One common question is, “When do girls stop growing, and what affects their height?” A big milestone in a girl's growth is the start of her menstruation. While it doesn’t mean she’ll stop growing right away after menstruation starts, it usually means the biggest growth spurt is almost over. That said, about 80% of a child’s height is determined by genetics, with the rest influenced by things like nutrition, growth hormones, and overall health. Below, we’ll explore what parents should know about growth and how you can best support your child during this stage. 📌 The right vitamins can play a role in height growth. Experts share the best vitamins for height growth and how they support growing bodies. Key Takeaways Girls typically stop growing around ages 14 to 15, with growth slowing significantly after their first menstrual cycle. Genes determine the majority of a person’s final height, but good nutrition and overall health during growing years play important roles. Tracking your daughter's growth through regular check-ups and measurements helps spot any growth concerns early. What Age Do Girls Stop Growing? Understanding the Timeline. Most girls reach their final adult height around age 15, though every girl's growth journey is unique. Here's what typically happens: Before puberty, starting around four years of age, girls grow steadily at about two inches (5 centimeters or cm) per year. During puberty, which generally begins between ages 8 and 13 for girls, growth speeds up dramatically. The fastest growth spurt occurs in girls at around ages 11 to 12 when they can grow as much as 3.3 inches (8.3 cm) per year. After this, girls typically grow about 3 more inches (7 cm) in total until about age 15, when most will reach their child adult height. This is generally about two to three years after their first period. Height growth stops once the growth plates close, near the end of puberty. Some girls experience early puberty (also called precocious puberty), which means starting puberty before age 8. Others might be “late bloomers” (also called delayed puberty), starting puberty after age 13. Children who undergo early puberty are often thought to end up shorter because they stop growing sooner. However, a small study found that girls who start puberty early usually reach the same height as their peers as the body adjusts its growth rate to compensate. Still, growth doesn’t follow strict rules. Your daughter's pediatrician can help track her growth pattern and answer questions about her development. Signs That Girls' Growth Is Slowing or Stopping Getting her first period is often a sign that a girl’s growth is slowing or stopping. Most girls will continue growing for about two to three years after they start menstruating. During this time, which healthcare providers call “Tanner Stage 4,” several physical changes happen that show your daughter is moving toward her adult height. These include: The areola (the darker area around the nipple) on the breasts becomes raised, creating a “double scoop” look above the breast. Pubic hair growth is nearly complete. Body shape continues changing, with hips becoming rounder. Body odor develops, and acne may appear or become more noticeable. Regular menstrual cycles begin to establish. These changes typically happen gradually over several months or years. Since every girl develops at her own pace, your daughter might experience these changes in a slightly different order or timeline than her friends. Besides these physical changes, family history can give clues about a child's growth. For example, a girl’s growth timeline might follow that of her parents and siblings. If you're concerned about your daughter’s height growth, your pediatrician can help. They can use a growth chart to monitor her growth. They might also suggest tests, such as: An X-ray of the bones in the left hand and wrist, which can show your child’s “bone age” and help determine how much growth is left by checking the growth plates. Blood tests to check for any health issues affecting growth, such as hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. 📌 The market is packed with growth supplements, but which ones are truly effective? Here are the best supplements for height growth, according to experts, including pros and cons. Average Height Expectations for Girls Genetics are the main factor in determining height, but things like nutrition, sleep, and overall health also influence height growth. In the U.S., the average height expectations for girls by age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are: Age Range Typical Height Range 2-3 years 2 feet 11 inches - 3 feet 2 inches (89.8 - 97.5 cm) 4-6 years 3 feet 5 inches - 3 feet 11 inches (105 - 118.8 cm) 7-10 years 4 feet 1 inch - 4 feet 8 inches (124.1 - 143 cm) 11-13 years 4 feet 11 inches - 5 feet 2 inches (150.4 - 158.1 cm) 14-19 years 5 feet 3 inches - 5 feet 4 inches (161 - 163 cm) At about age 15 to 19, girls typically achieve their adult height, averaging between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 