Whether you are shopping for a new hat or if you are looking for a customized accessory for your head, you may need to know the average woman’s head size before you begin.
Measuring one’s head is not an everyday task, which is why you may be confused about where to begin if you need to know the size of your own head.
On average, a woman’s head measures approximately 55 centimeters around.
If you are searching for a hat as a woman in the US, you may need to seek out a hat that is labeled as ‘7 1/4’, as this is how sizing is done for hats in the US.
How do I measure my head?
Measuring the circumference of your head is simple, whether you are a man or a woman. To measure your head, complete the following steps:
- Find a proper measuring tape: Using a fabric, cloth, or flexible measuring tape is essential if you are seeking an accurate measurement of your head. With a traditional measuring tape that is retractable, you will not be able to ensure snugness while measuring all angles of your head and its shape.
- Placement: Place the measuring tape (a flexible measuring tape) just slightly above the ears. Ensure that the tape is beneath any layer of hair, including bangs, as this may add to the circumference of your head, causing an inaccurate measurement.
Once you have your measuring tape in place, you can connect one end of the measuring tape to the end in which you started the measurement.
The number that appears right as the two ends connect is the circumference of your head.
How do I know if my measurement of my head is accurate and/or reliable?

When you are taking measurements of your head to find the width or the circumference of your head, you should always conduct more than one measurement.
Not only will conducting multiple measurements result in a more accurate measurement altogether, but it will also provide you with an opportunity to improve your current skills and abilities when it comes to using a measuring tape around your own head.
How do I find crown head measurements?
An alternative method of measuring one’s head is to take crown head measurements. To take crown head measurements, complete the following steps:
- Hairline placement: Place the flexible or cloth measuring tape above the hairline. This works well for those who have a full head of hair.
- Place above the ears: Ensure the tape is also placed over the ears, yet behind the actual ear itself for the most accurate measurement possible.
- Place it flat against the head: Verify that the measuring tape you are using is placed flat against the head and above the hairline without any kinks, bends, or twists in the tape itself. Twists and kinks in the measuring tape can result in an inaccurate measurement of your head.
- Take multiple measurements: You should always take multiple measurements when attempting to get an accurate measurement of your head’s width or even your head’s circumference. Using numerous measurements will also help you to find an average measurement of your head, which may be more accurate.
What is the average size of a man’s head in the US?

In the US, the average size of a man’s head is around 58 centimeters when using European sizing charts.
This can be translated into a ‘7 3/8’ size of the hat or ball cap, depending on the type of garment you are looking at or are interested in.
Do head sizes change with age?
Yes! Naturally, head sizes change with age as we grow and develop into fully functioning adults.
The following chart provides estimated sizes of heads for individuals in various age ranges:
Individual’s Age | Size of Head (in inches) |
---|---|
0-3 months old | 13.5-14.2″ |
3 months – 6 months | 14.2″ – 14.8″ |
6 months – 12 months | 14.8″ – 16.4″ |
1 year to 3 years | 16.4″ – 17.5″ |
3 years to 6 years | 17.5″ – 18.5″ |
6 years to 10 years old | 18.5″ – 21.5″ |
10 years old to 17 years old | 21.5″ – 23.5″ |
What is the average size of a baby’s head?

The average size of a baby’s head will vary depending on how old the baby is at the time the head is measured.
For newborn infants up until 3 months old, the average size of a baby’s head is typically between 13.5″ and 14.2″ in total.
For babies between 3 months and 6 months, you can expect their head size to grow to 14.2″ to 14.8″ on average.
And, for those between 6 months and a year old, the average head size of a baby (male or female) is typically 14.8″ – 16.4″ in total.
What is the average width of a male’s head?
For men, the typical average width of their head after being fully grown is between 14.3 and 16.2 centimeters.
What is the average width of a female’s head?
For women, the head width is often a bit smaller on average. The average width of a woman’s head is around 13.7 and 15 centimeters once fully grown and developed.
Is it possible to expand or shrink the size of your head naturally?

