Fitness enthusiasts are low-key booty connoisseurs. Besides adding to your physique aesthetics, strong glutes can help improve your physical performance in the gym and in day-to-day activities.
The glutes are the biggest muscle group in the human body. They play a crucial role in body alignment and propulsion during walking and running, climbing stairs, and even standing on one leg.
The butt-building craze is so widespread that you can’t scroll through Instagram without the app’s algorithm throwing videos of curvy fitness models at you, teaching you how to build a shapely derrière.
Look around your gym, and you’ll see girls obsessing over the glute bridges and hip thrusts and the gents loading up the barbell and working on ass-to-the-grass squats. Only a few will admit this, but if given a choice, they would like a shapely and big butt — yes, men too!
There is nothing wrong with wanting a bigger butt. We’d go as far as to say that the world would be a better place if everyone had a rounder and bigger butt. We aren’t saying this because we want to sell you some yoga pants.
An International Journal of Obesity study conducted on 11,247 participants found that the bigger your waist-to-hip ratio, the lower your risk of developing type-2 diabetes. The study also showed that women with bigger butts and smaller waists tend to have lower LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of chronic illness. [1]
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Also, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, but men prefer women with bigger and rounder butts because it enhances the appearance of the spine curvature. [2]
Why You Should Know the Average Butt Size
Building a bigger butt has long-term health and immediate aesthetic benefits. Although most trainers do some type of glute work as part of their training routine, there is a big problem here. A majority do not set goals. Training without well-defined objectives will lead you into a downward spiral.
Ask a male lifter how big they want their biceps to be, and they’ll spit a number back at you within a second (it’ll likely be 20 inches). However, ask an exerciser about his goal hip size, and he’ll look like a deer in a headlight.
Let’s put a method to this butt-building madness.
In this article, we cover the average butt size for women and men, and people of different origins. It will help you evaluate your butt gains and set realistic objectives for yourself. We will also go over how to measure your butt accurately and the ideal butt size for you.
What is the Average Butt Size For Women?
Check out the butt size for women according to different parameters:
Average Butt Size For Women By Age
As per the US anthropometric reference data based on 8,068 participants, the average butt size of a woman over 20 years of age is 102.0 cm or 40.16 inches. [3]
There is a clear trend in women’s average gluteal muscle size in different age groups. Girls in the 20-29 age bracket have the smallest average butt size at 98.2 cm or 38.66 inches. The average posterior size increases until the 50-59 age group, maxing at 105.4 cm or 41.50 inches. It then gradually tapers off until it reaches 99.4 cm or 39.13 inches for women in the 80-plus age bracket.
| Age | N | Mean (inches) | Smallest 5% | Smallest 25% | Biggest 25% | Biggest 5% |
| 20–29 years | 1,616 | 98.2 cm (38.66 inches) | 84.2 cm (33.15 inches) | 90.4 cm (35.59 inches) | 103.3 cm (40.67 inches) | 120.3 cm (47.36 inches) |
| 30–39 years | 1,699 | 102.7 cm (40.43 inches) | 86.3 cm (33.98 inches) | 93.5 cm (36.81 inches) | 109.1 cm (42.91 inches) | 128.5 cm (50.59 inches) |
| 40–49 years | 1,299 | 104 cm (40.94 inches) | 87.6 cm (34.49 inches) | 95.3 cm (37.52 inches) | 110.1 cm (43.35 inches) | 128.5 cm (50.59 inches) |
| 50–59 years | 962 | 105.4 cm (41.50 inches) | 88.4 cm (34.80 inches) | 96.0 cm (37.80 inches) | 112.5 cm (44.29 inches) | 132.4 cm (52.13 inches) |
| 60–69 years | 1,076 | 103.1 cm (40.59 inches) | 87.2 cm (34.33 inches) | 94.6 cm (37.24 inches) | 109.3 cm (42.99 inches) | 126 cm (49.61 inches) |
| 70–79 years | 854 | 101.4 cm (39.92 inches) | 86.7 cm (34.13 inches) | 93.1 cm (36.65 inches) | 107.5 cm (42.32 inches) | 123.1 cm (48.46 inches) |
| > 80 years | 562 | 99.4 cm (39.13 inches) | 85.2 cm (33.54 inches) | 92.5 cm (36.42 inches) | 105.2 cm (41.42 inches) | 118.3 cm (46.57 inches) |
| Total | 8,068 | 102.0 cm (40.16 inches) | 86.5 cm (34.06 inches) | 93.6 cm (36.85 inches) | 108.1 cm (42.56 inches) | 125.3 cm (49.33 inches) |
Average Butt Size For Women By Race
People of different origins have varying body structures. As a result, their butt sizes can differ significantly.
