What is the average length of the human small intestine?

The average length of the human small intestine is about 6 meters. It is the long, coiled section of the digestive tract between the stomach and large intestine, where most digestion and nutrient absorption occur.

The small intestine has three sections: the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum is roughly 20–25 centimeters long, while the jejunum and ileum make up most of the remaining length. Its inner lining contains folds, villi, and microvilli that greatly expand the surface available for absorbing nutrients.

Exact measurements vary. A typical living person may have a small intestine measuring about 3–5 meters, while measurements taken after death or with different techniques can be longer. The often-quoted figure of approximately 6 meters is therefore a fair rounded average, not a fixed length.

Despite being called “small,” it is smaller mainly in diameter than the large intestine, not shorter. Its narrow, folded shape allows several meters of intestine to fit inside the abdominal cavity.