Tag: Wrist Size

Average Wrist Size for Males and Females

Average Wrist Size for Males and Females

Your wrist size is more important than you might think; knowing your wrist size can save you hundreds of dollars. If you’ve ever bought a watch online, you’d know that the first thing they ask you for is your wrist size. Besides your wrist circumference, you must know your wrist diameter to pick the perfect watch case. 
Guess your wrist size, and there is a high probability that you’ll end up with an ill-fitting watch that has no charm and strangles your arm like a python. 
Besides helping you in your shopping endeavors, your wrist size can significantly affect your overall health and fitness. A person with small wrists probably has a lower bone density, increasing his risk of fractures and injuries. 
Generally, men have bigger wrists than their female counterparts; it is mainly because of differences in body size and muscle mass. It, however, doesn’t mean that men always have bigger wrists than ladies. Your wrist size can vary depending on age, height, weight, body composition, and genetics.
In this article, we go over the average wrist size for males and females, how to measure your wrist size accurately, the factors affecting your wrist size, and the implications of your wrist size. 
Knowing your wrist size and diameter will make you look like someone who knows what they are talking about the next time you walk into any jewelry store or watch shop. So, without any further ado, let’s get into the average wrist size for males and females. 
Why You Should Know the Average Wrist Size For Males and Females
Measuring Wrist
Knowing your wrist circumference before buying a watch or a bracelet ensures a proper fit. Furthermore, learning about the average wrist size for males and females will help you analyze how you stack up against your peers. 
The wrist size is a lot more important than what most people give it credit for. For example, your body frame can depend on your wrist size. 
The wrist size is also widely used as anthropological reference data in many surveys, as it can provide valuable insights into your health and wellness. 
Most people grow up believing that they have awfully thin wrists. However, these assumptions fade away as soon as they learn about the average wrist size for their group, helping boost self-confidence. 
Average Wrist Size For Males
According to anthropometric data published by the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in 2017, the average male wrist size is 6.77 inches (17.2 cm). [1]

Different studies conducted over the years have shown that the average male wrist size measures just under 7 inches in circumference. [2]
Your wrist size depends on your age, gender, body type, height, genetics, and composition. Although wrist size can indicate overall body size and composition, it should not be solely relied upon as a complete indicator of health and fitness levels. Later in this article, we will also discuss the implications your wrist size can have on your overall health. 
Average Wrist Circumference For Teenage Boys
According to the report compiled by the Census at School, which is run by the Statistical Society of Canada, here is the average wrist size for boys: [3]

Age
Average Wrist Size (inches)

8
5.57

9
5.70

10
5.85

11
5.91

12
6.14

13
6.33

14
6.44

15
6.51

16
6.66

17
6.84

18
6.66

The average wrist size for boys undergoes a steady rise with age. Boys at eight have an average wrist of 5.57 inches. It rises to 5.7 inches when they turn nine, 5.85 inches at 10, 5.91 inches at 11, 6.14 inches at 12, 6.33 inches at 13, 6.44 inches at 14, 6.51 inches at 15, and 6.66 inches at 16. The average wrist size for boys tops at 6.84 inches when they turn 17 and sees a minor drop at the age of 18. 
Average Wrist Width (Diameter) For Males
Your wrist width measurement comes in handy when you’re on the market for a watch. It helps you choose the correct watch case size for your wrist. You’ve probably seen guys with twig arms rocking a giant wristwatch. It’s no secret that these watches don’t suit their personality. 
These fellas could have avoided this blunder only if they had invested some time learning about their wrist diameter. Most watches mention their case diameter on the box. As a rule of thumb, your watch case diameter should be a few millimeters less than your wrist diameter. 
As per the US anthropometric data taken from the CDC’s Vital and Health Statistics report, the average male wrist width is 5.9 cm (2.28 inches). This data is based on the wrist breadth measurements of 7,501 men aged 20 and older. [4]

Age
Wrist Breadth (inches)

20-29
2.28

30-39
2.32

40-49
2.32

50-59
2.36

60-69
2.40

70-79
2.40

80+
2.40

According to this data, the average wrist diameter in men grows steadily with age. The average wrist width for men in the 20-29 age bracket is 2.28 inches. It increases to 2.32 inches for men between 30 and 49. The average male wrist breadth jumps to 2.36 inches for folks in the 50-59 age bracket before peaking at 2.40 inches for men above 60. 
Men’s Wrist Size Chart
We have compiled a convenient chart for folks trying to determine their wrist size. We used different anthropometric research and sizing guides to create this table. 

Size
Wrist Size (inches)

Extra Small