Your height is dependent on nutrition and genetics. It is also affected by economic factors like standard of living. Disease and hardships may also affect your height, and these factors are usually a measure economic poverty. Average height tends to fall into a narrow range across individuals from the same economic and ethnic backgrounds. These average heights measure similar genetic make up and similar living conditions.

The average height for a man has traditionally been greater than the average hieght for a woman. This holds true across all ethnic groups and economic levels. This advantage is a genetic factor that can be found in all humans. In addition, women tend to reach their full height at a young age than men. This is attributed to the fact that females reach puberty before males.

Geographically the tallest average height is in the Netherlands in northern Europe. The average is over six feet. Conversely, smaller average height are found in Asian countries such as China. The average is below five feet seven inches.

The United States compiles data on average hieght at the National Center for Health Statistics. The medical study HANES performed in 2000 places the average height for an American man is five feet nine inches. The study also shows an average weight of 190 pounds. The averages for women are 5 feet 3.8 inches tall and 163 pounds.