Normal Growth Patterns: Understanding the Average Height for Teenagers

Key Takeaways

• Teenage growth patterns vary from person to person, but average 2.4 inches per year during normal growth periods and 3.5 inches a year in times of intense growth.

• Girls experience rapid growth earlier than boys, typically between age 10 and 14, while boys grow fastest between ages 12 and 15.

• Teenagers stop growing in late adolescence once the growth plates in their long bones harden.

(All average heights obtained from the World Health Organization)

Average Height and Weight for 13-Year-Olds

The average height for 13-year-old girls is 62.3 inches (in), or 158.3 centimeters (cm). For 13-year-old boys, the average height is 62.8 in, or 159.7 cm. At age 13, the average weight for girls is 101 lbs (45.8 kg), and 104 lbs (47.2 kg) for boys.

Average Height and Weight for 14-Year-Olds

The average height for 14-year-old girls is 63.3 in, or 160.9 cm. For 14-year-old boys, the average height is 65.5 in, or 166.3 cm. At age 14, the average weight for girls is 105 lbs (47.6 kg), and 112 lbs (50.8 kg) for boys.

Average Height and Weight for 15-Year-Olds

The average height for 15-year-old girls is 63.9 in, or 162.2 cm. For 15-year-old boys, the average height is 67.4 in, or 171.1 cm. At age 15, the average weight for girls is 115 lbs (52.2 kg), and 123 lbs (55.8 kg) for boys.

Average Height and Weight for 16-Year-Olds

The average height for 16-year-old girls is 64.1 in, or 162.7 cm. For 16-year-old boys, the average height is 68.6 in, or 174.2 cm. At age 16, the average weight for girls is 118 lbs (53.5 kg), and 134 lbs (60.8 kg) for boys.

Average Height and Weight for 17-Year-Olds

The average height for 17-year-old girls is 64.2 in, or 163.0 cm. For 17-year-old boys, the average height is 69.2 in, or 175.8 cm. At age 17, the average weight for girls is 120 lbs (54.4 kg), and 142 lbs (64.4 kg) for boys.

Average Height and Weight for 18-Year-Olds

The average height for 18-year-old girls is 64.2 in, or 163.1 cm. For 18-year-old boys, the average height is 69.4 in, or 176.4 cm. At age 18, the average weight for girls is 125 lbs (56.7 kg), and 150 lbs (68.0 kg) for boys.

Average Height and Weight for 19-Year-Olds

The average height for 19-year-old girls is 64.2 in, or 163.1 cm. For 19-year-old boys, the average height is 69.5 in, or 176.5 cm. At age 19, the average weight for girls is 126 lbs (57.2 kg), and 152 lbs (68.9 kg) for boys.

Comparing Height: Teen Girls vs. Boys

Teen girls and boys grow at different rates. Girls typically start puberty earlier than boys, between ages 8 and 13, and their first big jump in growth happens between ages 10 and 14  [2]. Boys, on the other hand, start puberty between 10 and 13, and see their fastest growth between ages 12 and 15.

During the later teen years, your child will reach their maximum height. The average adult height in males is 69 inches, while, on average, females stay closer to 63.5 inches [3]. Adult men also weigh more than women, with an average weight of 199.8 pounds vs. 170.8 pounds.

Genetic Factors

Experts think about 80 percent of a person's height is decided by the DNA they inherited [6] from their parents. But because the genes that decide height can be combined in many ways, the adult height of a teen's parents doesn't offer a guarantee.

Nutritional Impact

The right nutrition plays a vital role in how puberty unfolds and how tall a child grows. Especially during growth spurts, teens need much more nutrition to support their body's demands. They may feel like eating potato chips and candy all day, but they need a balanced diet — including all the major food groups [7]  — for maximum height growth.

When Do Teens Stop Growing?

Once puberty wraps up, teens stop growing. This happens because their growth plates harden. Throughout childhood, these softer areas at the ends of your child's long bones allow growth, and after puberty, the growth plates stiffen up and stop growing. Often, teen growth stops around the time their parents stopped.

Healthy Growth Practices for Teenagers

Here are some practical tips for healthy teen development:

• Teens should avoid drug use and smoking. 

• To boost growth, they should also try to get enough sleep, 

• Exercise regularly 

• Follow a healthy diet. Try to include the following nutrients in your teen's diet:

• Vitamins and minerals (from milk, fruits, and veggies)

• Fiber (found in berries, vegetables, and legumes)

• Lean protein (like chicken or legumes)

• Complex carbohydrates (like whole grains)

• Healthy fats (like nuts and fish)

Importance of Consulting a Child's Doctor

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual pediatrician visits from birth through the teenage years. During these visits, your child's doctor will assess their internal growth, height growth pattern, length, and head circumference (in infants). 

They will be able to tell you where they fall compared to their peers and ensure their growth is proportional (weight to height).

Doctors typically place your child's height and weight results on growth charts developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to measure their percentile — where their measurements fall compared to the average weight and height range for their age. 

These data give them a general idea of growth progress in your child. From this information, they can advise you on lifestyle changes to gain weight or height, or to adjust diet and exercise for teens who are overweight.