Vegeta from Dragon Ball is a character beloved by fans and known for numerous traits, among which his short stature is particularly notable. However, many fans are often surprised to learn just how short Vegeta really is. The storyline sometimes seems inconsistent regarding Vegeta’s height over time, but he is always shorter than Goku, at least in the perception of the audience.
Vegeta’s Height is Even Shorter Than Expected

Based on information from the databook Daizenshuu 7 and a compilation by reddit user /u/12thDoctorIsABadass, we have an official list of the heights of Dragon Ball characters, including the recorded height development over the years. However, these numbers can be quite surprising, at least according to many fans. Goku’s maximum height is 175 cm (approximately 5’9″), making him one of the tallest main characters in the series. When compared to Goku’s height, Vegeta’s stature certainly doesn’t suggest he’s the Saiyan Prince. In reality, Vegeta stands at only 164 cm (approximately 5’4″).
What’s even more shocking is that Vegeta is shorter than many other characters. Chi-Chi is listed at 163 cm (almost the same height as Vegeta). Krillin, who is often a point of reference for size, also nearly matches Vegeta, standing at 153 cm (approximately 5’0″) in Dragon Ball Z, meaning Vegeta is only a few inches taller than him. Even Bulma is slightly taller than Vegeta, with a height of 165 cm (approximately 5’5″), which certainly must be a sore point for him. Their son, Trunks, surpasses him in height, as Future Trunks measures 170 cm (approximately 5’7″) in DBZ.
Why is Vegeta Considered “Short”?

One notable point is that no Saiyan is known to be particularly tall. Goku and Gohan grow to be the tallest, yet none in their race exceed 183 cm (6′). Nappa stands out as an exception, with a listed height of 208 cm (6’10”), and of course, Broly also has exceptional height, although his height is only confirmed in his Super Saiyan form, making it not a fair comparison. It seems Akira Toriyama decided that all Saiyans should be shorter than the average human height, as a way to differentiate them slightly.
Despite this, Vegeta’s shorter frame brings him unique qualities. His compact body structure allows for a strong power-to-weight ratio, which translates into impressive agility in combat. Moreover, his shorter stature helps the Saiyan Prince maintain a lower center of gravity, making it difficult for opponents to throw him off balance. Combined with his Saiyan heritage, this enhances his battle capabilities, allowing a typical Saiyan warrior to become a formidable opponent. Many fans also admire Vegeta for his intense training and innate abilities, such as his capacity to release powerful energy blasts from his hands.
It is clear that Vegeta is short and indeed shorter than many fans might usually think. However, the value of the Saiyan Prince is not limited by his height, just like anyone else. Vegeta seriously enters the fray alongside renowned characters like Wolverine (in comics) or Shoyo Hinata from Haikyuu!!. The idea of a Saiyan warrior being both intimidating and uniquely skilled is very appealing, and we can only wonder what heights Dragon Ball will reach in the future.
Source: Screenrant