As per the CDC data, non-Hispanic black women have the biggest derrière at 106.3 cm or 41.85 inches. They are followed by Mexican American ladies at 102.6 cm or 40.39 inches. Non-Hispanic white women finish last at 101.9 cm or 40.12 inches. There is a significant gap (3.7 cm) between ladies in the first and second groups, whereas girls in the second and third groups are separated by 0.7 cm.
This data shows that genetics play a significant role in your body structure and hence glute size.
| Age (>20 years) | N | Mean | Smallest 5% | Smallest 25% | Biggest 25% | Biggest 5% |
| Non-Hispanic White | 3,394 | 101.9 cm (40.12 inches) | 86.6 cm (34.06 inches) | 93.2 cm (36.69 inches) | 108 cm (42.52 inches) | 125.1 cm (49.25 inches) |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 2,299 | 106.3 cm (41.85 inches) | 86.6 cm (34.06 inches) | 96.1 cm (37.83 inches) | 113.5 cm (44.69 inches) | 133.5 cm (52.56 inches) |
| Mexican American | 2,022 | 102.6 cm (40.39 inches) | 86.6 cm (34.86 inches) | 94.0 cm (37.01 inches) | 109 cm (42.91 inches) | 126 cm (49.61 inches) |
| All | 7,715 | 103.6 cm (40.79 inches) | 86.6 cm (34.06 inches) | 94.4 cm (37.17 inches) | 110.2 cm (43.39 inches) | 128.2 cm (50.47 inches) |
What is the Average Butt Size For Men?
Here are the average butt size for men according to age and race:
Average Butt Size For Men By Age
As per the CDC data, men over the age of 20 have an average butt size of 99.5 cm or 39.17 inches.
The average butt size in men follows a similar trend to that of women. At 97.4 cm or 38.35 inches, men in the 20-29 age bracket have the smallest glutes on average. The glute size peaks at 101.1 cm or 39.80 inches when the gents are in the 50-59 age bracket. The butt size slowly crumbles to 97.5 cm or 38.39 inches when men cross 80.
| Age | N | Mean | Smallest 5% | Smallest 25% | Biggest 25% | Biggest 5% |
| 20–29 years | 1,578 | 97.4 cm (38.35 inches) | 85.1 cm (33.50 inches) | 91.1 cm (35.87 inches) | 101.9 cm (40.12 inches) | 114.3 cm (45.00 inches) |
| 30–39 years | 1,428 | 99.6 cm (39.21 inches) | 87.8 cm (34.57 inches) | 93.6 cm (36.85 inches) | 103.9 cm (40.91 inches) | 116.6 cm (45.91 inches) |
| 40–49 years | 1,174 | 100.7 cm (39.64 inches) | 86.7 cm (34.13 inches) | 94.5 cm (37.20 inches) | 105.3 cm (41.46 inches) | 118 cm (46.46 inches) |
| 50–59 years | 817 | 101.1 cm (39.80 inches) | 88.7 cm (34.92 inches) | 96.1 cm (37.83 inches) | 105.2 cm (41.42 inches) | 116.2 cm (45.75 inches) |
| 60–69 years | 1,103 | 100.6 cm (39.61 inches) | 88.3 cm (34.76 inches) | 95.2 cm (37.48 inches) | 105.5 cm (41.54 inches) | 114 cm (44.88 inches) |
| 70–79 years | 772 | 99.6 cm (39.21 inches) | 87.4 cm (34.41 inches) | 93.7 cm (36.89 inches) | 104.1 cm (40.98 inches) | 115.1 cm (45.31 inches) |
| > 80 years | 539 | 97.5 cm (38.39 inches) | 86.5 cm (34.06 inches) | 92.2 cm (36.30 inches) | 101.9 cm (40.12 inches) | 111.5 cm (43.90 inches) |
| Total | 7,411 | 99.5 cm (39.17 inches) | 87.2 cm (34.33 inches) | 93.8 cm (36.93 inches) | 104.0 cm (40.94 inches) | 115.1 cm (45.31 inches) |
Average Butt Size For Men By Race
The findings of the average butt size for men of varying ethnicities yield different results compared to the women.
