Tall women have a harder time finding dates compared to average height women.

The average height for a woman is 5 four. And the taller a woman is the smaller for dating options inversely with men is shorter a man smaller dating options.

What’s the Ideal Height Difference in Couples? Here’s What Research Says

When it comes to dating preferences, height often enters the conversation—especially around what the "ideal" height difference between partners should be. A 2018 article from Business Insider Netherlands broke down scientific insights into the subject, revealing that while preferences vary, real-world couples tend to fall into a narrow height gap.

What the Numbers Say

In the United States, the average man is about 5'9" and the average woman is roughly 5'3.5", creating a natural height gap of about 5.5 inches. This lines up with most heterosexual couples, where the man is taller in over 90% of relationships.

Although dating apps and social media might make it seem like everyone is chasing extremes—men over 6 feet, or women under 5 feet—the reality is more balanced. Couples tend to pair with those close to their own height, reflecting a phenomenon known as assortative mating, where people match based on similarities, including height.

The "Ideal Ratio"

Anthropologist Bogusław Pawłowski proposed a theory that the most appealing height difference is when the man is 1.09 times taller than the woman. In simple terms, if a woman is 5'4", her "ideal" match would be around 5'10". This ratio isn't a rule, but it shows that people may unconsciously gravitate toward certain proportions.

Height and Relationship Outcomes

In some countries, height differences have been linked to happiness in marriage—at least initially. For example, an Indonesian study found women married to taller men reported greater happiness in the first 18 years. However, other research suggests shorter men may be more involved in housework and less likely to divorce.

Men are also more likely to want greater height differences in casual relationships, while women’s preferences remain relatively stable across relationship types.

So, What’s the Best Height Gap?

Research points to a sweet spot: 4 to 6 inches of difference is common and tends to satisfy both parties. It’s a natural fit with the population average and supports compatibility without relying on exaggerated ideals.

But here's the bottom line: while height might matter at the start of a relationship, what keeps people together long-term comes down to much more—shared values, emotional connection, and mutual respect.

Height might get someone’s attention, but character is what makes them stay.

See more on this topic at Business Insider NL.