflect not just biological variations but also overall distinctions in living conditions.
We look at how actually women’s and men’s heights differ by nation.
Adult guys who were brought into the world in 1996 have an international mean size of 5 feet 7.5 inches (approx. 171 cm). The medium size, as you might know, varies greatly between countries, with guys in the Netherlands standing the tallest at 1.82 m and Timor standing the shortest at 1.60 m. This corresponds to a 22 cm (roughly8 inch) scope.
Besides, there seem to be clearly different regional differences. The shortest guys are discovered in South Asia, in which the medium size is just 1.65 m, whereas the tallest males are discovered in Central Asia and Europe, in which the average size is 1.77 m.
What Is The Average Height For Guys Internationally?

When compared to males around the globe, the American guy typically falls somewhere in between the nationwide averages.
The average size in certain nations, such as Herzegovina, Bosnia, and the Netherlands, is just more than 6 feet (or roughly 183 cm).
In areas of Asia, especially Southeast Asia (including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia), the average size is commonly said to be just 5 feet 4 inches or less.
In the meantime, the tallest guys seem to be Nilotics from Sudan, in which the average size is believed to be 6 feet 3 inches (approx. 190 cm).
Below are several average sizes for guys in different nations, rated from lowest to highest.
Average heights for men in the world
Nations | Average height (in feet and inches) | Average height (in centimeters) |
Guatemala | 5 feet 4 inches | 162.5 cm |
India | 5 feet 5 inches | 165.1 cm |
Honduras | 5 feet 6 inches | 167.6 cm |
Thailand | 5 feet 7 inches | 170.1 cm |
Bahamas | 5 feet 8 inches | 172.7 cm |
South Korea | 5 feet 9 inches | 175.2 cm |
Hungary | 5 feet 9 inches | 175.2 cm |
Canada | 5 feet 10 inches | 177.8 cm |
Bermuda | 5 feet 10 inches | 177.8 cm |
Denmark | 5 feet 11 inches | 180.3 cm |
The Netherlands | 6 feet | 182.8 cm |
What Are The Key Elements Influencing Height?
Infants and kids are constantly growing. This is because of modifications in the bone growth in their legs and arms’ long bones. In particular, when the bone growth develops the new bone, the kid’s long bones lengthen, and he or she grows taller.
Toddlers usually grow by 50 percent of the overall within their first year of life. Children who are aged between 2 and 5 years old typically grow from 2.5 to 3.5 inches (roughly 6.3 to 8.9 cm) per year.
By the age of ten, kids typically grow 2.5 inches (roughly 6.3 cm) per year. Young teens would then achieve the last 15-20% of their adult size all through adolescent development, which generally lasts from about the ages of 11 to 21 years old.
Following this, the bone growth ceases producing new bones, and the individual, as such, stops growing. Individuals lack size progressively when they age due to natural aging procedures.
The mentioned factors down below might influence an individual’s height:
DNA
The primary determinant deciding a folk’s size is DNA. Researchers have discovered over 700 various genetic variations that influence tallness. A few of these genetics influence growth plates, while others influence the producing level of growth hormone.
Average size variations vary between ethnic groups, with DNA serving as the critical indicator.
A few heritable diseases, such as Marfan syndrome and Down syndrome, could also influence an individual’s adult size.
Hormones
Hormones are produced by the human body to teach bone growth to create fresh bone. Among these hormones are:
- Growth hormones: Generally speaking, these hormones are commonly known as the most crucial ones for growth and are produced by the anterior pituitary. A few health issues, accordingly, might limit the amount of those growth hormones produced by the body, which might also affect height. Kids with an uncommon genetic disorder known as genetically inherited deficiency of growth hormone, for example, will develop at a significantly slower speed than other kids.
- Gender or sex hormones: As lots of you might all know, estrogen and testosterone are significant growth hormones all through puberty.
- Hormones of the thyroid: For those who don’t know, the thyroid gland produces hormones that affect development.
Height averages based on gender and age
In general, guys are typically taller than females. Young boys generally have a significant growth spurt at the commencement of puberty, approximately 2 years later than girls, but they could keep growing for a longer duration of time.