Non-Hispanic white men, on average, have the biggest glutes (100.1 cm or 39.41 inches). They are followed by Non-Hispanic Black males with a back side measuring 99.3 cm or 39.09 inches, whereas Mexican American men take the third spot with 97.3 cm or 38.31 inches. Unlike their female counterparts, men of different origins don’t have a huge gap between their butt sizes.
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| Age (>20 years) | N | Mean | Smallest 5% | Smallest 25% | Biggest 25% | Biggest 5% |
| Non-Hispanic White | 3,020 | 100.1 cm (39.41 inches) | 87.7 cm (34.53 inches) | 94.2 (37.09 inches) | 104.6 (41.18 inches) | 115.7 (45.55 inches) |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 1,973 | 99.3 cm (39.09 inches) | 85.2 cm (33.54 inches) | 92.1 (36.26 inches) | 104.7 (41.22 inches) | 117.9 (46.42 inches) |
| Mexican American | 2,145 | 97.3 cm (38.31 inches) | 85.6 cm (33.70 inches) | 91.8 (36.14 inches) | 101.6 (40.00 inches) | 112.3 (44.21 inches) |
| All | 7,411 | 99.6 cm (39.21 inches) | 86.8 cm (34.17 inches) | 93.6 (36.85 inches) | 104.2 (41.02 inches) | 115.7 (455.55 inches) |
How To Measure Your Butt Accurately?
Measuring your butt size can be tricky. Some people wrap the measuring tape too high on their rear, whereas others place it too close to their hamstrings. Here is how to take the correct reading:
- Stand upright with your feet placed together.
- Wrap the tape around the meatiest part of your glutes. Ensure that the tape is straight. A slanting tape will give you an incorrect reading.
- The tape should wrap snugly around your butt. It shouldn’t be hanging loosely or digging into your body.
- Determine your butt size by checking where the tape overlaps in front of your groin.
- Repeat this process 2-3 times to verify the results.
Notes
- Take your butt measurement in front of a mirror to ensure the tape is straight. You could also get help from someone to ensure correct measurement standards are followed.
- Avoid bending forward. Hinging at your hips will skew the tape and the results.
- Wear figure-hugging clothes. Taking your measurements in baggy clothes can add a few centimeters to your butt size. If possible, take your measurements in your underwear.
- Avoid contracting your glutes during the measurements.
Ideal Butt Size
The ideal butt size can be very subjective. It can vary depending on personal preferences. For the scope of this article, we’ll use three methods to find an ideal butt size for you:
Waist-to-Hip Ratio
The waist-to-hip ratio is calculated by dividing your hip circumference by your waist girth. For women, 0.8-1.0 WHR is considered normal. On the other hand, 0.9-1.1 is the normal range for men. The smaller the WHR number, the bigger the discrepancy between the waist and the glutes.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms (or pounds) divided by the square of their height in meters (or feet). Although your BMI isn’t a great indicator of your butt size, it can help determine if you have a healthy weight. Folks with an 18.5-24.9 BMI fall in the normal weight category and are expected to have a normal butt size according to their weight.
Grecian Ideal Method
The Grecian ideal method is perfect for male bodybuilding enthusiasts. This calculator helps you calculate your ideal muscle group proportions using your wrist circumference. According to the Grecian ideal calculator, a male with 6.85-inch wrists (the average wrist size for men) should have 38-inch hips.
Notably, the ideal butt size changes with time. What was considered ideal in the Victorian era isn’t popular anymore. Folks in the Victorian era preferred a smaller and more delicate tush, whereas people in the 21st century dig bigger and hourglass figures on women. Kardashians for the win!