4 inches, which is the average female height in the U.S. Height patterns also vary based on racial and ethnic groups. For example, in the U.S., non-Hispanic Black and White women ages 20 and over average about 5 feet 4 inches. Hispanic women in the same age group average around 5 feet 2 inches, and Asian women average about 5 feet 1.5 inches. There’s even more height variation around the world. Women in the Netherlands are typically among the tallest, averaging about 5 feet 6 inches, while women in Guatemala average about 4 feet 11 inches. That's a difference of seven inches, about the length of a pencil, between the tallest and shortest average heights worldwide. All in all, these numbers are just averages, and plenty of healthy girls will be taller or shorter. Healthcare providers use growth charts and percentiles to better understand how your child's height compares to other children their age and gender. For example, at age 14, the 50th percentile height for girls is approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm). This means that half of 14-year-old girls are taller than this height, and half are shorter. Percentiles don’t determine how tall a child will be but give a snapshot of how their growth compares to others. A higher number does not mean better, and a lower number does not mean worse. A steady growth pattern within their percentile range is usually a sign of healthy development. If you have concerns about your child's growth, talking to a pediatrician is the best step. 📌 A balanced diet is always the goal. But growth vitamins specially formulated for ages 5 to 9 can help support your child’s development during those years. Average Heights for Girls by Age The chart below shows the average heights for girls at different ages, based on CDC growth charts. Display units: Inches Centimeters Age (Years) 10th Percentile(in/cm) 50th Percentile(in/cm) 90th Percentile(in/cm) 2 31.5 in (80 cm) 33.7 in (85.5 cm) 35.8 in (91 cm) 4 37.0 in (94 cm) 39.5 in (100.5 cm) 42.0 in (106.5 cm) 6 42.5 in (108 cm) 45.5 in (115.5 cm) 48.5 in (123 cm) 8 47.5 in (120.5 cm) 50.5 in (128.5 cm) 53.5 in (136 cm) 10 51.5 in (131 cm) 54.5 in (138.5 cm) 58.0 in (147 cm) 12 55.0 in (140 cm) 59.0 in (150 cm) 63.0 in (160 cm) 14 58.5 in (148.5 cm) 63.0 in (160 cm) 67.0 in (170 cm) 16 60.0 in (152.5 cm) 64.0 in (162.5 cm) 68.5 in (174 cm) 18 60.5 in (154 cm) 64.2 in (163 cm) 68.5 in (174 cm) Factors Influencing Final Adult Height Many factors beyond genetics can affect a person’s final adult height. Let's look at what they are: Genetics About 80% of how tall someone will grow comes from the genes passed down from their parents. If both parents are tall, their children are likely to grow tall, too. On the flip side, shorter parents might have shorter kids. However, short parents can have tall children, and that’s because genetics isn’t everything. Environmental Factors Environmental factors can significantly influence their height. Even before birth, factors like a mother's health during pregnancy matter, including exposure to harmful substances. Height can also be influenced by socioeconomic factors like income, education, and occupation, as these often determine access to important resources. Children who have access to good healthcare, regular check-ups, and early treatment for health issues often have better growth outcomes. Health Conditions Several medical conditions can affect growth. The pituitary gland in the brain produces growth hormone, and problems with this gland can slow down growth. Other conditions that can stunt growth include digestive diseases, such as celiac disease, that make it hard to absorb nutrients, and problems with the thyroid, heart, or kidneys. Nutrition Good nutrition provides the building blocks needed for growth. The body needs plenty of foods and nutrients to help with height growth and overall health, including protein and other vitamins and minerals. Not getting enough of these nutrients during the growing years can make it harder to reach full height potential. You may wonder if height growth supplements or vitamins can help your daughter grow taller. Unless a child has a specific nutrient deficiency, supplements usually can't increase height beyond genetic potential. But they might help fill nutritional gaps when it's difficult to get all nutrients through diet alone. You can find height growth vitamins for kids and teenagers that can help you complement your daughter's diet with the nutrients she needs to thrive. 