measurement + in height
Giving exact measurements
Use in height after a number or measurement.
The statue stands five metres in height.
“In height” or “of height”?
In height is the standard expression for measurements. Of height is uncommon and usually appears only in technical or highly formal wording.
Quick answer
Use “in height” for measurements
Use in height after a measurement or comparison, as in two metres in height. The phrase of height is not common in everyday English. English usually prefers a direct adjective such as tall or a phrase like of equal height.
The wall is three metres in height.
The trees vary in height.
The two players are of equal height.
The trees vary in height.
The two players are of equal height.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
vary in height
Comparing different heights
Use in height when comparing size differences.
The buildings vary in height across the city.
of equal height
Formal comparison
Of height is uncommon alone but appears in fixed comparative phrases.
The doors are of equal height.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
in height
The tower is 80 metres in height.
standard expression for dimensions
of height
The phrase alone is uncommon in modern English.
usually replaced by tall or high
of equal height
The shelves are of equal height.
formal comparison of dimensions
vary in height
The mountains vary in height.
showing differences in measurement
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using “of height” after numbers
English normally uses in height after measurements.
✕ The wall is two metres of height ✓ The wall is two metres in heightOverusing formal wording
Tall is often more natural in conversation.
✓ The child is very tallConfusing height with length
Height refers to vertical measurement.
✓ The ladder is three metres in heightOmitting the measurement before “in height”
In height usually follows a specific measure or comparison.
✓ The trees differ in heightQuick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The building is 60 metres ___ height.
2. The twins are ___ equal height.
3. The plants vary ___ height depending on sunlight.
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Frequently asked questions
Is “of height” wrong?
Not always, but it is uncommon except in phrases such as of equal height.
What is the most natural way to describe height?
In many situations, English prefers adjectives like tall or high.
Can I say “vary of height”?
No. The standard expression is vary in height.
Related preposition guides
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