FORMA FEATURE / CHIN & JAWChin height & lower third: measurements, ratios, and research
Lower-face height spans the base of the nose to the bottom of the chin. “Chin height” may refer to different subdivisions, which explains many conflicting online ratios.
How chin height & lower third is measured
Separate nose-to-lip-line height, lower-lip/fold segment, and fold-to-chin segment. A philtrum-only distance is shorter than the full upper-lip segment.
Ratios, ranges & competing claims
⅓ + ⅓ + ⅓ — A lower-face subdivision study
A manipulated male/female frontal-image study supported equal upper-lip, lower-lip, and chin segments under its definitions.
Study: The study’s specific landmarks matter. Its thirds cannot be relabeled as “philtrum, red lip, chin” without checking the definitions. Influence of chin height on perceived attractiveness
Practical takeaway
Give the chin its share of the lower face.
Use the study’s defined subdivisions to see whether height sits mainly in the upper lip, lower-lip region, or chin. Read the whole lower third alongside forehead and midface height.
What changes the answer
A long cutaneous upper lip can make the chin look relatively short. A tall narrow chin and a tall broad chin also read differently; vertical height and width should be considered together.
Connected facial features
Explore the interactive atlas and compare this feature with both fixed reference views.