How tall is Joe Biden? 46th President is among the tallest leaders in the world
| Full Name | Joseph Robinette Biden Jr |
| Date of Birth | 20 November, 1942 |
| Age | 81 (as of 2023) |
| Place of Birth | Scranton, Pennsylvania |
| Height | 6 ft (182.88 cm) approx |
| Weight | 97 kg (215 lb) approx |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Net Worth | $9 million |
| Spouse | Jill Biden (m. 1977), Neilia Hunter Biden (m. 1966–1972) |
| Children | Hunter Biden, Beau Biden, Ashley Biden, Naomi Christina Biden |
WASHINGTON, DC: In the realm of American politics, details both significant and minute are scrutinized, and even something as seemingly trivial as a person's height can become a topic of discussion.
In this article, we delve into the significance of Joe Biden's height, explore its historical context, and compare it to other world leaders for a comprehensive understanding. Joe Biden's height is an impressive 6ft (182.88 cm).
Importance of height in politics
The idea that the taller of two individuals running for the presidency is more likely to win has long circulated as a myth. While some studies suggested that taller individuals may have an advantage due to perceived strength, it is important to note that this correlation does not guarantee election success.
Biden's victory over Donald Trump, who stands taller than him, serves as a case in point. The complexities of leadership decisions are far more intricate than physical stature alone.
How tall is Joe Biden?
Biden, the 46th President of the United States, stands at an impressive 6ft (182.88 cm), surpassing the average American man by approximately 3 inches.
As a pivotal figure in American history, Biden joins a lineage of presidents whose heights have varied. The tallest among them was Abraham Lincoln, a towering figure at 6ft 4 inches (193.04 cm). His height, remarkable for his time, reflects his enduring presence in history.
Interestingly, the average height for American males has risen over time. While Lincoln's height was notable in the early 19th century, the average height for a US president is estimated to be around 5ft 11 inches (180.34 cm), making Biden's height closer to the norm.
Comparing Joe Biden's height with other world leaders
Comparing Biden's height to other world leaders offers insights into the diversity of leadership appearances. French President Emmanuel Macron, standing at 5ft 8 inches (172.72 cm), falls slightly shorter than Biden.
Meanwhile, German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz stands at 5ft 5 inches (165.10 cm). On the British front, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shares a height of 5ft 7 inches (170.18 cm) with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russia's President Vladimir Putin.
However, Biden is just two inches shorter than the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who stands tall at 6 ft 2 inches (188 cm).
This global comparison positions Biden as one of the taller leaders in the world. Yet, the title of the tallest among world leaders belongs to Montenegro's leader Filip Vujanovic, towering at an impressive 6ft 7 inches (200.66 cm). It's worth noting that height can symbolize authority, but leadership qualities extend far beyond physical appearance.
Joe Biden's political journey
Born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Biden's journey from a lawyer in the army to becoming the President is one of dedication and resilience.
Biden's early career as a lawyer laid the groundwork for his entry into politics. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the 5th youngest senator and Delaware's longest-serving senator.
Despite an unsuccessful presidential bid, Biden's selection as Vice-President under Barack Obama, who stands taller at 6 ft 2 inches (187.96 cm), marked a significant turning point.
From January 20, 2009, to January 20, 2017, Biden served as the 47th Vice-President, making substantial contributions to family-friendly employment laws and earning recognition for enhancing the American standard of living.
After a setback in the 2016 presidential election, Biden reemerged as the Democratic nominee for the 2020 elections. His moderate Democratic approach, aimed at unity, led to his historic victory over Republican candidate Trump.
Biden's legacy extends beyond his political roles. He was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction and received recognition through the renaming of the University of Delaware's School of Public Policy and Administration to the Joseph R Biden Jr School of Public Policy and Administration.
On January 20, 2021, Biden was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States, marking the pinnacle of a lifetime dedicated to public service.
Since his inauguration, he has steered the country through several national and international adversities including economic troubles, the Russia-Ukraine War, and the Israel-Hamas War.
Joe Biden's height and the presidential landscape
Comparison of Joe Biden's height with past presidents and vice presidents
Joe Biden's height is comparable to Thomas Jefferson. In fact, the sitting President is slightly shorter than the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Quite remarkable for his time, the third President of the United States of America had an impressive height of 6 ft 2.5 inches (189 cm).
The fourth President of the United States James Madison was the shortest in the long line of Presidents as he was 5 ft 4 inches (163 cm). The fifth President James Monroe matched in height with Biden as he was also a 6 footer.
John Quincy Adams, the sixth president was, however, of modest stature as his height was 5 ft 7 1⁄2 inches (171 cm). The seventh President of the United States Andrew Jackson was a tall man with a height of 6 ft 1 inches (185 cm).
