Who Was the Tallest President? We Rank the Top 20
In the history of the United States, several presidents have stood out for their remarkable height. Taller presidents often command attention and leave a lasting impression.
Let’s explore the top 20 tallest presidents in U.S. history, along with a short summary and bio for each. And after we make our way through the tallest Presidents, we’ll also view some of the shortest as well.
1. Abraham Lincoln – 6’4″ (193 cm)
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, was renowned for his leadership during the American Civil War. Standing at 6’4″, he holds the distinction of being the tallest president in U.S. history.
2. Lyndon B. Johnson – 6’3.5″ (192 cm)
Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president, assumed office after John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Known for his ambitious social reform agenda, Johnson stood at an impressive height of 6’3.5″.
3. Donald Trump – 6’3″ (191 cm)
Donald Trump, the 45th president, is a prominent figure in American business and politics. With a height of 6’3″, he stands among the tallest presidents in history.
4. Thomas Jefferson – 6’2.5″ (189 cm)
Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president, played a pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson’s height of 6’2.5″ contributed to his commanding presence.
5. Franklin D. Roosevelt – 6’2″ (188 cm)
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president, led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II. Despite his tall stature of 6’2″, he is often remembered for his charisma and strong leadership.
6. Bill Clinton – 6’2″ (188 cm)
Bill Clinton, the 42nd president, served two terms in office. Standing at 6’2″, Clinton utilized his height to project confidence and authority during his presidency.
7. Barack Obama – 6’1″ (185 cm)
Barack Obama, the 44th president, made history as the first African American president. With a height of 6’1″, he impressed many with his eloquence and charisma.
8. George Washington – 6’1″ (185 cm)
George Washington, the first president, led the country during its formative years. Standing at 6’1″, he commanded respect and admiration, setting a strong precedent for future presidents.
9. Herbert Hoover – 6’0.5″ (184 cm)
Herbert Hoover, the 31st president, held office during the onset of the Great Depression. Hoover’s height of 6’0.5″ added to his dignified demeanor.
10. George H. W. Bush – 6’0.5″ (184 cm)
George H. W. Bush, the 41st president, served as a congressman, ambassador, and vice president before assuming office. With a height of 6’0.5″, he exuded confidence and statesmanship.
11. Joe Biden – 6’0″ (183 cm)
Joe Biden, the 46th president, has had a long career in politics, serving as vice president under Barack Obama before assuming the presidency. At 6’0″, Biden carries himself with a commanding presence.
12. George W. Bush – 5’11” (180 cm)
George W. Bush, the 43rd president, led the nation through the September 11 attacks and subsequent conflicts. Despite his height of 5’11”, Bush projected strength and determination during his presidency.
13. John F. Kennedy – 5’11” (180 cm)
John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, inspired a generation with his vision and charisma. At a height of 5’11”, Kennedy captivated audiences with his eloquence and youthful energy.
14. Richard Nixon – 5’11” (180 cm)
Richard Nixon, the 37th president, faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including the Watergate scandal. Standing at 5’11”, Nixon presented a commanding figure during his political career.
15. Dwight D. Eisenhower – 5’10.5″ (179 cm)
Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th president, was a highly respected military leader before becoming president. At 5’10.5″, he displayed a strong and authoritative presence throughout his career.
16. Gerald Ford – 6’0″ (183 cm)
Gerald Ford, the 38th president, assumed office following Richard Nixon’s resignation. Ford’s height of 6’0″ contributed to his confident and reassuring demeanor.
17. Ronald Reagan – 6’1″ (185 cm)
Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, is widely regarded as a transformative figure in American politics. Standing at 6’1″, Reagan commanded attention and conveyed a sense of optimism.
18. James A. Garfield – 6’0″ (183 cm)
James A. Garfield, the 20th president, had a brief presidency that was cut short by assassination. Standing at 6’0″, Garfield’s height added to his distinguished presence.
19. James Madison – 5’4″ (163 cm)
James Madison, the 4th president, played a pivotal role in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Despite his shorter stature of 5’4″, Madison made significant contributions to the nation’s early years.
20. Martin Van Buren – 5’6″ (168 cm)
Martin Van Buren, the 8th president, held office during a challenging economic period known as the Panic of 1837. At 5’6″, Van Buren showcased leadership despite his relatively shorter height.
These presidents, with their impressive heights, have left indelible marks on American history. Their leadership, achievements, and legacies continue to inspire generations and shape the nation’s future.
However, what fun would it be to only highlight the tallest Presidents in U.S. History? We should also shed some light on the shortest Presidents as well.
The Ten Shortest Presidents in U.S. History
While some U.S. presidents have been known for their towering height, others have made their mark despite being on the shorter side.
Here, we explore the ten shortest presidents in U.S. history, along with a short summary and bio for each.
1. James Madison – 5’4″ (163 cm)
James Madison, the 4th president, played a pivotal role in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Despite his shorter stature of 5’4″, Madison made significant contributions to the nation’s early years.
2. Benjamin Harrison – 5’6″ (168 cm)
Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, served as a lawyer and military officer before assuming office. At 5’6″, Harrison navigated complex political issues during his presidency.
3. Martin Van Buren – 5’6″ (168 cm)
Martin Van Buren, the 8th president, held office during a challenging economic period known as the Panic of 1837. At 5’6″, Van Buren showcased leadership despite his relatively shorter height.
4. William McKinley – 5’7″ (170 cm)
William McKinley, the 25th president, led the country during the Spanish-American War. Standing at 5’7″, McKinley’s presidency focused on economic growth and international relations.
5. James K. Polk – 5’8″ (173 cm)
James K. Polk, the 11th president, is known for expanding U.S. territory through the annexation of Texas and the Oregon Treaty. At 5’8″, Polk achieved significant political victories during his presidency.
6. John Adams – 5’8″ (173 cm)
John Adams, the 2nd president, played a pivotal role in the early years of the nation, including negotiating the Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War. Standing at 5’8″, Adams had a significant impact on the country’s founding.
7. John Quincy Adams – 5’7″ (170 cm)
John Quincy Adams, the 6th president, had an extensive political career that spanned diplomatic, legislative, and executive roles. At 5’7″, Adams used his intellect and experience to shape American foreign policy.
8. Harry S. Truman – 5’8.5″ (174 cm)
Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president, assumed office following Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death and played a key role in the conclusion of World War II. Standing at 5’8.5″, Truman faced significant challenges during his presidency.
9. Grover Cleveland – 5’11” (180 cm)
Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president, is the only U.S. president to serve non-consecutive terms. At 5’11”, Cleveland pursued progressive reforms and focused on economic issues during his presidency.
10. Ulysses S. Grant – 5’8″ (173 cm)
Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president, led the Union Army during the Civil War before becoming president. Standing at 5’8″, Grant worked to reconcile the nation and protect the rights of freed slaves.
These presidents, though not the tallest in stature, made significant contributions to the nation’s history. Their leadership, achievements, and lasting impact continue to shape the United States.