Determining the average level of physical attractiveness in a population is a complex task, as perceptions of beauty and attractiveness are highly subjective and influenced by many factors. However, researchers have attempted to quantify attractiveness levels using statistical analysis of experimental data. This article will examine some of the key findings on average attractiveness levels based on scientific studies.
How is physical attractiveness measured?
Researchers who aim to study physical attractiveness often use methodologies where a group of people are asked to rate photographs of faces on a numeric scale, such as 1-10. The average of these ratings is then calculated to determine an “attractiveness score” for each face. By analyzing many faces, researchers can determine the distribution of attractiveness scores within a population and calculate an average level.
Some considerations when measuring attractiveness experimentally:
- Sample size – Larger sample sizes of faces allow more confident conclusions about average levels in the population.
- Rater demographics – Ratings may vary based on rater age, gender, ethnicity, culture, and personal preferences.
- Photo selection – Photos should represent a random sample from the population and avoid selection biases.
- Rating scale – The scale used (e.g. 1-10, 1-100) can affect average values.
By carefully selecting photo samples and raters, researchers aim to objectively quantify attractiveness levels within a population.
What is considered statistically “average” attractiveness?
Statistical averages measure central tendency – that is, the value that represents the “middle” of a distribution. For attractiveness scores, several types of statistical averages can be calculated:
- Mean – The sum of all attractiveness scores divided by the number of scores. This is affected by extreme high/low values.
- Median – The middle value when attractiveness scores are sorted numerically. Half the scores are above and below this value.
- Mode – The most frequently occurring attractiveness score in the distribution.
In studies of attractiveness, the mean score across a sample of faces often determines the statistically “average” level of attractiveness. However, the median and mode also provide useful information on central tendency.
What is the average facial attractiveness score?
Research has attempted to determine the average facial attractiveness level by analyzing results from experiments where groups of people rate photographs. Some key findings:
- A 2004 study of university students rating photos found an average score of around 4.0 to 5.0 on a 1-10 scale for both male and female faces.1
- A 2007 study of online dating profile photos scored by strangers found averages around 5.5 to 6.0 on a 1-10 scale.2
- A 2010 cross-cultural study of people rating European and African faces found averages ranging from about 4.0 to 6.0 across countries/genders on a 1-7 scale.3
In general, the average facial attractiveness score tends to fall close to the mid-point of whatever rating scale is used. So on a 1-10 scale, the average is around 4.5 to 6.0, indicating moderately attractive according to most raters.
Do attractiveness levels differ by gender?
Some studies have found slight differences in average attractiveness ratings when comparing male and female faces. However, results have been mixed:
- A 2014 meta-analysis of past research concluded women’s faces were on average scored 0.5 points higher than men’s on a 1-10 scale.4
- But another 2014 study found the opposite result, with men rated slightly more attractive on average than women.5
- Some studies have found no significant gender difference in average facial attractiveness scores.1
The inconsistencies suggest sociocultural factors and individual rater preferences likely influence attractiveness perceptions between genders. But overall, average scores seem to be fairly similar for both genders.
How does attractiveness change with age?
Facial attractiveness ratings are also influenced by age. Some patterns that have been found:
- Children’s faces tend to be rated as less attractive on average than young adults.
- Attractiveness peaks in the late teens through mid 20s for both women and men.
- Middle-aged faces are rated as less attractive than young adults.
- Elderly faces are considered least attractive on average.
These patterns are seen across cultures and are likely driven by biological factors like youthfulness, smooth skin, facial symmetry, and sexual maturity signaling reproductive fitness.
Do culture and ethnicity impact attractiveness perceptions?
Cultural and ethnic backgrounds of both the rater and the face being rated do influence perceived attractiveness. Some research has shown:
- People tend to rate faces of the same ethnicity as more attractive on average.
- Eurocentric beauty standards lead to higher average ratings for Caucasian faces over other ethnicities.
- Attractiveness preferences and norms vary significantly across cultures.
This suggests perceived facial attractiveness has strong sociocultural influences, and average ratings cannot necessarily be generalized globally. Within a cultural context, average preferences likely emerge.
What facial features predict attractiveness?
Studies analyzing specific facial features have found certain traits are broadly considered attractive across cultures:
- Symmetry – Faces that are more symmetrical tend to be rated as more attractive.
- Averageness – Faces with proportions closer to population averages are often preferred.
- Youthfulness – Features like large eyes, small nose, full lips signal youth and fertility.
- Smooth skin – Clear, blemish-free skin indicates health.
By using computer modeling and morphing techniques, researchers have been able to identify and isolate facial features that enhance attractiveness perceptions. This helps explain universal preferences for certain patterns.
How do attractiveness levels vary by body type?
Research on physical attractiveness has focused more on facial beauty over body attractiveness. But some studies have measured perceived attractiveness of bodies and body mass index (BMI). Key findings include:
- For women, lower BMI is generally rated as more attractive, with an average BMI around 19-20 ideal.
- For men, moderate BMI around 24 is considered most attractive; very high or low BMI is less preferred.
- Heavier bodies are seen as less attractive on average, but preferences vary individually.
- Media images positively emphasize thin female bodies and muscular male bodies.
As with facial beauty, body attractiveness ideals are shaped by sociocultural influences and personal preferences. An individual’s confidence and personality can also strongly influence attractiveness beyond physical looks.
How do interpersonal factors impact attractiveness?
Physical appearance is only one component of a person’s overall attractiveness and appeal. Psychological research has also identified interpersonal qualities that enhance attractiveness:
- Personality – Traits like kindness, empathy, openness are valued across cultures.
- Intelligence – Displaying wit, creativity and emotional intelligence increases appeal.
- Status & Resources – Success, talent, income, and self-sufficiency are deemed attractive.
- Similarity – Partners with shared values, interests, and backgrounds are preferred.
While physical looks create initial impressions, individual compatibility on deeper interpersonal levels leads to long-term attraction between partners. Developing one’s confidence, success, and relationship skills can therefore boost attractiveness significantly.
Conclusion
Perceived physical attractiveness is complex and subjective, but scientific measurements have determined average levels and patterns. Faces tend to average around the midpoint on rating scales, with some variance by gender and ethnicity. Youth, symmetry, averageness and clear skin predict facial beauty, while lower BMI is preferred for female bodies. However, attractiveness encompasses more than looks, and interpersonal factors like personality, intelligence, and values also strongly influence appeal and chemistry between partners.