As soon as space planning extends from the floor area into the third dimension, users’ body dimensions become a key consideration. Typically, the 5th and 95th percentiles for both women and men are used in planning. The most important measurements for adults in Germany can be found on this page.
For example, if you’re planning a privacy screen for a glazed think tank, its height should be such that the upper edge is above the eye level of tall standing individuals, while the lower edge is below the eye level of shorter seated persons.
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Body Dimensions – Overview
|
Body Measurements in cm |
5th Percentile Women
|
95th Percentile Women
|
5th Percentile Men
|
95th Percentile Men
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Forward reach |
62.5 |
75.0 |
68.5 |
81.5 |
|
2. Body depth |
24.5 |
34.5 |
26.0 |
38.0 |
|
3. Upward reach, both arms |
184.0 |
202.5 |
197.5 |
220.5 |
|
4. Standing height |
153.5 |
172.0 |
165.0 |
185.5 |
|
5. Eye height |
143.0 |
160.5 |
153.0 |
173.5 |
|
6. Shoulder height |
126.0 |
142.5 |
134.5 |
155.0 |
|
7. Elbow height above floor |
96.0 |
108.0 |
102.5 |
117.5 |
|
8. Hand height above floor |
67.0 |
76.0 |
73.0 |
82.5 |
|
9. Hip width (standing) |
34.0 |
40.0 |
34.0 |
38.5 |
|
10. Shoulder width |
39.5 |
48.5 |
44.0 |
52.5 |
|
11. Sitting height |
81.0 |
91.0 |
85.5 |
96.5 |
|
12. Eye height when seated |
70.5 |
80.5 |
74.0 |
85.5 |
|
13. Elbow height above seat |
18.5 |
27.5 |
21.0 |
28.5 |
|
14. Lower leg length incl. foot |
37.5 |
45.0 |
41.0 |
49.0 |
|
15. Elbow height above seat |
29.5 |
35.0 |
32.5 |
39.0 |
|
16. Buttock-to-knee-pit length |
43.5 |
53.0 |
45.0 |
54.0 |
|
17. Buttock-to-knee length |
54.5 |
64.0 |
56.5 |
65.5 |
|
18. Buttock-to-foot length |
92.5 |
105.5 |
96.5 |
114.0 |
|
19. Thigh height |
12.5 |
17.5 |
13.0 |
18.0 |
|
20. Width above elbow |
39.5 |
55.5 |
41.5 |
55.5 |
|
21. Hip width (seated) |
36.0 |
46.0 |
35.0 |
42.0 |
All data refer to adults aged 18 to 65 living in Germany, as per DIN 33402–2.