📌 Speaking of nutrition, does milk help you get taller? We break down what role milk plays in height growth and share tips for choosing the best milk for your child’s needs. What to Do If You’re Concerned About Your Girl's Growth As a parent, you want to know your daughter is growing well. Knowing what to watch for and when to seek help can give you peace of mind and ensure your child stays on track. Growth Monitoring Tips for Parents Keeping an eye on your child’s growth at home is easier than you might think. Track by measuring your child’s height every few months and note any changes. Use a measuring tape to mark their height on a wall or door frame, and write the date next to the mark. Growth isn't always steady. Many children have periods of slower growth followed by growth spurts. Pay attention to the overall pattern over time. These home measurements, along with regular check-ups at the pediatrician’s office, can help create a more complete picture of your child's growth. When to Consult a Healthcare Provider Reach out to your child's healthcare provider if you notice: Your child shows no height increase for several months during the expected growing years. There are signs of early or delayed puberty, such as no breast development by age 13 or beginning menstruation before age 8. Your child has a chronic illness or other health conditions that might affect growth. A pediatrician can measure your child's growth accurately, check their growth charts, and determine if any testing or referral to a pediatric endocrinologist is needed. They can also help you understand what's normal for your child's age and family background. 📌 When diet alone feels unreliable, vitamins can help support healthy growth as your daughter moves into her teenage years. Here are some of the best vitamins for ages 10+. Summary Most girls reach their final adult height around age 15, typically growing about 3 more inches in the two to three years after they get their first period. Genes play the biggest role in determining height, but factors such as nutrition, overall health, and living conditions can affect height growth. Each girl's growth journey is different. Talk to your daughter’s pediatrician if you have concerns about their growth rate or have any questions. Frequently Asked Questions At what age do girls stop growing? Girls typically stop growing around 14 or 15 years old, but they may continue to grow for a couple of years after they start menstruating. Can girls still grow after 18? Girls typically stop growing around 14 to 15 years old, so it’s unlikely they’ll grow taller after 18. Once the body's growth plates close when puberty ends, significant height increase isn't possible anymore. How can I predict my daughter's adult height? You can estimate your daughter’s adult height using the midparental height formula: add the parents’ heights (in inches or cm), subtract 5 inches (13 cm) for a girl, and divide by two. You can also use a Height Potential calculator. Still, these are estimates, not guarantees, since factors like nutrition and health can also influence growth. What factors influence a girl's final adult height? A girl’s final adult height is mainly influenced by genetics. Nutrition, overall health, and environmental factors, such as living conditions and access to good healthcare, also play a role. When should I consult a healthcare provider about my daughter's growth? Contact your child's pediatrician if you notice unusual patterns like no growth for several months or signs of very early or late puberty. They can check growth charts and determine if any testing is needed. When do girls’ feet stop growing? Girls’ feet typically stop growing around the same time they reach their final height. On average, this happens between ages 14 and 15, but it can vary depending on genetics and when puberty started. Do girls stop growing when they get their period? No, girls don't stop growing as soon as they get their first period, but it is a sign that the major growth phase is winding down. Most girls will grow about 3 more inches in total over the next two to three years after their first period. Reference sources MedlinePlus. (2022). Is height determined by genetics? Klein, D. A., et al. (2017). Disorders of puberty: An approach to diagnosis and management. American Family Physician, 96(9), 590–599. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2021). About puberty and precocious puberty. Sørensen, K., et al. (2024). Higher peak height velocity in early maturing girls depends on insulin rather than fat mass or IGF-I. European journal of endocrinology, 191(4), 381–388. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/lvae115 Emmanuel, M., et al. (2022). Tanner stages. In: StatPearls. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Puberty. MedlinePlus. (2023). Growth chart. National Center for Health Statistics. (2021). Anthropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults: United States, 2015–2018. Data Pandas. Average height by country. Jelenkovic, A., et al. (2020). Genetic and environmental influences on human height from infancy through adulthood at different levels of parental education. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 7974. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64883-8 González-Elena, M. L., et al. (2021). A cross-sectional study of foot growth and its correlation with anthropometric parameters in a representative cohort of schoolchildren from Southern Spain. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 18(8), 4031. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084031
