If you are 5 foot 8 inches tall, you might have wondered how your height compares to others. Is 5 foot 8 short, average, or tall?
This is a question that many people may ask themselves, especially if they are 5 foot 8 or close to it. The answer, of course, depends on several factors, such as where you live, your gender, age, and your personal preferences.
This blog post will explore facts and statistics about height and answer common questions about being 5 foot 8. I also give some perspective on what it means to be 5 foot 8.
What does It mean to be 5 Foot 8?
5 foot 8 means you are 68 inches or 172.72 centimetres tall. To convert feet and inches to centimetres, use this formula: cm = 2.54 * (feet * 12 + inches). You can also use online height calculators.
What Is The Average Height For Men And Women?
The average height for adult men and women varies depending on many factors, such as genetics, ethnicity, and nutrition.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global average height for adult men is 171 cm (5 feet 7 inches), and for adult women is 159 cm (5 feet 3 inches). However, it’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary widely between different populations and regions.
In the US, the average height for adult men is around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), and for adult women is around 5 feet 4 inches (162 cm).
Is 5 Foot 8 Short?
How to answer this question depends on the situation and the person asking it. Generally, 5 foot 8 is considered slightly below the average height for men and slightly above the average height for women in the United States.
However, height can vary significantly across different regions, ethnicities, and age groups. Therefore, 5 foot 8 may be considered short or tall depending on the comparison group and individual preferences.
Now, I will explore some of these factors and provide insights on dealing with your height.
Gender Differences
One of the most obvious factors affecting how short or tall you are perceived is gender. Most men are taller than most women so the same height could mean different things for each gender.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the average height of an adult man in the United States is 5 feet 9 inches. The average height of an adult woman is 5 feet 4 inches.
This means that a 5-foot-8-inch man is slightly below average, while a 5-foot-8-inch woman is significantly above average.
Age
The average height may vary depending on the age group and the ethnic background of the population. For example, younger generations tend to be taller than older ones, and some ethnic groups tend to be taller or shorter than others.
So, when judging your height, it’s important to think about the situation and the different kinds of people you hang out with.
Location Differences
Another factor that influences how short or tall you are perceived is your location. Different countries and regions have different height distributions and norms, so the same height may be more or less common depending on where you live or travel.
For example, according to World Data, the average height for adult men in the Netherlands is 6 feet 0 inches, while the average height for adult men in Indonesia is 5 feet 2 inches. This means that a 5-foot-8-inch man would be considered very short in the Netherlands but very tall in Indonesia.
Similarly, the average height for adult women in Latvia is 5 feet 7 inches, while the average height for adult women in Guatemala is 4 feet 11 inches. This means a 5-foot-8-inch woman would be considered very tall in Latvia but not so much in Guatemala.
Therefore, it is important to know the height differences and expectations across different countries and regions when evaluating your height.
Personal Preferences
Your preferences are a final factor affecting how short or tall you are perceived. Ultimately, your height is only one aspect of your physical appearance and personality, which may not matter as much as you think.
Some people may prefer shorter or taller partners, friends, or colleagues, while others may not care at all. Some people may feel insecure or confident about their height, while others may not give it much thought.
Therefore, respecting your and others’ preferences and feelings is important when evaluating height. Your height is not a big deal; you can use it to your advantage in certain situations.
So, is 5 foot 8 short? The answer depends on your gender, age, and location. Generally, 5 foot 8 is not very short or tall, but somewhere between.
However, your height may have advantages and disadvantages in your life. Let’s check out some advantages and disadvantages of being 5 foot 8.
What Height Is Considered Short for a Man?
Advantages Of Being 5 Foot 8
- 5’8” is an average height for men in many countries, so you’ll blend well in most crowds.
- You may have a wider variety of clothing and shoe options since many brands offer sizes catering to average-height individuals.
- It’s a good height for sports such as gymnastics or diving, where being too tall or short can be a disadvantage.
- You’ll likely have a lower risk of health problems associated with extreme height, such as joint issues or cardiovascular disease.
- Filing into standard-sized cars and airplanes is easier without extra legroom or headroom.
- Being 5’8” may give you a confidence boost, as it’s a height that’s considered attractive by many people.
Disadvantages Of Being 5 Foot 8,
Some possible disadvantages of being 5 foot 8 are:
- You may feel insecure or inferior around people much taller than you.
- In some situations, you may face discrimination or prejudice based on height.
- If you’re interested in modeling or acting, 5’8″ may be too short for some opportunities.
- You may find reaching high shelves or objects difficult, which could be frustrating in certain situations.
- Competing in a sport where height is an advantage, such as basketball, you may have a harder time than taller athletes.
- You may have less physical strength or endurance than taller people.
Of course, these advantages and disadvantages are not universal or definitive. They may vary depending on your personality, skills, goals, and preferences.
Ultimately, height is only one aspect of your identity and does not define your worth or potential. No matter how tall you are, the most important thing is to love yourself and follow your dreams.
How Does Height Affect Your Life?
Height can have an impact on various aspects of your life, such as your health, your career, your dating prospects, and your self-esteem. However, these effects are not deterministic or universal. They depend on many other factors, such as your personality, skills, environment, and preferences.
Some studies have suggested that taller people have better health outcomes, higher incomes, more leadership positions, and more dating options than shorter people.
However, these studies have also faced limitations and criticisms, such as sampling bias, confounding variables, reverse causality and cultural differences. Moreover, these studies do not imply that being tall guarantees success or happiness or that being short prevents them.
On the other hand, some studies have also suggested that shorter people tend to live longer, have lower cancer risk, have a lower environmental impact, and have more empathy than taller people.
Yet, these studies have also faced similar challenges and limitations as the ones mentioned above. Moreover, these studies do not imply that being short guarantees longevity or virtue or that being tall hinders them.
Ultimately, height is one of many characteristics that make up who you are. It does not define you or limit you. You can achieve your goals and enjoy your life regardless of your height. You can also appreciate and respect people of different heights without judging or stereotyping them.
FAQ
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to increase your height once you reach adulthood. However, maintaining good posture, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep and proper nutrition can help you maximize your potential height.
It depends on the country and cultural norms. In some countries, 5 foot 8 may be considered an average height for men, while in others, it may be slightly below average.
In some professions, such as modeling or acting, height requirements may be stricter, and being 5 foot 8 could limit your opportunities. However, in many other professions, height is not a determining factor.
Generally, being 5 foot 8 poses no specific health concerns. However, as with any height, certain health risks may be associated with extreme weight or other factors affecting overall health.
Conclusion
Is 5 foot 8 short? The answer depends on how you look at it. Compared to the global or US average height for men or women, it may be considered short or tall depending on your gender and location.
Depending on how many other people your age and gender in your country or area are higher or shorter than you, it could be considered below average or above average.
However, how you feel about yourself is more important than how you compare yourself to others.
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