Girls, on the flip side, are generally under a growth spurt that subsides just after the beginning of their menstrual period, which happens when they reach the age of around 12.5 years old.
As per the figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (commonly known as CDC), the median adult man in the United States of America stands 5 feet 7 inches (roughly 170 cm), and the average girl size is said to be around 5 feet 3 inches or approx. 1.60m.
The graph below depicts the average size of women and men from adolescent years to the age of consent:
Age (in years old) | Average female height (based on 50th percentile) | Average male height (based on 50th percentile) |
2 years old | 2 feet 8 inches (or approx. 84.9 cm) | 2 feet 8 inches (or approx. 86.5 cm) |
5 years old | 3 feet 5 inches (or approx. 107.9 cm) | 3 feet 6 inches (or approx. 109.2 cm) |
10 years old | 4 feet 5 inches (or approx. 138.2 cm) | 4 feet 5 inches (or approx. 138.8 cm) |
15 years old | 5 feet 3 inches (or approx. 161.9 cm) | 5 feet 6 inches (or approx. 170.1 cm) |
20 years old | 5 feet 3 inches (or approx. 163.3 cm) | 5 feet 8 inches (or approx. 176.8 cm) |
So, Is 5’6 Short For A Guy?
In general, 5 feet 6 inches is equivalent to 167.64 cm or approx. 1.67m because an inch equals 2.54 cm. A few nations evaluate the size in feet and inches, whereas others employ m or cm. This converts 5 feet 6 inches to centimeters. So, the question here is, what percentile height is a five-foot-six-inch man? A lady standing at 5’6″?
Check out the various height percentiles in the United States of America. Determine whether you are short, average, or tall, short. So, let’s check out the following height percentile chart for more details.
US Males’ Height Percentile Chart
Height | Ages | ||||||
Height (in feet and inches) | Height (in centimeters) | 70s | 60s | 50s | 40s | 30s | 20s |
4 feet 10 inches | 147.3 cm | – | – | – | – | – | – |
4 feet 11 inches | 149.8 cm | – | – | – | – | – | – |
5 feet | 152.4 cm | – | – | – | – | – | – |
5 feet 1 inch | 154.9 cm | – | 0.4 | – | – | – | – |
5 feet 2 inches | 157.5 cm | – | – | – | – | – | – |
5 feet 3 inches | 160 cm | – | 2.3 | – | 1.9 | 3.1 | – |
5 feet 4 inches | 162.5 cm | 5.8 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 3.7 |
5 feet 5 inches | 165.1 cm | 12.8 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 5.6 | 6.7 | 7.2 |
5 feet 6 inches | 167.6 cm | 23 | 14.7 | 12.2 | 9.8 | 13.1 | 11.6 |
5 feet 7 inches | 170.1 cm | 35.1 | 23.7 | 18.6 | 19.4 | 19.6 | 20.6 |
5 feet 8 inches | 172.7 cm | 47.7 | 37.7 | 30.3 | 30.3 | 32.2 | 33.1 |
5 feet 9 inches | 175.2 cm | 60.3 | 50.2 | 41.2 | 40.4 | 45.4 | 42.2 |
5 feet 10 inches | 177.8 cm | 75.2 | 65.2 | 54.3 | 54.4 | 58.1 | 58.6 |
5 feet 11 inches | 180.3 cm | 85.8 | 75 | 70 | 69.6 | 69.4 | 70.7 |
6 feet | 182.8 cm | 91 | 84.3 | 81.2 | 79.1 | 78.5 | 79.9 |
6 feet 1 inch | 185.4 cm | 94.9 | 93.6 | 91.6 | 87.4 | 89 | 89 |
6 feet 2 inches | 187.9 cm | 98.6 | 97.8 | 93.7 | 92.5 | 94 | 94.1 |
6 feet 3 inches | 190.5 cm | 100 | 99.9 | 96.6 | 97.7 | 95.8 | 98.3 |
6 feet 4 inches | 193 cm | 100 | 100 | 99.5 | 99 | 97.6 | 100 |
6 feet 5 inches | 195.6 cm | 100 | 100 | 99.6 | 99.4 | 99.4 | 100 |
6 feet 6 inches | 198 cm | 100 | 100 | 100 | 99.9 | 99.5 | 100 |
Looking at the above percentile height chart together with the average size for men in the US being at 5 feet 9 inches, you can conclude that 5 feet 6 inches can be considered short for a guy. This is, having said that, only true if you were born in America. In particular, you would be then 3 inches shorter than the average size compared to the national average height of American men.
