The average woman is 5 inches / 13 centimeters shorter than the average man.

The story behind the answer

True. Across human populations, adult men are on average about 13 cm (roughly 5 inches) taller than adult women. This sex difference in height (sexual dimorphism) stems mainly from biology: testosterone drives a longer, later adolescent growth spurt in boys, while higher estrogen in girls closes the growth plates earlier. Genetics set the potential, and nutrition and health during childhood help determine whether people reach it.

The exact gap varies by country and era—better nutrition has raised average heights for everyone—but the difference tends to remain around 10–13 cm. Memory tip: think “the 13-centimeter rule” or “about the length of a big smartphone” between average male and female heights.