The eighth President Martin Van Buren was known for his fastidious dressing and stood tall at 5 ft 6 inches (167 cm). The ninth president william Henry Harrison was close as he was 5 ft 8 inches (173 cm).
Comparison of Joe Biden's height with past first ladies
The height difference between President Joe Biden and Jill Biden is remarkable as the First Lady stands at 5 ft 5 inches (168 cm). However, Biden's height difference with the past first ladies vary significantly.
The third First Lady of the United States Martha Jefferson was quite a petite woman as her height was 5 ft (150 cm). Her successor Dolley Madison towered over her husband and stood tall at 5 ft 6 inches (170 cm).
Photographs and other details indicate the wife of former President James Monroe, Elizabeth, was not more than 5 ft (150 cm). Next in line, Louisa Adams was just 1.5 inches shorter than her husband John Quincy Adams as she stood tall at 5 ft 6 inches (168 cm).
The difference in height between the seventh President and the seventh first lady was a solid 1.1 foot (33 cm) as Rachel Jackson was another stalwart of the short first ladies at a height of 5 ft.
Martin Van Buren's wife Hannah Van Buren died before her husband took the highest public office and nothing much is known about her height.
Presidents who were shorter than Joe Biden
While President Joe Biden is shorter in comparison to Abraham Lincoln, who was 6 ft 4 inches (193 cm), the current Democratic President is not the shortest leader to sit in the White House.
Past Presidents like Dwight D Eisenhower, 5 ft 10.5 in (179 cm); Theodore Roosevelt, 5 ft 10 in (178 cm); Jimmy Carter, 5 ft 9.5 in (177 cm); and Ulysses S Grant, 5 ft 8 in (173 cm), were all shorter than Biden.
Why Trump did not attend Biden's inauguration
Donald Trump, who stands tall at 6 ft 3 in (191 cm), grabs eyeballs whenever he is present in the public sphere because of his impressive height. However, it is not only his height that draws attention to the former President.
The former candidate facilitated a public uproar as he was conspicuously absent from Joe Biden's inauguration on January 20, 2021, making him the first president in more than 150 years to miss his successor's swearing-in.
While Trump's absence was shocking, it was definitely not surprising as the President announced it beforehand that he would not be attending the inauguration ceremony.
Taking to Twitter (now X), Trump stated his decision boldly, “To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th,” per The Guardian.
To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2021
While the presence of the incoming and the outgoing Presidents together marks a symbolic smooth transition of power and maintenance of harmony between the leaders, Trump chose to keep himself away from the ceremony to highlight his disaccord with the election result.
As CNN remarked at the time, Trump chose to keep himself aloof from the entire process as he stood firm in his belief that he lost the election unfairly.
Comparison between Barack Obama and Joe Biden
While Barack Obama and Joe Biden have both been Democratic candidates, there have been a few differences between the two leaders.
Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States of america when he was just 47 years of age, making him one of the youngest Presidents. Biden, on the other hand, became the President when he was 78, making him one of the oldest Presidents.
Moreover, Obama secured his first win in the very first time he ran for the Presidential race. Biden was at first the second in command to Obama before becoming the President in 2020.
Who was the tallest president?
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was the tallest to hold the highest public office in America.
Who was our shortest president?
The shortest president to ever grace the Oval Office was James Madison, who was 5 ft 4 inches (163 cm).
Who is older, Joe Biden or Donald Trump?
Born on November 20, 1942, Joe Biden is 81 and four years older than Donald Trump, 77, who was born on June 14, 1946.
Who is the tallest US President among Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama?
Among Joe Biden, Donald Trump, and Barack Obama, the business magnate and politician Trump stands the tallest at 6 ft 3 inches (191 cm). Second to him in height is Barack Obama, who stands tall at 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) and Biden is a close third at 6 ft (approx 183 cm).
How many US Presidents have there been?
There have been 45 Presidents serving 46 presidencies. Grover Cleveland won two non-consecutive terms, making him the 22nd and 24th Presidents, thus giving rise to the confusion.
How many US Presidents were left-handed?
At least eight Presidents are known to have been left-handed. Prior to the 20th Century, only James A Garfield is known to have been a left-handed president. The other southpaws were Herbert Hoover, Harry S Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George HW Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
How many US Presidents died while in office?
Out of all US Presidents who graced the office, eight have died while serving as the President. Four of them died of natural causes - William Henry Harrison, Zachary Taylor, Warren G Harding and Franklin D Roosevelt. The other four were assassinated as they were still the ruling presidents. This includes Abraham Lincoln, James A Garfield, William McKinley and John F Kennedy.