Height Percentile chart from HallsMd
I realize I am an oddity. I am made aware of the fact everyday just by walking out of my house. Very rarely do I see a woman in regular life that is even close to my height. But sometimes I wonder, how odd am I really? I decided to find out statistically, the answer to that question.
Through my highly scientific research (Google), I happened upon Halls.md that provides charts outlining the height and weight of the US population. Researchers measured the height and weight of a sample of the population in order to determine what the average and not so average height is. They set up percentiles or ranges of heights that most people fall into. And I do say most people. As you can see from the chart above, 50th percentile is average height which is about 5’4″. That means 50% of US females are taller than 5’4″ and 50% are shorter. That’s not so shocking. What surprises me is that the 95th percentile is a measly 5’8″! No offense to my 5’8″ Junos out there, but that is crazy! 95% of women are shorter than 5’8″. I didn’t realize the number was that high. And not represented in the chart is 5’10″ which is considered the 99th percentile. And don’t even think about 6’3″ being on there so as you can see, I just added it myself. I’m definitely what they would call the outlier to the data. No wonder there are so few places to find clothes and shoes to fit me, there are just not enough of me (according to retailers) to make clothes for.
There was this site, that I don’t think exists anymore, called Who’s Taller than Me. Based on the 2008 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that 99.996% of women are shorter than me. In other words, .004% of women are 6’3″ or taller. Less than 1%! How cool and surreal is that! But how many women is that exactly? Well, let’s do the math. The current number of women in the US is about 150 million and .004% of that is 6000. Only 6000 women in the US are 6’3″ or taller. Amazing!
Ooh forgive me I think my geekness is showing. I’m sorry if I bored you through my little stats lesson. But knowing that I am one in an elite group of only 6000 women puts a smile on my face. It really puts into perspective how rare, special and blessed I am; we are to be so tall. Knowing exactly just how odd and out of the ordinary I am makes me feel like I can never be depressed about being different and neither should you. Because who wants to be ordinary?
Thanks for indulging me,
Elayna
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Sources:
HallsMD
CDC stats
Census data
HI,
Wow! Talk about “unique” Adding a bit of “geekiness” I wonder if your height isn’t slightly more common if the data were broken down generationaly, given the number of very tall girls you see on volleyball or basketball teams for example ( and yes, I know you don’t all play sports) Heck it could .005% or .006%. Guess you know why there so many gawkers and questioners.
Hi Joe,
I would think that it’s slightly more common now seeing that a tall person is usually taller than one or both of their parents (I’m taller than my mom). Yeah, I guess I do know why. It doesn’t make it any less annoying though. LOL
Elayna
That is so interesting. I actually am surprised that 5’4″ is the 50th percentile. I wonder if it has changed from, say, 50 years ago.
Hi
I would think that the average height now would be taller but according to this WebMD article, the average height now is about the same as it was then. That surprises me.
I am 6’1″, so I share in your frustration to find the right clothes. I went to a pop-up store put up by Long Tall Sally and found many great-fitting clothes. Plus, I saw several women who were significantly taller than I (which doesn’t happen very often). Check them out!
Hi Meg,
Thanks for stopping by. I have actually been to a pop up shop before and I plan to go to the next one on the 31st. You’re right, it was really amazing to be in the same room with so many tall women (some taller than me) at once.
Elayna
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