Average Butt Size
Comparing Glute Measurements by Gender & Ethnicity
By: Jeremy Fox, CNC, CPT – Published: August 8, 2023
In today’s appearance-driven world of social media, having a bigger butt is becoming more popular. Many people are searching for ways to enhance their backsides, either through natural methods or plastic surgery.
But how big is an average butt? And what size should you aim for in your journey to build a better booty?
In this article, I gathered information on the average butt size for men and women of different ages and ethnicities, allowing you to determine what is considered big or small in your particular demographic.
Data Collection Methods
This article refers to the gluteal circumference data obtained from the CDC’s National Health Statistics Reports. Specifically, the data is taken from the Anthropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults in the United States.
With my engineering and statistical analysis background, I have compiled the data into tables and charts that are easier to understand. Furthermore, as a certified fitness coach, I explain how these measurements relate to your overall health and fitness.
What Is Butt Size?
Based on the anthropometric reference data from the CDC, the size of one’s buttocks is determined by measuring the horizontal circumference around the thickest part of the gluteus muscles. This measurement is also known as hip circumference.
The size of your buttocks is affected by the development of your gluteus muscles. But it is also greatly influenced by the amount of adipose tissue stored in your hips and buttocks.
Therefore, health practitioners also measure waist size and reference one’s waist-to-hip ratio to determine their risk for obesity-related conditions and diseases.
How to Measure Butt Size
To measure your buttock circumference accurately, you will need a flexible tape measure, such as a tailor’s tape.
Begin by standing erect with your heels together and your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Next, wrap the tape measure horizontally around the thickest part of your hips and buttocks.
The number at which the tape measure meets the end is your butt circumference. However, avoid pulling the tape too tightly to prevent indentations on the skin, which can make your butt appear smaller. Also, refrain from wrapping the tape at an angle, which can make your butt appear larger.
What Is An Average Butt Size?
Based on body measurement data from the US Department of Health Statistics, the typical circumference of women’s buttocks is around 40.2 inches (102.2 cm), while men’s average at 39.2 inches (99.6 cm).
Nonetheless, it is essential to note that having a larger or smaller butt size than these averages can also be considered normal. This is because typical butt sizes vary depending on factors such as age, ethnicity, weight, and body composition.
Average Butt Size by Age
The size of one’s butt is influenced by age, as our bodies naturally grow and shrink over time. In most cases, people’s backsides tend to become larger into their 40s or 50s.
However, as we get older, we may experience a decline in adipose and muscle tissue, which can lead to a reduction in butt size. The table illustrates this rise and fall in butt size by different age categories for men and women.
Table 1. Average Butt Size by Age & Gender
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 38.7 inches (98.2cm) | 38.3 inches (97.4 cm) |
| 30-39 | 40.4inches (102.7 cm) | 39.2 inches (99.6 cm) |
| 40-49 | 40.9 inches (104.0 cm) | 39.6 inches (100.7 cm) |
| 50-59 | 41.5 inches (105.4 cm) | 39.8 inches (101.1 cm) |
| 60-69 | 40.6 inches (103.1 cm) | 39.6 inches (100.6 cm) |
| 70-79 | 39.9 inches (101.4 cm) | 39.2 inches (99.6 cm) |
| 80+ | 39.1 inches (99.4 cm) | 38.4 inches (97.5 cm) |
Table 1 displays the average size of women’s buttocks, ranging from 38.7 to 41.5 inches (98.2-105.4 cm), while men’s buttocks are slightly smaller, ranging from 38.3 to 39.8 inches (97.4-101.1 cm).
However, it’s important to note that these figures are based on the average measurements of both males and females, including older adults who may have muscle atrophy.
To get a better understanding of the true range of buttock sizes, it’s helpful to view the data as percentiles, specifically for adults aged 20-49.