This should be a reminder that you shouldn’t overly obsess about your figure and prioritize building a bigger and rounder butt over following a healthy lifestyle and practicing mindfulness and body positivity. Trends come and go, but a fit body and a healthy mind are eternal.
Different Butt Shapes
These are the four major butt shapes you should know about:
- Square Butt (H-shape): H-shape butts have a wide and flat appearance. They hold volume up top but flatten out towards the bottom. They are also known as muffin tops.
- Round Butt (O-shape): This type of butt is the most popular and is characterized by a round and bubbly tush. Kim Kardashian, JLo, and Nicki Minaj fall into this category. The O-shaped butts have a balanced fat distribution throughout the gluteal muscle.
- Heart Butt (A-shaped): This is also known as the peach-shaped butt. Women with heart-shaped butts have a tapered waistline and fat distributed in the lower part of their butt.
- Inverted Butt (V-shape): This is the mirror opposite of the heart-shaped butt and the least popular amongst fitness enthusiasts. It involves having fullness at the top, but a narrow lower butt
Factors Affecting Butt Shape
The shape and size of your ass can depend on the following variables:
Gender
Females store more fat in their buttocks compared to their male counterparts. As seen in the charts above, women, on average, have bigger butts than men in the same age group. For the same reason, women’s ideal WHR is lower than men’s.
Genetics
Your genetics determine the position of your hip bones and pelvis, which play a crucial role in the size and shape of your butt. Furthermore, your genetics dictate your body fat distribution, and it might change with your hormones, age, and weight.
Size of Your Gluteal Muscle
Different folks have varying gluteal sizes, origins, and insertion points, which can determine the shape and size of their butt. Your ethnicity also plays a vital role in determining the size of your gluteal muscle.
Lifestyle
Your diet and activity level affect your butt shape. Folks with a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop a V or H-shaped butt. On the other hand, people who train at least three times a week are better suited to develop shapely glutes.
Read also: Best Butts on the Internet
FAQs
What is considered a medium-sized butt?
According to the CDC data based on women over 20, 102 cm or 40.16 inches could be considered a medium-sized butt. Similarly, men with a 99.5 cm or 39.17-inch butt can be considered to have a medium-sized rear. We arrived at this data by averaging the median butt size of men and women across different age groups.
What is considered a big butt measurement?
We’ll use the biggest 5 percent data of each age group for this calculation. As per the US anthropometric reference data, men with a 115.1 cm or 45.31-inch butt can be considered to have a big butt. Conversely, women with a 125.3 cm or 49.33-inch rear fall into this category.
How do you know if you have a big butt?
A ‘big butt’ is subjective. People looking to improve their aesthetics might view a big butt differently than those with obesity. Nonetheless, comparing your butt circumference with the average of your age group listed in this article will give you an objective answer as to if you have a big butt.
Check Butt Workouts:
- Build the Perfect Underbutt
- How To Turn Your Square Butt Into a Bubble Bum
- Heart Shaped Butt: How To Grow and Maintain a Perfect Bum
- Foods for Bigger Butt
- The Best Upper Glute Exercises
Wrapping Up
Use this article to check how you stack up against your peers in the butt department. However, you must remember that butt size alone is not a reliable overall health or attractiveness indicator.
Furthermore, you shouldn’t chase the perfect or ideal butt size. Each individual is built differently, and you must be content with your body shape and the work you put into improving it. Best of luck!
References
- McDowell MA, Fryar CD, Ogden CL. Anthropometric reference data for children and adults: United States, 1988-1994. Vital Health Stat 11. 2009 Apr;(249):1-68. PMID: 19642512.
- Snijder, M., Zimmet, P., Visser, M. et al. Independent and opposite associations of waist and hip circumferences with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia: the AusDiab Study. Int J Obes 28, 402–409 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802567
- Lewis, David & Russell, Eric & Al-Shawaf, Laith & Buss, David. (2015). Lumbar curvature: A previously undiscovered standard of attractiveness. Evolution and Human Behavior. 36. 345-350. 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2015.01.007.
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