The Female Pelvic Brim is Oval-Shaped The Male Pelvis is Heart-Shaped For example, researchers in one study measured the subpubic angle on 109 pelves, and they found that women had a possible subpubic angle range of 64-100 degrees, whereas men had a possible range of 48-81 degrees. In men, the pubic arch is narrower, creating a subpubic angle that is usually less than or equal to 70 degrees (acute), making it a similar angle to an upside down “V.” These figures are not exact and can vary, depending on the source you read. In women, the subpubic angle will generally be equal to or greater than 80 degrees (obtuse), which is similar to the shape of the letter “L”. The subpubic angle is the angle produced by the inferior rami of the pubis, which creates the pubic arch. You can remember this by thinking that when a woman gives birth to a child, she’ll have to spread her legs wide to do so. This arch is typically going to be much wider in women than in men. Next, notice the notched area under the pubic symphysis, which is called the pubic arch. The female pelvic cavity is also going to be shallower, whereas the male pelvic cavity is deeper.Īlthough the female pelvis is wider than the typical male pelvis, these bones are thinner and lighter than the denser, rougher bones of the male pelvis. This usually gives women a curvier appearance in the hip region, as compared to the average male. The iliac crest of the male pelvis rises higher than the iliac crest of the female pelvis, and there is a greater distance between the anterior superior iliac spines of the female pelvis when compared to the male pelvis.

The Female Pelvis is Shorter and Wider than the Male Pelvis Let’s take a look at an illustration of a male pelvis (left) and female pelvis (right) to understand some of these key differences.

Skeleton man vs skeleton female