Is 5 Feet 5 Inches Considered Short? Height Guide

Whether an height of 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) is considered short depends almost entirely on one major factor: gender.

While height is often discussed as an absolute number, human stature is relative. Where 5’5” falls on the spectrum of “short,” “average,” or “tall” shifts dramatically depending on whether you are looking at men or women, as well as the part of the world you call home.

The Gender Divide: Men vs. Women

In Western countries like the United States, Canada, and the UK, population-wide health data from agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) paints a clear picture of average adult heights:

• For Men: The average adult male stands at roughly 5’9” to 5’10” (175–178 cm). At 5’5”, a man is about four inches below the national average. Statistically, this places him roughly in the lower 5th to 10th percentile for adult males in North America and Europe. In this context, 5’5” is undeniably considered short for a man.
• For Women: The average adult female stands at roughly 5’3” to 5’4” (160–163 cm). At 5’5”, a woman is actually an inch or so above the national average. In this context, 5’5” is considered solidly average to slightly above average for a woman.

The Global and Regional Perspective

If you zoom out past Western demographics, the definition of “short” shifts again.

Globally, average heights vary widely due to a complex mix of genetics, nutrition, and socioeconomic factors throughout childhood and adolescence. In several parts of Latin America and Asia, the average height for men is closer to 5’5” or 5’6”. In these regions, a 5’5” man fits comfortably within the average population range rather than standing out as short.

Conversely, in countries with some of the tallest populations in the world—such as the Netherlands, where the average male height clears 6 feet—a 5’5” stature feels considerably shorter by comparison.

Beyond the Numbers: Perception and Reality

Society often attaches a heavy psychological weight to height, particularly for men, due to cultural tropes, media representation, and dating standards. However, everyday life rarely bends to statistical percentiles.