Ariana Grande’s Height Secrets: How She Gains Inches With Iconic Heels

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Ariana Grande is often described as one of Hollywood’s most petite stars. Standing around 5 feet ½ inch (153.7 cm), she has occasionally claimed to be taller in interviews, but her compact frame is well-documented.

Adding to her petite stature, Grande wears a women’s US size 6 shoe, which often makes her footwear choices a point of fascination. From playful platform boots to sleek Jimmy Choo heels, her style showcases how she utilizes shoes to enhance and balance her stage presence.

With her height and shoe size setting the stage for her fashion story, one of the most striking contrasts came when Ariana appeared alongside towering Nicole Kidman.

Red Carpet Contrast: Ariana Grande in Jimmy Choo Romy Pumps Beside Nicole Kidman

In January 2025, Ariana Grande and Nicole Kidman caused a stir on the red carpet at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, not just for their friendly exchange but for their dramatic height difference of nearly 10 inches.

Even with Grande in Jimmy Choo’s Romy pumps, Kidman towered over her, creating a visual contrast that fans couldn’t stop talking about.

Ariana Grande playfully bowed to Nicole Kidman on the red carpet, but their nearly 10-inch height difference, even with Grande in heels, stole the spotlight in this striking visual momentAriana Grande playfully bowed to Nicole Kidman on the red carpet, but their nearly 10-inch height difference, even with Grande in heels, stole the spotlight in this striking visual moment (Credit: MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

On Your Next Shoes, Ariana Grande can be seen boosting her height in heels by footwear brands such as Dsquared2, Le Silla, Marni, Giuseppe Zanotti, Versace, Tom Ford, and Ruthie Davis.

Ariana Grande’s Signature Stiletto Style: Iconic Shoe Moments

Ariana Grande’s love for high heels is as iconic as her high ponytail, with each pair adding a bold touch to her petite stature and signature style:

👠 Explore Ariana Grande’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments on Your Next Shoes:

Ariana Grande dazzles in a custom Giambattista Valli pink gown at the 2024 Oscars, channeling her character Glinda with a majestic puff sleeve cape and elegant updoAriana Grande dazzles in a custom Giambattista Valli pink gown at the 2024 Oscars, channeling her character Glinda with a majestic puff sleeve cape and elegant updo (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)

Ariana Grande’s Height Compared to the Average American Woman

She is considered petite and is approximately 3.5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters) shorter than the average American woman, whose height is typically around 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm).

In June 2009, the successful singer claimed on Twitter that she’s grown taller.

Ariana Grande playfully tweeted in June 2009 that she had grown to 5′3″, celebrating the extra height with a cheerful “Yay!”Ariana Grande playfully tweeted in June 2009 that she had grown to 5′3″, celebrating the extra height with a cheerful “Yay!” (Credit: Twitter)

Two years later, she indicated that her height might be only 5 feet, approximately 152.4 cm.

Ariana Grande says her height is 5 feet or a little moreAriana Grande says her height is 5 feet or a little more (Credit: Twitter)

Ariana Grande shows off her signature high ponytail while posing in a strapless gown and opera glovesAriana Grande shows off her signature high ponytail while posing in a strapless gown and opera gloves (Credit: Avalon / WENN)

How Ariana Grande Uses Fashion Tricks to Appear Taller

Usually seen in high heels and short hemlines that give the illusion of being taller, Ariana Grande is known for her killer legs.

Ariana Grande's petite frame is perfectly complemented by the short hemline of her dress at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival opening night premiere of "Shrek Forever After"Ariana Grande’s petite frame is perfectly complemented by the short hemline of her dress at the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival opening night premiere of “Shrek Forever After” on April 21, 2010, in New York City (Credit: WENN)

“Being petite means shorter hemlines are way more flattering on me – longer options tend to overwhelm me,” Grande told Cosmopolitan about her styling tips for short women.

In a tweet from December 17, 2012, Ariana Grande emphasized the importance of embracing and loving our bodies, regardless of whether we are petite, curvy, tall, or short.

Ariana Grande tweeted in 2012 that whether petite, tall, or curvy, we should embrace and love what we’re givenAriana Grande tweeted in 2012 that whether petite, tall, or curvy, we should embrace and love what we’re given

She also knows how to pick the right haircuts and hairstyles to look taller.

