40 Inch Hips Size Guide
By: Jeremy Fox, CNC, CPT – Published: December 20, 2024
Have you ever wondered what size is considered big for your hips? Or what is the perfect hip size to create the ideal body shape?
In this article, we’ll use actual body measurements to show how large 40-inch hips really are. We’ll also explore how this hip size looks on various body proportions for both women and men.
Wide hips signify fertility and create what is considered a naturally attractive figure for women. While men generally aren’t as concerned with their hip measurement, it has a big impact on their physical appearance as well.
So it makes sense to learn about hip size to give yourself a measurable target for improving your body shape and self confidence. Now let’s get into the measurements!
What Is Hip Size?
Based on the anthropometric reference data from the CDC, the size of one’s hips is determined by measuring the horizontal circumference around the thickest part of the gluteus muscles. This measurement is also known as hip circumference.
The size of your hips is affected by the development of your gluteus muscles. But it is also greatly influenced by pelvic width and the amount of fatty tissue stored in your hips and buttocks.
Therefore, health practitioners also measure waist size and reference one’s waist-to-hip ratio to determine their risk for obesity-related conditions and diseases.
How to Measure Hip Size
You will need a flexible tape measure, such as a tailor’s tape, to measure your hip circumference accurately.
Begin by standing with your heels together and your weight evenly distributed on both feet. Next, wrap the tape measure horizontally around the thickest part of your hips and buttocks.
Your hip circumference is the number at which the tape measure meets the end. When measuring, avoid pulling the tape too tightly to prevent indentations on the skin, which can make your hips appear smaller. Also, try not to wrap the tape at an angle, making your hips appear larger.
Are 40 Inch Hips Big?
Based on body measurement data from the US Department of Health Statistics, the typical circumference of women’s hips is around 40.2 inches (102.2 cm), while the average for men is 39.2 inches (99.6 cm). So, having 40-inch hips is fairly average for both females and males.
Nonetheless, it is essential to note that having a larger or smaller hip size than these averages can also be considered normal. This is because typical hip sizes vary depending on age, ethnicity, body composition, and proportions.
40-Inch Hips by Age
The size of one’s hips is influenced by age, as our bodies naturally grow and shrink over time. In most cases, people’s hips tend to become larger into their 40s or 50s.
However, as we get older, we experience a decline in fertility hormones and body tissue, which can reduce hip size. The table illustrates this rise and fall in hip size by different age categories for men and women.
Table 1. Hip Size by Age & Gender
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 38.7 inches (98.2cm) | 38.3 inches (97.4 cm) |
| 30-39 | 40.4inches (102.7 cm) | 39.2 inches (99.6 cm) |
| 40-49 | 40.9 inches (104.0 cm) | 39.6 inches (100.7 cm) |
| 50-59 | 41.5 inches (105.4 cm) | 39.8 inches (101.1 cm) |
| 60-69 | 40.6 inches (103.1 cm) | 39.6 inches (100.6 cm) |
| 70-79 | 39.9 inches (101.4 cm) | 39.2 inches (99.6 cm) |
| 80+ | 39.1 inches (99.4 cm) | 38.4 inches (97.5 cm) |
Table 1 displays the average size of women’s hips, ranging from 38.7 to 41.5 inches (98.2-105.4 cm), while men’s hips are slightly smaller, ranging from 38.3 to 39.8 inches (97.4-101.1 cm).
However, it’s important to note that these figures are based on the average measurements of both males and females, including older adults who may have muscle atrophy.
To better understand the range of hip sizes, viewing the data as percentiles is helpful, specifically for adults aged 20-49.
Table 2. Hip Circumference Percentiles Age 20-49
| Percentile | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 33.9 inches (86.1 cm) | 34.1 inches (86.6 cm) |
| 10th | 35.0 inches (88.9 cm) | 35.1 inches (89.2 cm) |
| 15th | 35.6 inches (90.4 cm) | 35.7 inches (90.7 cm) |
| 25th | 36.6 inches (93.0 cm) | 36.6 inches (93.0 cm) |
| 50th | 39.1 inches (99.3 cm) | 38.2 inches (97.0 cm) |
| 75th | 42.3 inches (107.4 cm) | 40.8 inches (103.6 cm) |
| 85th | 44.8 inches (113.8 cm) | 42.3 inches (107.4 cm) |
| 90th | 46.6 inches (118.4 cm) | 43.5 inches (110.5 cm) |
| 95th | 49.5 inches (125.7 cm) | 45.8 inches (116.3 cm) |
In Table 2, you can view the complete range of hip circumferences to determine what size is considered big or small for your gender. It also shows that 40-inch hips would put you in the 50th to 75th percentile.
Also, you can see that men have less hip size variation than women, most likely due to the differences in how each gender stores body fat. Higher estrogen levels have also been linked to larger hip size, which is more common in females.
40 Inch Hips by Ethnicity
It’s also important to realize that ethnicity can affect the distribution of body fat and the size of your hips. The NHANES survey on body measurements included hip circumferences for non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Mexican-American individuals.
Table 3 illustrates the differences in hip size among people of various races. Based on this information, it appears that women of African or Mexican descent could be more likely to have hips larger than 40 inches.
For men, there is less variation in hip size between ethnicities, but caucasian and African American men tend to have slightly larger hips and/or glutes. However, it should be noted that these are general averages, and it is possible for anyone, irrespective of their race, to have either large or small hips.
Table 3. Average Hip Size by Ethnicity
| Women | Men | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 39.8 inches (101.0 cm) | 39.3 inches (99.7 cm) |
| African American | 41.8 inches (106.1 cm) | 39.2 inches (99.5 cm) |
| Mexican American | 40.6 inches (103.1 cm) | 38.4 inches (97.5 cm) |
Other Factors Affecting 40-Inch Hips
The circumference measurement alone doesn’t always indicate whether your hips are big or small for your body. Other factors, such as height, weight, and body composition, also play a role.
Taller people generally have larger frames that can support more body mass, making larger hips more likely. At the same time, shorter people may be less likely to have 40-inch hips.
In addition, hip size tends to increase with body weight and body fat percentage. Both men and women have body fat stored in their buttocks, hips, and upper thighs. But women tend to have more fat in this area.
Body Proportions and 40 Inch Hips
Whether or not 40-inch hips look big or attractive also depends on the size of other parts of your body, such as your waist and chest/shoulders.
Many women strive to achieve the classic hourglass figure with a small waist and wider hips. Having a smaller waist-to-hip ratio can make your hips more prominent, while a larger waistline relative to the hips may make your torso look straight.
Men, on the other hand, typically desire a v-shape with broad shoulders tapering down to a smaller waist and hips. To achieve this, men focus on building a larger chest and shoulders while reducing body fat.
Celebrities With 40 Inch Hips
Having 40-inch hips is pretty typical for women. However, hips this large combined with a tiny waist are much rarer. To illustrate, here are some female celebrities who claim to have 40-inch hips.
- Beyonce – 40-inch hips, 26-inch waist
- Kim Kardashian – 40-inch hips, 24-inch waist
- Coco Austin – 40-inch hips, 23-inch waist
Related: How Small Is a 24-Inch Waste?
It’s worth noting that the celebrities with the smallest waists often achieve their 40-inch hips with implants or injections. So keep this in mind when setting realistic hip size and booty gain goals!
This is more like what the average female with 40-inch hips looks like.
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More Body Measurements
Now that you know how 40-inch hips measure up, you might be interested in learning more about other body measurements. Below are some additional articles I’ve hand-picked for your interests.
Average Thigh Circumference for Males & Females
How Big Should Your Forearms Be?
What Neck Size Says About Your Health
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