What shoulder size is considered broad? A comprehensive guide to body proportions

October 2, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that average shoulder measurements have slightly increased over time? Determining what shoulder size is considered broad often depends on a mix of genetics, body composition, and how those measurements compare to overall body size, rather than a single number alone.

Quick Summary

Defining broad shoulders is often relative to overall body proportions and gender, though average measurements provide a helpful benchmark. For many, a wider-than-average measurement or a prominent shoulder-to-waist ratio is a better indicator than a raw number, with genetics and muscle development both playing significant roles.

Key Points

Measurement is relative: There is no one-size-fits-all definition, but rather average ranges that provide context.
Genetics are key: Bone structure, primarily influenced by genetics, is the foundational factor for shoulder width.
Proportion matters: The visual perception of broad shoulders is heavily influenced by the ratio of your shoulder width to your waist.
Muscle development is a factor: Targeted strength training can increase the size of your deltoid muscles, adding to your overall shoulder breadth.
Average ranges exist: For men, average is typically 16-20 inches, while for women it's 14-18 inches, with figures above these ranges generally considered broad.
Technique is important: Accurate measurement involves standing relaxed and measuring from the outermost bony points (acromion processes).

The Importance of Shoulder Measurements

For many, understanding shoulder width goes beyond aesthetics, influencing everything from finding the right fit for clothing to athletic performance. While a simple measurement can provide a starting point, it is crucial to understand that 'broad' is not a fixed, universal number.

How to Accurately Measure Shoulder Width

To get the most accurate measurement, follow these simple steps. Having a partner can be very helpful for this process.

Stand upright and relaxed: Stand with your back straight, feet flat, and shoulders relaxed in their natural position. Do not tense your shoulders or pull them back unnaturally.
Locate the acromion processes: These are the bony points at the very tips of your shoulders, where the shoulder joint meets the arm. You can feel for them by running your fingers along the top of your shoulder until you feel the outermost bump.
Measure the distance: Using a flexible tape measure, have your partner measure the distance straight across your back from the tip of one acromion process to the other. Ensure the tape is straight and parallel to the floor.
Record the measurement: Write down your measurement in both inches and centimeters for future reference.

Average vs. Broad Shoulder Sizes

Average shoulder measurements vary significantly by gender, and what is considered broad is typically above the average range for that gender.

For Men

Average: The average shoulder width for men typically falls within the 16 to 20-inch range (40 to 51 cm).
Broad: A shoulder width of 20 inches or more is generally considered wide, and 22 inches is notably broad, often seen in muscular or genetically broader individuals.

For Women

Average: The average shoulder width for women usually ranges from 14 to 18 inches (36 to 46 cm).
Broad: A width of 18 inches or more is considered wide. A 20-inch measurement would be considered quite broad for a woman.

The Importance of Proportion

Even more telling than a raw number is the ratio of your shoulder width to your waist and hips. Broader shoulders relative to a smaller waist can create the classic V-shape silhouette, which is a strong visual indicator of broadness.

Factors Influencing Shoulder Width

Shoulder size is not determined by a single factor but is a complex combination of genetics, development, and lifestyle.

Genetics and Bone Structure

Your inherent bone structure, including the width of your clavicle (collarbone), is the primary determinant of your shoulder width. You cannot alter your bone structure, but you can build muscle to change the appearance of your shoulders.

Hormonal Influence

During puberty, hormones play a key role in physical development. For men, higher testosterone levels can promote increased muscle mass in the shoulder area, contributing to the appearance of broader shoulders.

Muscle Development

The size of your deltoid and trapezius muscles directly affects your shoulder width. Building these muscles through targeted strength training can significantly increase the visual breadth of your shoulders. This is why athletes and bodybuilders often appear to have much broader shoulders than average.

Body Composition

Body fat distribution also influences the perception of shoulder width. A small waist relative to the shoulders can create the illusion of a broader frame, regardless of the actual measurement.

Comparison Table: Average vs. Broad Shoulders


Feature	Average Shoulders	Broad Shoulders
Measurement (Men)	16-20 inches	>20 inches
Measurement (Women)	14-18 inches	>18 inches
Primary Factor	Genetics, typical development	Genetics, muscle growth, or both
Appearance	Proportional to rest of body	Stand out in proportion to waist/hips
Athleticism	Varies widely	Often associated with strength sports
Clothing Fit	Often fits standard sizes well	May require specific cuts or tailoring

Exercises to Build Wider Shoulders

If you want to increase the muscular size of your shoulders, focusing on the deltoid muscles is key. A balanced routine will target all three heads of the deltoid (anterior, medial, and posterior).

Key Shoulder Exercises

Lateral Raises: This isolation exercise targets the medial deltoid, which is crucial for creating width.
Overhead Shoulder Press: A compound lift that works the entire shoulder girdle, building overall strength and mass.
Face Pulls: Excellent for targeting the often-neglected posterior deltoids, which helps with posture and adds depth to the shoulders.
Upright Rows: Another great exercise for the medial deltoids and trapezius muscles.

For more information on the physical development of body size and proportions, visit Healthline's guide on average body measurements at Healthline Average Shoulder Width.

Conclusion

While average measurements can offer a useful reference, there is no single rule for what makes a shoulder size 'broad'. The definition is a combination of individual genetics, muscle development, and overall body proportion. Whether you are seeking broader shoulders for aesthetic reasons or simply want to understand your body better, a balanced approach that focuses on health and realistic goals is the most rewarding path. Remember, a healthy, functional body is more important than achieving a specific number on a tape measure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average shoulder width for an adult male generally falls between 16 and 20 inches (40 to 51 cm), but this can vary based on genetics, body type, and age.

For adult females, the average shoulder width is typically between 14 and 18 inches (36 to 46 cm), though this is influenced by similar factors as in men.

Yes, for most adults, a shoulder width of 20 inches is considered broad. It is notably above average for both men and women.

You can increase the muscular size of your shoulders by performing strength training exercises that target your deltoid muscles, such as lateral raises and overhead presses.

Genetics largely determine your bone structure, including the width of your clavicle. While you can't change your bone width, your genetic predispositions do set the foundation for your overall frame.

For individuals with a smaller waist, losing body fat can create the visual illusion of broader shoulders, as it accentuates the shoulder-to-waist ratio.

There is no inherent health risk associated with naturally broad shoulders. In some specific, non-clinical contexts, like offshore helicopter travel, a wider measurement (XBR) may require different seating for safety, but this is not a medical condition.