Table 2. Butt Circumference Percentiles Age 20-49
| Percentile | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 33.9 inches (86.1 cm) | 34.1 inches (86.6 cm) |
| 10th | 35.0 inches (88.9 cm) | 35.1 inches (89.2 cm) |
| 15th | 35.6 inches (90.4 cm) | 35.7 inches (90.7 cm) |
| 25th | 36.6 inches (93.0 cm) | 36.6 inches (93.0 cm) |
| 50th | 39.1 inches (99.3 cm) | 38.2 inches (97.0 cm) |
| 75th | 42.3 inches (107.4 cm) | 40.8 inches (103.6 cm) |
| 85th | 44.8 inches (113.8 cm) | 42.3 inches (107.4 cm) |
| 90th | 46.6 inches (118.4 cm) | 43.5 inches (110.5 cm) |
| 95th | 49.5 inches (125.7 cm) | 45.8 inches (116.3 cm) |
In Table 2, you can view the complete range of butt circumferences to determine what size is considered big or small for your gender. Upon further analysis of the percentile data, it is evident that men have less variation in butt size compared to women.
One reason for the discrepancy could be that women tend to store fat in their thighs, hips, and buttocks more readily than men. The larger hip and buttock measurements of women in the 50th percentile or higher support this idea.
Average Butt Size by Ethnicity
Besides gender, ethnicity can also affect the distribution of body fat and the size of the buttocks. The NHANES survey on body measurements included data on buttock circumferences for non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Mexican American individuals.
Table 3 illustrates the differences in butt size among women of various races. However, men’s butt size seems to be less influenced by ethnicity.
Table 3. Average Butt Size by Ethnicity
| Percentile | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| White | 39.8 inches (101.0 cm) | 39.3 inches (99.7 cm) |
| African American | 41.8 inches (106.1 cm) | 39.2 inches (99.5 cm) |
| Mexican American | 40.6 inches (103.1 cm) | 38.4 inches (97.5 cm) |
Average Butt Size by Height & Weight
The circumference measurement alone doesn’t always indicate whether your butt is big or small for your body. Other factors, such as height, weight, and body composition, also play a role.
Taller people generally have larger frames that can support more body mass, which may result in a larger hip and buttock circumference. However, a shorter person’s butt may appear larger even with a smaller circumference.
In addition, body weight also affects the size of your butt. The heavier you are, the larger your butt size typically becomes, but it may not look as big in proportion to your body.
Average Butt Size by Body Fat Percentage
Both men and women have body fat stored in their buttocks, with women having more fat in this area. Generally, the more body fat a person has, the bigger their butt will be.
Some people don’t mind whether their buttocks are made up of fat or muscle. But it’s worth noting that having more muscle and less fat can firm and lift your butt, creating a visible separation between the glutes and hamstrings.
Furthermore, the amount of body fat in your midsection can also impact the size of your butt. A smaller waist-to-hip ratio can make your butt more prominent, while a larger waistline relative to the hips may make it less noticeable.
How To Increase Butt Size
Building a big booty takes time and consistent effort in the right places. And you will progress faster with a well-rounded plan, including specific workouts, nutrition, and a few proven supplements.
Workouts
When training for glute growth, you should avoid using super-high reps with light weights. Instead, use heavier loads and lower reps (3-8) for building strength and medium reps (8-12) for hypertrophy.
To build your bottom, compound leg exercises like squats and leg presses are great for overall lower body development. And you can add some more targeted exercises like hip thrusts or stiff leg deadlifts to isolate the glutes.
Diet
Believe it or not, how you eat is just as important as how you lift when building muscle. You won’t progress in the gym if you don’t give your body what it needs to grow.
First, creating a calorie surplus is essential to gain muscle consistently and build your glutes. That means you eat more calories than you burn each day.
If you’re on the skinny side, this calorie surplus will also help you put on body fat, some of which will go to your butt.
Next, you must eat enough protein to give your glutes the building blocks to grow new muscle tissue. And don’t listen to that 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight bro science!
Your lean mass, activity level, and fitness goal dictate how much protein you need.
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Supplements
It’s important to note that relying solely on supplements won’t magically give you a bigger butt. And beware of the many overpriced and ineffective supplements out there.
Instead, supplements should only be used in addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to potentially enhance your results. Here are some muscle-building supplements that have been proven to assist in developing buns of steel.
Related: Top 12 Protein Bars for Weight Gain
More Body Measurements
You now have knowledge of the average butt size for both men and women of different ages and ethnicities. Additionally, you have gained an understanding of how various factors can influence the size of your butt.
If you found this article to be informative or interesting, you may also find value in exploring my other body measurement guides.
Average Thigh Circumference for Males & Females
What Neck Size Says About Your Health
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