Are Taller People Really Smarter? New Study Suggests a Link

Written by Camilla Jessen

Feb.12 - 2025 6:56 AM CET

Health
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
A new study suggests that taller people may have a cognitive advantage — but is intelligence really tied to height?

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Height may be more than just a physical trait — it could also be connected to intelligence.

A new study from Princeton University has found that taller children tend to perform better on cognitive tests compared to their shorter peers, suggesting a possible genetic link between height and intelligence. This study was published in the news outlet Freundin.

What’s particularly striking is that this difference was already noticeable by age three, long before formal schooling could play a major role.

Scientists believe this finding supports the idea that intelligence is more influenced by genetics than previously thought, and that certain physical traits — like height — may be tied to cognitive ability.

Height, Intelligence, and Success

Beyond cognitive tests, height has long been associated with success in leadership roles.

Studies show that taller individuals are overrepresented in executive positions, possibly because they are perceived as more assertive and confident. But could intelligence also be a factor in their success?

While some research suggests a link between height and intelligence, science remains divided. Many other factors, such as education, environment, and personal experiences, shape intelligence and career achievements.

One thing is clear—intelligence is far more than just a matter of height. It develops through upbringing, education, and life experiences, making it a complex and multifaceted trait.