Many studies find that women on average prefer taller men, which researchers link to cultural norms and evolutionary theories. Individual preferences vary a lot.
Research
Surveys find women on average prefer a partner taller than themselves. A 2013 study found the ideal gap is about 8 inches (20 cm).
Reasons
- Cultural norms.
- Evolutionary theories about protection and status.
- Social perceptions of dominance.
Reality
Preferences differ. Many successful couples have a taller woman.
Height
The average US man is 5 ft 9 in and the average woman is 5 ft 4 in.
Research findings
Studies of dating profiles and speed dating consistently show that many women state a preference for men taller than themselves. A 2018 study at Bournemouth University found that women preferred men who were on average 6 to 8 inches taller. Data from dating apps reveals that taller men receive more messages.
Average height gap
In heterosexual couples, the man is taller in about 90% of cases, and a pairing where the woman is more than 2 inches taller than the man is rare compared to what would be expected by chance, according to a UK study. The average height difference in couples is about 5 to 6 inches.
Proposed reasons
- Evolutionary theories: height signals health, strength and status.
- Cultural norms and media portrayals that equate male height with masculinity.
- Practical preferences, such as comfortable dancing or hugging.
- Social expectations around gender roles.
Reality
Preferences are averages. Many women do not care about height. A 2012 study found that preferences are flexible when other qualities such as personality, humor and kindness are considered. Actual partners often differ from stated ideals.
Height and success
Studies show taller men earn more on average, with one study estimating about 1.5% more income per inch, partly due to confidence and perception.
Height by country
The average US adult male height is 5 feet 9 inches, and the female is 5 feet 3.5 inches.
Variation
Cultural views differ. In some societies, height is less important.
Advice
Confidence and character matter more in long term relationships.
Research and context
Studies of dating profiles and speed dating, including work by Pawlowski and Koziel and by Stulp and colleagues, find that on average women report a preference for partners somewhat taller than themselves, often by about 10 to 15 cm, and the most commonly cited ideal is a man taller than the woman. The preference is a statistical tendency, not a rule. Average adult height in the United States is about 175 cm (5 ft 9 in) for men and 162 cm (5 ft 4 in) for women, according to the CDC, so a typical couple already shows a gap of around 13 cm.
Limits of the finding
Preferences differ by culture, personality and individual taste, and stated preferences often differ from actual partner choices. Real couples are more varied in height than random pairing predicts, but a woman taller than her male partner is less common than chance suggests. Height does not predict relationship quality or character.
Based on data from the CDC and published studies in Evolution and Human Behavior
