Hub · Averages & how to measure
Average Body Measurements Charts and Calculators for Men and Women
Real averages from large national body surveys (NHANES and the U.S. Army ANSUR II study), with charts, percentiles and a calculator on every page to see where you stand.
7 tools and guides · Updated
How to measure
Average measurements
Each page shows the average, the typical range, percentiles by age and 3D pictures of what the sizes look like.
GuideAverage Shoulder WidthBone-to-bone and deltoid shoulder width for men and women.
GuideAverage Waist Size for MenAverage men’s waist by age and height, plus health limits.
GuideAverage Bicep SizeAverage arm size for men and women by age, relaxed and flexed.
GuideAverage Thigh SizeUpper and mid-thigh averages for women and men, with percentiles.
GuideAverage Wrist SizeAverage wrist circumference and what it says about frame size.
GuideAverage Hand SizeHand length and breadth for men and women, plus glove size.
Average body measurements at a glance
| Measurement | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Height (median) | 5 ft 9 in (175 cm) | 5 ft 3.5 in (161 cm) |
| Shoulder width, bone to bone | 16.4 in (41.6 cm) | 14.4 in (36.5 cm) |
| Waist | 40.6 in (103 cm) | 38.5 in (98 cm) |
| Upper arm, relaxed | 13.7 in (34.7 cm) | 13.0 in (32.9 cm) |
| Thigh, mid-thigh | 21.2 in (54 cm) | 20.8 in (53 cm) |
| Wrist | 6.9 in (17.6 cm) | 6.1 in (15.5 cm) |
| Hand length | 7.6 in (19.3 cm) | 7.1 in (18.0 cm) |
Adults 20+. Height, waist and arm: NHANES 2015–2023; shoulder, thigh, wrist and hand: ANSUR II and NHANES. See each page for sources and age breakdowns.
Body Measurements FAQ
What are the average body measurements for a woman?
For U.S. women 20 and over: about 5 ft 3.5 in tall, a 38.5 in waist, 14.4 in shoulders (bone to bone), a 13 in upper arm and a 6.1 in wrist.
What are the average body measurements for a man?
For U.S. men 20 and over: about 5 ft 9 in tall, a 40.6 in waist, 16.4 in shoulders (bone to bone), a 13.7 in upper arm and a 6.9 in wrist.
Where do these averages come from?
From NHANES, a national U.S. health survey that measures thousands of people each cycle, and ANSUR II, a detailed U.S. Army body measurement study.
How do I measure myself accurately?
Use a soft tape, stand relaxed, keep the tape level and snug but not tight, and measure twice. The how to measure guide covers each site.