Having said that, the medium size would also be varied depending on your age, just like the above chart shows. And if you were born in other nations, typically in a few Asian regions, 5 feet 6 inches would not be a short height.
Is a distinction of an inch observable?
In fact, just one inch of difference in size is insignificant. An individual standing 5 feet 10 inches (approx. 1.78 m) would appear to be the same height as somebody else with a height of 5 feet 11 inches (approx. 1.8 m).
The thing that is different would only be perceptible when comparing the two. Just a two-inch distinction is nearly indistinguishable. A 3 or 4 inch size difference, on the other hand, is very visible.
So, What Is Considered The Most Appealing Height For Both Males and Females?
As per information from YouGov, a questionnaire site, males of average size tend to prefer females who are 5 feet 6 inches (roughly 1.67 m) or taller.
Males height (in feet and inches) | Males height (in centimeters) | Females height (in feet and inches) | Females height (in centimeters) | |
Too Short | 5 feet 3 inches | 160 cm | 4 feet 11 inches | 149.8 cm |
Too Tall | 6 feet 3 inches | 190.5 cm | 6 feet | 182.8 cm |
Ladies, on the other hand, usually consider guys under 5 feet 3 inches (or 1.60 m) to be extremely short, and males standing 6 feet 3 inches (roughly 1.90 m) and taller to be extremely tall, as per the chart above. Guys actually think that a girl was standing 4 feet 11 inches (approx. 149.8 cm) super short, while those with a height of 6 feet (roughly 1.83 m) were exceptionally tall.
Perfect height for men according to body mass
Body mass (in pounds) | Body mass (in kilograms) | Ideal height (in feet and inches) | Ideal height (in centimeters) |
Between 117 and 143 lbs | Between 53 and 64.9 kg | 5 feet 4 inches | 162.5 cm |
Between 122 and 150 lbs | Between 55.3 and 68 kg | 5 feet 5 inches | 165.1 cm |
Between 128 and 156 lbs | Between 58 and 70.7 kg | 5 feet 6 inches | 167.6 cm |
Between 133 and 163 cm | Between 60.3 and 73.9 kg | 5 feet 7 inches | 170.1 cm |
Between 139 and 169 lbs | Between 63 and 76.6 kg | 5 feet 8 inches | 172.7 cm |
Between 144 and 176 lbs | Between 65.3 and 79.8 kg | 5 feet 9 inches | 175.2 cm |
Between 149 and 183 lbs | Between 67.7 and 83 kg | 5 feet 10 inches | 177.8 cm |
Between 155 and 189 lbs | Between 70.3 and 85.7 kg | 5 feet 11 inches | 180.3 cm |
Between 160 and 196 lbs | Between 72.6 and 88.9 kg | 6 feet | 182.8 cm |
Between 166 and 202 lbs | Between 75.3 and 91.6 kg | 6 feet 1 inch | 185.4 cm |
Between 171 and 209 lbs | Between 77.6 and 94.8 kg | 6 feet 2 inches | 187.9 cm |
Between 176 and 216 lbs | Between 79.8 and 97.9 kg | 6 feet 3 inches | 190.5 cm |
Between 182 and 222 lbs | Between 82.5 and 100.7 kg | 6 feet 4 inches | 193 cm |
Monitoring Your Size Precisely At Home
In fact, it might be difficult to determine your size at home without assistance. If you want to figure out where you stand, take into account enlisting the assistance of a family member (like your mom) or a buddy.
Taking a partner’s tallness measurement
- Start moving to a space with solid flooring without any type of carpet and a wall free of paintings or other impediments.
- Detach any sneakers, garments, or jewelry that could significantly alter your outcomes. Remove any ponytails or ringlets that may be keeping your head from reclining horizontally against the wall.
