When you see Tanner Buchanan squaring off on a karate mat, his presence is massive. He’s got that focused, intense energy that makes Robby Keene such a standout in the Cobra Kai universe. But then you see him standing next to William Zabka or Xolo Maridueña and you realize things aren't always what they seem on a TV screen. It’s one of those things fans obsess over. How tall is Tanner Buchanan, really?
If you look at the official stats, you’re going to get a headache. One site says he’s 5'9". Another claims 5'8". Then you’ve got the eagle-eyed fans on Reddit pulling out measuring tapes and frame-by-frame comparisons to prove he’s actually much shorter. It’s a classic Hollywood height mystery.
The Official Numbers vs. Reality
Honestly, Hollywood has a "rounding up" problem. Most official talent profiles, like IMDbPro, list Tanner Buchanan at 5'8" (1.73m). Some bio sites even push that number to 5'9". However, if you’ve followed his career from Designated Survivor to He’s All That, you’ve probably noticed he rarely looks like a solid 5'9" guy when he's standing next to his co-stars.
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The most reliable community for this stuff, Celebheights, often lists him closer to 5'6". This might sound like a big difference, but in the world of camera angles and lifted boots, a couple of inches go a long way.
Why the confusion?
- Camera Lifts: Actors often wear boots with a slight heel or even internal lifts to balance out a shot.
- The "Apple Box" Effect: If a scene requires a shorter actor to be eye-level with a taller co-star, they literally stand on a box.
- Posture: Tanner is a trained dancer and athlete. He carries himself with incredible posture, which can add an inch or two of perceived height.
Tanner Buchanan Compared to the Cobra Kai Cast
The best way to figure out how tall Tanner Buchanan is involves looking at him next to people we know are tall. Take William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence). Zabka is a legit 6'0". When Robby and Johnny share the screen, the height gap is pretty significant. Even with the hair and the boots, Tanner is clearly looking up at his TV dad.
Then you have Xolo Maridueña (Miguel Diaz). Xolo is roughly 5'10" or 5'11". In their fight scenes, the height difference is noticeable but not distracting because Tanner’s physicality is so explosive. He moves like a guy who’s 6'2", which is why he’s so believable as a top-tier fighter.
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Then there’s the Peyton List comparison. Peyton, who plays Tory, is listed at about 5'6". In scenes where they are barefoot or in flat shoes, they are almost exactly eye-to-eye. This is usually the "smoking gun" fans use to argue that Tanner is closer to the 5'6" mark than the 5'9" mark.
Why Height Doesn't Matter for the Robby Keene Actor
Tanner Buchanan is a "short king" icon for a reason. He’s proof that you don't need to be a giant to be an action star. Honestly, his height works for the character of Robby Keene. Robby is the underdog. He’s the kid who had to scrap for everything he has. Having a slightly smaller frame makes his victories feel more earned.
He’s not just an actor; he’s a legit athlete. He’s trained in martial arts and gymnastics. When he does a 540-degree kick, nobody is thinking about whether he’s 5'6" or 5'11". They’re thinking about how he just landed a move that most people would break their ankles trying.
The "Short King" Legacy in Hollywood
Tanner is in good company. Some of the biggest action stars in history haven't been particularly tall.
- Tom Cruise: Frequently cited as being around 5'7".
- Robert Downey Jr.: Often wears lifts and is roughly 5'8".
- Josh Hutcherson: A proud 5'5" star.
The industry is changing. We are moving away from the era where every leading man has to be a 6'4" lumberjack. Performers like Tanner Buchanan are leading the charge by focusing on skill, charisma, and screen presence rather than a number on a measuring stick.
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Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to figure out the truth behind celebrity heights, here is how you can be a better "height detective" yourself:
- Look at the footwear. In Cobra Kai, they often wear flat sneakers for training. This is the best time to see an actor's "true" height relative to others.
- Check the red carpet. Look for photos of Tanner at premieres standing next to actors with verified heights. Pay attention to his shoes—flat dress shoes are more honest than chunky sneakers.
- Ignore the "Google Snippet." The first number that pops up on Google is often pulled from old, unverified PR bios. It's almost always an inch or two high.
Basically, Tanner Buchanan is likely around 5'6" to 5'7". Whether he's "tall" by standard metrics doesn't really matter when he's one of the most talented young actors working today. He’s got the range, the moves, and the hair that makes everyone forget about the numbers anyway.
To get the most accurate sense of his stature, watch the "behind the scenes" rehearsal footage for Cobra Kai Season 6. You’ll see him in standard gym shoes alongside the rest of the cast, providing the most honest look at his physical presence without the "Hollywood magic" of high-angled cinematography.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
Start by following Tanner’s official social media for training clips where he isn't in "character" wardrobe. Comparing his height to standard gym equipment or doorways in his training videos is often more revealing than any staged TV scene. You can also track his upcoming projects to see how directors frame him alongside new co-stars, which is always the ultimate test of a celebrity's true height.