Ariana Grande shows off her style in blush pink peep-toe heels, giving her an added height boostAriana Grande shows off her style in blush pink peep-toe heels, giving her an added height boost (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)

Ariana Grande adds extra inches to her petite frame with sky-high Versace platform pumps at the 57th Annual GRAMMY AwardsAriana Grande adds extra inches to her petite frame with sky-high Versace platform pumps at the 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8, 2015, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: INFphoto)

Decoding Ariana Grande’s True Height: Facts vs. Claims

One undeniable fact is that Ariana Grande possesses a striking appearance. Her petite stature is often complemented by stylish heels, making it somewhat challenging to determine her exact height.

Ariana Grande's height remains a subject of curiosity, leaving many to wonder just how tall she truly isAriana Grande’s height remains a subject of curiosity, leaving many to wonder just how tall she truly is (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Some have attempted to estimate her height based on her stated heights of 5’2″, 5’3″, or even 5’5″. Others have compared her to other celebrities of known heights.

Before long, Ariana began turning her own petite stature into a strength, offering subtle style lessons through both her words and her wardrobe.

Styling Secrets for Petite Women: Ariana Grande’s Tips

In 2016, Ariana Grande partnered with British high-street label Lipsy on a capsule collection that reflected her signature feminine style. During the launch, she revealed her go-to styling trick for petites: keep hemlines above the knee.

According to Grande, shorter cuts elongate the frame, while longer skirts can overwhelm a smaller silhouette.

Ariana Grande poses for Lipsy London in a playful floral A-line mini dress that highlights her petite frameAriana Grande poses for Lipsy London in a playful, floral A-line mini dress that highlights her petite frame (Credit: WENN)

Grande admits she rarely gravitates toward oversized clothing, noting that it can overwhelm her petite frame.

Instead, she favors silhouettes that highlight her figure. As for heels, she doesn’t view them as a necessity but acknowledges their power to elevate a look when chosen with intention.

Ariana Grande performs at the One Love Manchester benefit concert in an oversized “One Love Manchester” sweatshirt, relaxed jeans, and black heeled bootsAriana Grande performs at the One Love Manchester benefit concert in an oversized “One Love Manchester” sweatshirt, relaxed jeans, and black heeled boots (Credit: Dave Hogan for One Love Manchester / WENN)

Crop tops remain a staple in Grande’s wardrobe, a playful yet sultry choice she often pairs with flirty mini skirts. The combination has become central to her signature look, balancing youthful energy with undeniable sex appeal.

Ariana Grande steps out in a lace crop top and flared mini skirt, accessorized with white pumps, a fluffy gray coat, and her signature cat earsAriana Grande steps out in a lace crop top and flared mini skirt, accessorized with white pumps, a fluffy gray coat, and her signature cat ears (Credit: WENN)

While cropped jackets highlight her playful side, Grande also leans into the elegance of sweeping maxi gowns.

That balance of sultry and sophisticated took center stage at the 2016 Grammy Awards, where she turned heads in a fiery Romona Keveza Spring 2016 gown styled with Giuseppe Zanotti red satin platform pumps and a glittering Jimmy Choo “Kase” clutch.

Ariana Grande stuns on the Grammy Awards red carpet in a figure-hugging red gown with a dramatic floor-sweeping trainAriana Grande stuns on the Grammy Awards red carpet in a figure-hugging red gown with a dramatic floor-sweeping train (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Ariana Grande isn’t the only star who proves that big talent often comes in small packages—many other petite celebrities have also made a lasting impact with their style and presence.

Short Stars Who Shine: Famous Petite Celebrities

Some of the biggest names in entertainment may be small in stature, but they shine brightly on stage and screen. Avril Lavigne, known for her edgy pop-punk style, stands at 5’1″ (154.9 cm).

Lady Gaga, a powerhouse of talent and creativity, measures 5’1¼” (155.6 cm), while the multi-talented Ashanti, celebrated for her soulful voice and acting skills, stands slightly taller at 5’3″ (160 cm).

The chart shows Sabrina Carpenter as the shortest at 151.8 cm (4'11¾"), followed by Ariana Grande at 153.7 cm (5'0½"), Jennette McCurdy and Avril Lavigne at 154.9 cm (5'1"), Lady Gaga at 155.6 cm (5'1¼"), Nicki Minaj at 157.5 cm (5'2"), and Ashanti as the tallest at 160 cm (5'3").

People have diverse style preferences tailored to their body types. While some may exude confidence in revealing outfits that highlight cleavage, others might find comfort and confidence in looser, less form-fitting attire.

