The average height of basketball players is about 6 ft 6 in to 6 ft 7 in in the NBA and about 6 ft 0 in in the WNBA. Guards are usually shorter than forwards and centers, but wingspan, skill, speed, and basketball IQ often matter as much as height.
Key takeaways
- NBA players average about 6 ft 6 in to 6 ft 7 in, and WNBA players about 6 ft 0 in.
- Typical height rises from point guard to center in both leagues.
- Wingspan, skill, and athleticism can offset a lack of height.
- Short players such as Muggsy Bogues and Spud Webb show it is possible to succeed.
In this guide
- Average Height of Basketball Players
- Average Height by Position
- Why Height Matters in Basketball
- Height Is Not Everything
- How Tall Do You Need to Be to Play Basketball?
- How Height Is Determined
- Tips for Shorter Players
- Tips for Taller Players
- Related Sports Guides
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: October 2026
Height is one of the first things people notice in basketball, and one of the most searched topics around the sport. But how tall is a typical player, how much does it vary by position, and does being short really rule you out? This guide gives typical height ranges for the NBA and WNBA, explains why height matters, and shows what else decides who succeeds on the court.
Average Height of Basketball Players
Professional basketball players are far taller than the general population. Averages change slightly from season to season, but as a rough guide:
| League | Typical average height |
|---|---|
| NBA (men) | About 6 ft 6 in to 6 ft 7 in (around 198 to 201 cm) |
| WNBA (women) | About 6 ft 0 in (around 183 cm) |
| College and high school | Shorter on average, and varies widely by level |
For exact figures for a given season, check official rosters on NBA.com, WNBA.com, or Basketball Reference. Since the 2019-20 season, the NBA has asked teams to list heights measured without shoes, which made some listed heights shorter than before.
Average Height by Position
These are approximate typical ranges. Individual players vary, and modern basketball increasingly values versatility over strict positions.
| Position | Typical NBA height | Typical WNBA height |
|---|---|---|
| Point guard | 6 ft 1 in to 6 ft 3 in | 5 ft 6 in to 5 ft 10 in |
| Shooting guard | 6 ft 3 in to 6 ft 5 in | 5 ft 9 in to 6 ft 0 in |
| Small forward | 6 ft 6 in to 6 ft 8 in | 6 ft 0 in to 6 ft 2 in |
| Power forward | 6 ft 8 in to 6 ft 10 in | 6 ft 2 in to 6 ft 4 in |
| Center | 6 ft 10 in and above | 6 ft 4 in and above |
Why Height Matters in Basketball
- Close to the rim: the hoop is 10 feet high, so taller players can score, rebound, and block shots more easily near it.
- Rebounding: a bigger reach helps win the ball.
- Defence: height and long arms make shots harder to take and passes harder to complete.
- Passing lanes: tall guards can see over defenders.
Height Is Not Everything
Several measurements matter alongside height:
- Wingspan: the distance from fingertip to fingertip with arms spread. A player with a long wingspan can play “taller” than their height.
- Standing reach: how high the player can reach with feet flat on the floor.
- Vertical leap and speed: athleticism can offset height.
- Skill and basketball IQ: shooting, passing, and decision-making often decide games.
History shows many short players who succeeded. Muggsy Bogues, at 5 ft 3 in, played in the NBA for 14 seasons, and Spud Webb, at 5 ft 7 in, won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1986. At the other end, players above 7 ft 6 in such as Manute Bol and Yao Ming have also played in the NBA.
How Tall Do You Need to Be to Play Basketball?
| Level | Practical view |
|---|---|
| Recreational and club | Any height, because skill, fitness, and teamwork matter most |
| High school and college | Height helps in some positions, but guards of all sizes succeed |
| Professional | Most players are well above average height, but there are exceptions |
How Height Is Determined
Height is mainly determined by genetics, but nutrition, sleep, and overall health during childhood and puberty also play a part. Most young people stop growing in their late teens, when the growth plates close. You can track growth for children using the CDC growth charts, and a doctor can advise if you have concerns about growth. Claims that certain exercises or supplements can make adults taller are not supported by good evidence.
Tips for Shorter Players
- Build ball handling and shooting. Skill makes you useful at any height.
- Develop speed and quickness. Good defenders and passers stand out.
- Improve strength and balance. They help you play through contact.
- Study the game. Anticipation and positioning are valuable.
- Use your size. Smaller players can stay low and be hard to guard.
Tips for Taller Players
- Work on footwork. Good movement turns size into an advantage.
- Develop finishing and passing near the basket.
- Add outside shooting. Modern bigs often shoot threes.
- Improve conditioning to keep up in fast games.
Related Sports Guides
If you enjoy understanding sports numbers, you may like our guides to baseball player stats and how to read a baseball box score. For how athletes earn money from their popularity, see our explainer on NIL in college sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Roughly 6 ft 6 in to 6 ft 7 in, though it changes slightly from season to season.
Around 6 ft 0 in, with guards usually shorter and centers taller.
In the NBA, usually about 6 ft 1 in to 6 ft 3 in, and in the WNBA about 5 ft 6 in to 5 ft 10 in.
Yes, but it is rare. Muggsy Bogues at 5 ft 3 in played 14 NBA seasons, showing that skill and speed can overcome height.
It is the length from fingertip to fingertip with arms spread. A long wingspan helps with defence, rebounding, and shot blocking.
No. Height is mainly genetic and influenced by nutrition and health during growth. Training improves fitness and skill, not final height.
Height ranges are approximate and change by season. Check official rosters for current figures.
