The wingspan of the average adult male, which is the distance measured from fingertip to fingertip with arms fully extended, is roughly equivalent to the individual’s height. For most adult males, this averages between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet 2 inches, or 69 to 74 inches (175 to 188 cm). This proportionality is part of what’s known as the “ape index,” a ratio comparing wingspan to height. While most people have a near 1:1 ratio, athletes like swimmers and basketball players often have longer wingspans relative to their height, giving them a natural advantage in their sports.