Avril Lavigne (5′1″) and Ashanti (5′3″) are among the most famous petite singers, proving that bold style and powerhouse vocals don’t depend on heightAvril Lavigne (5′1″) and Ashanti (5′3″) are among the most famous petite singers, proving that bold style and powerhouse vocals don’t depend on height (Credit: Nicky Nelson / Mega / WENN)

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are examples of celebrities who transitioned from revealing fashion to a more modest and covered style, and they have not been seen exposing extra skin for many years.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have made oversized, monochromatic ensembles their signature style, favoring relaxed silhouettes in all-black for a minimalist yet powerful fashion statementMary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have made oversized, monochromatic ensembles their signature style, favoring relaxed silhouettes in all-black for a minimalist yet powerful fashion statement (Credit: Rob Rich / WENN)

Beyond her height and signature styling tricks, Ariana’s journey in the public eye has also been marked by a steady transformation in how she presents herself on stage and the red carpet.

Ariana Grande’s Fashion Evolution: From Teen Star to Icon

In April 2016, Ariana Grande was all smiles as she greeted her fans outside BBC Radio 1 studios on a Wednesday morning in London.

Ariana Grande wears her hair in her signature ponytail outside the BBC Radio 1 studiosAriana Grande wears her hair in her signature ponytail outside the BBC Radio 1 studios on March 30, 2016, in London (Credit: Mario Mitsis / WENN)

She stopped to sign autographs and pose for pictures while holding onto gifts from her followers. The then-22-year-old singer looked fierce in a ‘60s mod-inspired longline trench coat by contemporary American outerwear and accessories brand Dawn Levy.

Ariana Grande poses for selfies and signs autographs for fans outside of the BBC Radio 1 studios in LondonAriana Grande poses for selfies and signs autographs for fans outside of the BBC Radio 1 studios in London

The stone-colored outerwear is made of high-shine polyurethane material, which not only makes it water-resistant but also gives it a leather-like appearance. Ariana arrived at the studio for an interview on “The Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw.”

She discussed her new song, “Dangerous Woman,” the lead single from her third studio album. The singer also got the chance to offer advice to the people of Britain.

Ariana Grande holds a teddy bear and wears a trench coat while out in LondonAriana Grande holds a teddy bear and wears a trench coat while out in London

The “Problem” hitmaker wore a revealing black jumpsuit by Self Portrait underneath her coat. Though we could barely see it, the daring number featured a low-cut neckline that bared cleavage and cutouts that flattered the waist and back.

Ariana Grande greets fans outside BBC Radio 1 studios in London, layering a sleek Dawn Levy trench coat over a daring Self-Portrait jumpsuit and finishing the look with towering black Giuseppe Zanotti platform pumpsAriana Grande greets fans outside BBC Radio 1 studios in London, layering a sleek Dawn Levy trench coat over a daring Self-Portrait jumpsuit and finishing the look with towering black Giuseppe Zanotti platform pumps

She kept her accessories simple, with only a pair of sparkling earrings, and rounded out the ensemble with towering black pumps.

The short singer pulled her long tresses back into her signature high ponytail, allowing a clear view of her facial features. She completed her look with glittery bronzed eyeshadow and pale pink lipstick.

A closer look at Ariana Grande’s black satin Giuseppe Zanotti pumps, designed with a rounded toe and sky-high tapered heels that emphasize her love for dramatic elevationA closer look at Ariana Grande’s black satin Giuseppe Zanotti pumps, designed with a rounded toe and sky-high tapered heels that emphasize her love for dramatic elevation

Ariana teetered on a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti pumps that added a few inches to her height. They are made of black satin and feature hidden platforms, with approximately 5.7-inch tapered heels.

Ariana Grande elevates her petite frame in towering black satin Giuseppe Zanotti platform pumps, featuring hidden platforms and dramatic stiletto heels for extra heightAriana Grande elevates her petite frame in towering black satin Giuseppe Zanotti platform pumps, featuring hidden platforms and dramatic stiletto heels for extra height

These pumps are no longer available, but a similar style from the same brand can be purchased on Farfetch.

Black Giuseppe Zanotti 'Sharon' Platform PumpsBlack Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Sharon’ Platform Pumps, $750

High heels have long been a fashion staple, offering both style and a height boost. Understanding how much elevation they truly provide can be insightful. Our detailed analysis of heel height and actual height gain delves into this topic.

For those curious about the most towering designs, explore our showcase of shockingly tall shoes and ultra-high boots. Additionally, if comfort is a priority, discover how to find the right heel height for you.