Not typically. Most often, the size of your head is determined by genetics and the overall size of your skull.
This can very rarely be changed or altered, even by gaining or losing weight.
If there is a major weight loss or a major weight gain, however, the appearance of your head may decrease or increase by a slight 0.5 – 1 cm at most.
What if my head is larger than the average head?
In some instances, an individual may discover that the circumference of their head is much greater (or just a bit) than the average person.
This does not always indicate a health issue or ailment, although you may want to inquire about the issue with your doctor if you believe it may be due to unnecessary pressure or inflammation in the brain and/or skull.
Most of the time, however, the size of your head is simply determined by genetics and the size of your skull once it has fully developed.
Are all head shapes and sizes different? If so, why?

Yes, most individuals have their very own unique head shape that is only their own.
While some head shapes may appear the same at first glance, heads and skulls are unique with various divots, bumps, and ridges all throughout.
Most of the time, it is difficult to see just how unique a person’s head shape actually is due to their hair or facial coverings.
Heads and skulls are uniquely shaped during childbirth and also when DNA is passed from both mother and father during the fertilization process.
The shape and size of the head of an individual are determined immediately at the moment of conception.
Do head sizes change around the world?
While some regions around the world may be more likely to have residents with larger heads, the majority of the world’s population has an average-sized head for both men and women alike.
Whether you are from India, California, Turkey, or even Japan, you will likely have an average head type that coincides with your natural gender.
When does the head stop growing?
In most cases, the circumference and size of an individual’s head will typically stop growing once they have completed puberty.
However, in some cases, it is also possible for someone to still experience growing pains and changes well into their early 20s, depending on genetics and familial history.
How do I find a hat size that is right for me?

If you are in the market for a new hat, you may be wondering where to begin and which size to look for, especially if you have never purchased a fitted hat for yourself.
Fitted hats typically take the head circumference into mind when providing labels for hats and when using hat sizes, in both the US and the UK.
Some of the most common hat sizes in the US include 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, and 8.5.
Knowing the difference between male and female hat sizes can also come in handy once you begin to shop for a hat of your own.
Hat size measurements for men
If you are a man searching for a hat, you will want to go by the standard measurements used for hat measurements for men in the US.
For men in the US, use the following sizing chart for hats:
Size | Hat Size (USA) | Head Circumference (cm) |
---|---|---|
Small | 6 | 54-55 cm |
Medium | 6.5 | 56-57 cm |
Large | 7 | 58-59 cm |
X-Large | 7.5 | 60-61 cm |
XX-Large | 8 | 62-63 cm |
XXX-Large | 8.5 | 64-65 cm |
Hat size measurements for women
While at first glance, hat size measurements for women may appear the same as the measurements available for men, they are a bit smaller than male measurements.
Use the following chart if you are searching for a female hat or want to use feminine measurements to find the hat size that is just right for you:
Size | Hat Size (USA) | Head Circumference (cm) |
---|---|---|
Small | 6 | 52-53 cm |
Medium | 6.5 | 54-55 cm |
Large | 7 | 56-57 cm |
X-Large | 7.5 | 58-59 cm |
XX-Large | 8 | 60-61 cm |
XXX-Large | 8.5 | 62-63 cm |
How much does the average human head weigh?

On average, a grown human head can weigh as much as a whopping 11 pounds on its own, for both men and women.
However, it is important to note that only approximately 3 pounds of that weight are attributed to the human brain.
The rest of the weight in the head is attributed to the skull as well as cartilage and other parts of the body, including teeth, muscles, and organs in the head itself.
What if my head is too big?
More often than not, women believe their heads are much too big for their bodies, which is known as an off-shoot of body dysmorphic disorder, or BDD.
In some cases, those who believe their heads are too big for their own bodies may also be unknowingly struggling with a syndrome known as Big Head Syndrome.
With Big Head Syndrome, sufferers believe their head is far too big for the size of their body, which can lead to lowered self-esteem and the diminishment of their own self-confidence.
Understanding the average size of heads in both men and women can help you if you are in need of new garments, a hat, or if you are even undergoing a medical or cosmetic procedure.
When you are familiar with the average size of heads in both men and women, you can find peace of mind knowing that your head is not peculiar or out of place, even if it is larger or smaller than the average person’s head.