- Place your feet together and your heels against the solid wall. Remember that your legs and arms should be straightened. In addition, you should have tier shoulders. You could ask your partner to verify that you are standing in good shape.
- Check that your neck, shoulders, head, buttocks, and heels all come into proximity to the wall. Because of the size of your body, not all areas of your body can contact you but try your hardest. Prior to actually taking any metrics, take a deep breath and then always stand tall.
- Allow your partner to measure your size with a plain headband, for instance, a wall-mounted ruler, or another straight item, for instance, a notebook. Decrease the device till it makes solid contact with the top of your head.
- Your partner must trace only one time, ensuring that their eyelids are situated at the same level as the measuring device and cautiously labeling at which it reaches the wall.
- Decide your size from the ground to the sign with a measuring tape.
- Take a measurement of your tallness to the closest 0.1 inch or 1/8th inch.
Taking your own measurements
- If you cannot find another individual available to assist you, you could be capable of determining your size at home. Think about buying a cheap wall-mounted size measuring device, or adhere to the instructions down below:
- First and foremost, stand on a smooth and solid floor with a plain wall that allows your body to make the full reach.
- Standing tall with your neck and shoulder touching against the wall, slip right a horizontal object, such as a novel or hard cutting board, all along the wall till it makes solid contact with the surface of your head.
- Leave the spot beneath the item in which it touches down.
- Decide your size from the ground to the sign with a meter stick.
- Measure your size to the closest to 1/8th inch or millimeter.
In the doctor’s waiting room
You might also be able to get a reasonably accurate measurement at home, particularly if you have assistance and follow each and every step above. Even so, getting your size assessed at your physician’s office as a part of a regular medical examination might be a smart option.
Your physician’s office’s device could be far better precision, and a nurse practitioner might also be properly educated in taking the most accurate measurements.
Nobody Ever Told You About The 5 Advantages of Dating a Short Man

In fact, a lot of ladies find it difficult to date males who are under a specific size. A few probably have found short guys less appealing or manly, and numerous others have come of age trusting the preconceptions that a female spouse should stand taller than their female counterparts. If you, as well, tend to favor dating men whose height is greater than yours, consider the following points.
He fully understands how to present himself
In fact, a guy who is self-assured and content to date a taller lady has a few intriguing personality characteristics. There is always a great chance he is not unconfident in the partnership. He understands how to carry one his own (and, of course, his size) perfectly and does not consider size to be a criterion for judging somebody else. Furthermore, he may be relatively open-minded as well as not subscribe to the antiquated heritage of just dating ladies who are shorter in stature than him.
The subject of wrongdoing
Shorter guys appear to be more steadfast in relationships. Taller guys, on the other hand, are two times more likely to deceive than shorter males, according to a poll released by Ashley Madison (a famous dating website for husband and wife).
The lovemaking party
It goes without saying you do not have to squeeze your throat to cuddle or kiss your mate. A facial expression or eye contact, as a result, would be far more severe, and according to a study that appeared in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, short guys tend to have more sex than taller ones.
Their levels of dedication!
According to a survey performed by New York University, taller males tend to marry pretty early than shorter ones. Having said that, here is an intriguing fact. Shorter guys are less likely to end the relationship and also have more successful marriages.
And no heels are needed
So, let’s now not lose sight of the reality that dating a shorter male implies that you could really hang out with him in normal sneakers or flats instead of painful heeled shoes whenever you want to. Your toes and calf muscles, as such, will be eternally grateful to you.
Stop being so strict
Yes, there is so far more to an individual than his ‘tallness,’ and the way to filter out shorter men for no reason is by restricting your own choices. Simply, sit back and start thinking about it: what exactly constitutes tall guys appealing to you? Consider how you might feel if a tall male rejected you because you were not taller than him. Is tallness something you tend to favor of some kind that civilization has tried to teach you?
The Bottom Lines
The most important factor influencing a person’s size is their genetic background. Even so, several other variables, such as nourishment, hormone levels, exercise habits, and health conditions, could really influence size during growth.
Since 5 feet 6 inches is 3 inches shorter than the average size for American men, you can now consider a 5-feet-6-inch American guy a short one. Having said that, he might not be that short if he is living in other countries or parts of the world.