The average NBA height is 6'7", and the average weight is 216 pounds. That was the league average in 2025-26, the last full season, and it is the same so far in 2026-27. The average was 6'4" in 1951-52, the first season with height data in the table below, and it has stayed at 6'6" or 6'7" since 1962-63.
Average NBA Height by Season
| Season | Average height | Average weight |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 6'7" | 216 lb |
| 2021-22 | 6'6" | 216 lb |
| 2011-12 | 6'7" | 223 lb |
| 2001-02 | 6'7" | 218 lb |
| 1991-92 | 6'7" | 209 lb |
| 1981-82 | 6'7" | 205 lb |
| 1971-72 | 6'6" | 206 lb |
| 1961-62 | 6'5" | 205 lb |
| 1951-52 | 6'4" | 195 lb |
Source: Basketball-Reference NBA league averages.
The table covers the whole league. It does not split height by position, so this page does not give an average for guards, forwards or centers. For what each position does, see basketball positions explained.
Weight Moved More Than Height
Height has moved three inches since 1951-52. Weight has moved more. The league average went from 195 pounds in 1951-52 to a high of 224 pounds in 2012-13, then fell back to 216 pounds by 2021-22.
The extremes sit a long way from that average. The tallest NBA players ever are listed at 7'7", and the shortest NBA player ever is listed at 5'3". For how high players jump, see the highest vertical jumps in the NBA.
Comparing NBA Height to Youth Players
The NBA average is not a tryout rule for a school team. For teaching ranges by position, use the positions hub. For players who do not fit the chart, see positions for short and tall players, coaching youth basketball and guard workouts. Rim and court specs are on basketball court dimensions, and ball sizes are on basketball sizes.
Questions Coaches Ask About NBA Height
What is the average height in the NBA?
6'7", based on Basketball-Reference's league average for 2025-26.
What is the average weight of an NBA player?
216 pounds in 2025-26.
Have NBA players gotten taller over time?
Yes, but most of the change came early. The average went from 6'4" in 1951-52 to 6'6" by 1962-63. It has been 6'6" or 6'7" ever since.
When were NBA players the heaviest?
In 2012-13, when the league average reached 224 pounds.
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