The human body features fascinating proportions, and one curious measurement is the wingspan. Often called arm span or reach, it is the full length of a person’s outstretched arms. This measurement provides unique insight into an individual’s skeletal framework, offering a perspective on body size distinct from vertical height. Understanding the average wingspan requires defining exactly how this measurement is taken and what it represents.
Defining and Measuring Wingspan
The wingspan is defined as the distance from the tip of the middle finger on one hand to the tip of the middle finger on the other. This measurement is taken with the individual standing straight, arms fully extended horizontally and parallel to the floor. For the most accurate reading, the person stands with their back against a wall, and the measurement is taken across the back. This standardized method captures the maximum linear reach of the upper limbs and shoulder girdle combined.
A related technique, sometimes used in medical settings, is the demi-span. This measures from the sternal notch (the dip at the center of the breastbone) to the tip of the middle finger. That single-arm measurement is then doubled to estimate the full wingspan. Since wingspan is independent of height loss from spinal compression, it serves as a reliable proxy for maximum stature, especially in older adults.
The Average Human Wingspan Measurement
For the general adult population, the wingspan is very close to the person’s standing height, but it is typically not an exact one-to-one ratio. Research indicates that the average wingspan is slightly longer than height, with differences observed between sexes. On average, the wingspan of an adult male may exceed his height by about 5.3 centimeters (2.1 inches). The average wingspan of an adult female tends to be closer to her height, generally exceeding it by a smaller margin of around 1.2 centimeters (0.5 inches).
These differences contribute to a slightly positive ratio between wingspan and height for most people. If the average height of a male is approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175.3 cm), his average wingspan would be approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180.6 cm). The wingspan, like height, is determined by skeletal growth and stops increasing once an individual reaches skeletal maturity. While these averages hold true for large groups, individual measurements can vary significantly.
The Relationship Between Wingspan and Height
The near-equality between wingspan and height is a classic observation in human biology, famously illustrated by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. This approximate 1:1 relationship is rooted in the symmetrical and proportional growth of the human skeleton. The long bones of the arms and legs grow in a coordinated manner, a concept known as allometry, leading to this predictable relationship between vertical and horizontal reach.
The comparison between these two measurements is often quantified using the “Ape Index.” This index is calculated either as a ratio (wingspan divided by height) or as a simple difference (wingspan minus height). A ratio greater than 1.0, known as a positive ape index, indicates that the wingspan is greater than the height. This positive index is sought after in various sports where reach is a functional advantage.
In sports such as basketball, boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA), and swimming, a disproportionately long wingspan provides a measurable edge. For a boxer or MMA fighter, a longer reach allows them to strike an opponent from a safer distance. In basketball, a long wingspan aids in rebounding, blocking shots, and intercepting passes. Swimmers benefit because a longer reach increases their stroke length, allowing them to cover more distance with fewer strokes.