Handgrip strength is a reliable predictor of muscular strength and proper hand functioning. The aim of this study was to compare and correlate between handgrip strength and selected anthropometric variables in Nigerian athletes and nonathletes of both sexes. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out on 62 athletes and 80 non-athletes in the age range of 18-30 years among the students of the University of Port Harcourt. Handgrip strength was measured using an electronic hand dynamometer. Anthropometric variables used were mid-arm circumference, arm length, forearm length, hand length and hand width. An independent samples t-test was used to compare between both sexes in each subject category in both dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength. Also, an independent samples t-test was used to compare differences in anthropometric variables between both sexes in each subject category. A Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between handgrip strength and anthropometric variables in both athletes and non-athletes. The findings from this study showed that athletes had a significantly higher handgrip strength mean values compared to nonathletes. Strong positive correlations were shown handgrip strength and most anthropometric variables used in the study. It was concluded that handgrip strength was higher in people engaged in sports and it showed significant relationship with anthropometric variables.