Calculator Use
The height percentile calculator is a statistical tool used to compare an individual's height against the broader population. By using data from health organizations like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), this calculator determines what percentage of the population you are taller than based on your sex and height.
This tool is particularly useful for adults who want to know where they stand in terms of physical stature or for parents curious about their growth relative to national averages. Simply select your sex, enter your height in either metric or imperial units, and the calculator will provide your percentile ranking immediately.
- Biological Sex
- Height distribution differs significantly between males and females. Choosing the correct sex ensures the Z-score is calculated against the correct reference group.
- Height (Feet/Inches or Centimeters)
- Enter your precise height. For the most accurate results, measure yourself in the morning when your spine is fully decompressed.
- Show Statistical Details
- Checking this box reveals the underlying mean height and standard deviation used for the calculation, as well as the resulting Z-score.
How It Works
Height in human populations follows a Normal Distribution (also known as a Bell Curve). Because of this, we can use the mean (average) and standard deviation (spread of data) to calculate where any single measurement falls on that curve. The primary metric used here is the Z-score.
Z = (x – μ) / σ
- x: Your height
- μ (Mu): The mean height for your sex (e.g., ~176.3 cm for US males)
- σ (Sigma): The standard deviation (how much height varies from the average)
- Percentile: The area under the normal distribution curve to the left of your Z-score
Height Percentile Example
Example: An adult male standing 6 feet 0 inches tall in the United States.
Step-by-step solution:
- Convert height to cm: 6'0″ = 72 inches. 72 * 2.54 = 182.88 cm.
- Identify male statistics: Mean = 176.3 cm, Standard Deviation = 7.1 cm.
- Calculate Z-score: (182.88 – 176.3) / 7.1 = 0.9267.
- Convert Z-score to percentile: A Z-score of 0.9267 corresponds to approximately the 82nd percentile.
- Result: This individual is taller than 82% of adult males in the US.
Common Questions
What is the average height for an adult?
Based on the latest CDC NHANES data, the average height for an adult male in the US is roughly 5 feet 9 inches (176.3 cm), and for an adult female, it is roughly 5 feet 4 inches (162.2 cm).
Is being in a low percentile a health concern?
Not necessarily. Height is largely determined by genetics. A "low" percentile simply means you are shorter than the average, while a "high" percentile means you are taller. Only sudden changes in growth (in children) usually warrant medical consultation.
Does height change with age?
Yes, most people reach their peak height in their late teens or early twenties. As humans age into their 60s and beyond, spinal compression and changes in posture can lead to a slight decrease in measured height.