Tag: Stiff Neck

Average Neck Size For Males and Females

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered if you have a giraffe-like neck? Don’t worry; you are not alone. Most of us have tried grabbing our necks in our hands. 
Your neck size can affect your overall physique aesthetics. That said, the neck is one of the most overlooked muscles in the body. Consider bodybuilding for a second. Bodybuilders spend countless hours working on their pecs, biceps, quads, and even calves, but they neglect training their necks. Bodybuilding programs rarely feature neck exercises.
Your neck supports your head, protects your spinal cord, and allows you to move your head in all directions.
Combat sports fare better in the neck training department. Boxing and MMA athletes focus on training their necks as it allows them to take punches without getting knocked out. It also reduces the risk of concussions, neck strains, and other traumatic injuries.
Although most people don’t pay much attention to their neck size, it says a lot about them. A thick neck can signal dominance and strength, which can help you stand out in a crowd. Conversely, a small neck is often associated with weakness and vulnerability. 
In this article, we go over the average neck size for males and females, factors affecting your neck size, how to measure your neck size correctly, and health risks associated with your neck size. 
Furthermore, this article will help you determine whether you are a big burly bison or a delicate swan. Okay, enough with the animal analogies; here is everything you need to know about the average neck size for males and females. 
Why You Should Know the Average Neck Size

You could determine your neck size by wrapping a measuring tape around your neck. Doing so will help you find a fitting collared shirt and ensure you don’t suffocate in your new wardrobe. Furthermore, knowing your neck size can help you assess your fitness level as it is linked with your body weight, BMI, waist size, and waist-to-hip ratio. [1]
Besides affecting your physique aesthetics, your neck size also says a lot about your health and fitness. A 2016 study found that your neck size may be a better alternative to waist circumference and other anthropometric measures as a metabolic risk marker for prediabetes. The study concludes that neck circumference can be considered for routine assessment in primary care clinics when using expensive and sophisticated machines is neither easy nor justifiable. Neck circumference measurements can be instrumental among populations such as pregnant women, where taking traditional measures may be challenging or not meaningful. A different study found that men with big necks may be at higher risk of heart disease. [2][3]

What is average neck size for men and women?
The average neck size for men is 15.2 inches (38.7 cm), while for women it is 13.1 inches (33.3 cm), as found in a 2020 study. It’s crucial to note that neck circumference is closely associated with factors such as body weight and BMI, so individual measurements may vary. To accurately measure your neck size, wrap a flexible measuring tape around the base of your neck, just above the collarbone. Knowing your neck size is essential for selecting well-fitting garments like shirts, as well as for monitoring changes in body composition or weight distribution.

Average Neck Size For Males

Your body mass index (BMI) is generally used to see if your neck is average size. BMI is based on your height and weight; it is derived by dividing your weight (in pounds) by the square of your height (in feet). You could use our convenient online calculator to determine your BMI.
Based on your BMI score, you will be categorized accordingly.

Underweight =