How can I tell if my head is too big? A comprehensive guide

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to studies, the average adult male head circumference is approximately 57 cm, while for females it is around 55 cm. For many, the question, How can I tell if my head is too big?, stems from self-perception rather than an underlying medical condition. This guide will provide a structured way to assess your head size and understand when it might warrant further attention.

Quick Summary

Assessing your head size involves measuring its circumference and comparing it to general averages. A larger head can be a benign, inherited trait, but it is important to recognize signs that may indicate an underlying medical condition, requiring consultation with a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Objective Measurement: Use a flexible tape measure to find your head's circumference, going above your eyebrows and ears, for an accurate reading.
Compare to Averages: The average adult head circumference is about 57 cm for men and 55 cm for women, but a wider range is considered normal and healthy.
Hereditary Trait: The most common reason for a larger-than-average head is benign familial macrocephaly, a harmless condition passed down through families.
Identify Warning Signs: While most cases are benign, specific symptoms like persistent headaches, vision changes, or balance issues warrant medical consultation.
Seek Professional Advice: If you have persistent health concerns or notice accompanying neurological symptoms, consult a doctor for a proper evaluation and reassurance.

Measuring your head circumference accurately

To get an objective measure of your head size, you can perform a simple assessment at home using a flexible measuring tape.

Step-by-step measurement guide

Take a flexible tape measure, like one used for sewing. If you don't have one, a piece of string can be used and then measured against a ruler.
Wrap the tape measure around the widest part of your head.
Position the tape just above your eyebrows in the front and above your ears on the sides.
Ensure the tape is snug but not overly tight and is level all the way around.
Record the measurement in centimeters (cm) for the most common comparison charts.
For best accuracy, repeat the measurement two or three times to ensure consistency.

Average adult head size and what it means

Head size varies significantly among individuals and is influenced by genetics and ethnicity. What is considered 'normal' is a broad range.

Typical circumference ranges

Average adult male: Around 57 cm (approximately 22.5 inches).
Average adult female: Around 55 cm (approximately 21.75 inches).

It's important to remember these are just averages. A head size slightly outside these ranges is not automatically a cause for concern. For example, a head circumference greater than 58 cm in men or 56 cm in women is simply larger than average, not necessarily 'too big' in a problematic way.

Distinguishing between benign and concerning large head size

Medically, an unusually large head is called macrocephaly, but this term can describe both harmless and serious conditions. The context is critical in determining if a large head size is a sign of a health issue.

Harmless (Benign) causes

Benign Familial Macrocephaly: This is the most common cause. If other family members, such as a parent or grandparent, also have larger-than-average heads, it is likely a harmless inherited trait.
Genetics: A person's genes are the primary factor determining their bone structure, including their skull size. A large head may simply be part of their natural body type.

Potentially concerning causes

While these are less common, especially in adults, they can cause macrocephaly and are typically accompanied by other symptoms. An evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to rule out these possibilities. Common causes include:

Hydrocephalus: A buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which can cause the head to enlarge.
Brain Bleed or Hematoma: Pockets of blood inside or around the brain can increase pressure and size.
Brain Tumors: Growths can lead to increased head size.
Genetic Disorders: Conditions like Smith-Kingsmore syndrome or certain types of neurofibromatosis can be linked to macrocephaly.

When to see a doctor about head size

For most adults, self-consciousness about head size is a cosmetic or self-esteem issue. However, there are specific scenarios where a medical evaluation is prudent. Concerns are especially critical in infants and young children, but adults should also be vigilant.

Symptoms that warrant a medical consultation

Consider seeking a doctor's advice if your larger head size is accompanied by any of the following:

Persistent or severe headaches
Changes in vision
Changes in balance or coordination
Dizziness or nausea
Confusion or personality changes
For parents, a visibly rapidly increasing head size in an infant, a bulging soft spot (fontanelle), or developmental delays should prompt immediate medical attention.

Benign vs. Concerning Macrocephaly: A comparison


Feature	Benign Familial Macrocephaly	Potentially Concerning Macrocephaly
Symptom Presence	Generally asymptomatic, no other health issues.	Accompanied by other symptoms like headaches, vision problems, or developmental delays.
Family History	Often runs in the family, with other relatives also having larger heads.	Can occur without family history.
Rate of Growth	Head size is consistent over time or stabilizes early in life.	Head size may be rapidly increasing (especially in infancy).
Neurological Exam	Normal findings, with no neurological deficits.	May reveal abnormalities in reflexes, eye movements, or other neurological functions.
Treatment	Not necessary, as it is not a disease state.	Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause, and may include medication or surgery.

Addressing concerns and moving forward

For most individuals concerned about their head size, the issue is not medical but psychological. Comparing yourself to others or feeling self-conscious is a common experience, but it rarely indicates a serious health problem.

If you have measured your head and found it to be larger than average, and you have none of the concerning symptoms listed above, the most likely explanation is that it's a normal, hereditary trait. If you still have persistent concerns, discussing them with a healthcare provider can provide reassurance and rule out any rare underlying issues.

For more detailed information on macrocephaly and its causes, the Cleveland Clinic offers a useful resource: Macrocephaly: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.

Conclusion: Objectivity and perspective are key

Determining if your head is 'too big' requires moving past subjective perception and taking an objective measurement. Comparing this measurement to averages can provide context, but remember that a wide range of head sizes are perfectly healthy. The most important step is to be aware of any accompanying symptoms that could signal a medical issue and to seek professional advice if such signs appear. For the vast majority, a larger head is simply a harmless, inherited part of their unique physical makeup.

Frequently Asked Questions

The medical term for a larger-than-average head is macrocephaly. It is not always a sign of a health problem and can be a benign, inherited trait.

No, there is no scientific evidence to suggest a correlation between larger head size and greater intelligence. Head size is largely determined by genetics.

An adult should see a doctor if a large head size is accompanied by other symptoms, such as persistent headaches, vision problems, balance issues, or other neurological changes.

No, you cannot prevent macrocephaly that is caused by a genetic or hereditary condition. If your child's large head is related to a treatable medical condition, that specific condition may be managed.

Adult head size is generally stable after the skull has finished growing. Any significant or rapid change in size in adulthood could be a cause for concern and should be evaluated by a doctor.

While a brain tumor is one of the rare potential causes of macrocephaly, it is a possibility that a doctor would investigate if other symptoms are present. For the majority of people, a large head is not indicative of a tumor.

Some studies have found an association between macrocephaly and autism spectrum disorder, but a large head size alone does not mean a person has autism. It is a complex medical issue that requires professional diagnosis.

The simplest way is to look at your family members. If parents, grandparents, or siblings also have larger heads, your size is likely a hereditary trait, known as benign familial macrocephaly.