Average height by age: growth chart for boys and girls
See the average height at each age from 5 to 19 in any country, and compare a child’s height with it.
Estimates only — genetics, nutrition, health and puberty timing all affect real growth.
Average height by age — United States
| Age | Boys | Girls |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | 113.7 cm · 3′ 9″ | 113.3 cm · 3′ 9″ |
| 6 years | 120.3 cm · 3′ 11″ | 120.2 cm · 3′ 11″ |
| 7 years | 126.3 cm · 4′ 2″ | 126.3 cm · 4′ 2″ |
| 8 years | 132.1 cm · 4′ 4″ | 132.2 cm · 4′ 4″ |
| 9 years | 137.7 cm · 4′ 6″ | 137.9 cm · 4′ 6″ |
| 10 years | 143.2 cm · 4′ 8″ | 143.9 cm · 4′ 9″ |
| 11 years | 148.8 cm · 4′ 11″ | 150.1 cm · 4′ 11″ |
| 12 years | 155.0 cm · 5′ 1″ | 155.6 cm · 5′ 1″ |
| 13 years | 162.1 cm · 5′ 4″ | 159.3 cm · 5′ 3″ |
| 14 years | 168.6 cm · 5′ 6″ | 161.5 cm · 5′ 4″ |
| 15 years | 173.1 cm · 5′ 8″ | 162.6 cm · 5′ 4″ |
| 16 years | 175.7 cm · 5′ 9″ | 163.1 cm · 5′ 4″ |
| 17 years | 176.8 cm · 5′ 10″ | 163.1 cm · 5′ 4″ |
| 18 years | 177.0 cm · 5′ 10″ | 163.1 cm · 5′ 4″ |
| 19 years | 176.9 cm · 5′ 10″ | 163.3 cm · 5′ 4″ |
How children grow
From age 5 until puberty, children grow about 5–6 cm (2 in) a year. Across 200 countries, girls’ fastest growth year is typically between ages 10 and 11, and boys’ between 12 and 13.
By 14, girls have on average reached 98% of their adult height and boys about 94%. Boys reach roughly 98% by 16. After 17, average growth drops below 1 cm (0.4 in) a year.
These are national averages, which smooth out individual growth spurts. A healthy child can be well above or below the average line; what matters most is steady growth over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average height for a 12-year-old?
It depends on the country: in the United States about 155 cm (5′1″) for boys and girls, in Japan about 151 cm (just under 5 ft) and in India about 142–144 cm (4′8″–4′9″). Choose a country above to see the exact figures.
At what age do girls and boys stop growing?
Most girls are close to their adult height by 15–16 and most boys by 17–18. After that, average growth is under 1 cm a year.
Is my child’s height normal?
Children vary widely around the average, so one measurement above or below it is usually normal. Talk to a doctor if growth suddenly slows or a child moves far from their usual position over time.
Compare on the height chart
Line people, characters and objects up side by side on one visual scale.
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