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What Is The Average Height For 13 Year Old Boy And Girl?

What Is The Average Height For 13 Year Old Boy And Girl?


Smart Mom Guide
Updated: Feb 18, 2025

Teenage years bring rapid physical changes, and height is one of the most noticeable aspects of growth. If you're wondering, "How tall should a 13-year-old be?"—you're not alone.

During puberty, height, weight, and overall growth depend on genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle habits. While some teenagers experience growth spurts early, others grow at a slower pace but catch up later.

So, let’s dive into the average height for 13-year-olds, factors influencing growth, and how puberty affects height development.

Average Height for a 13-Year-Old Boy
Average Height for a 13-Year-Old Boy

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average height for a 13-year-old boy is 5’1¾” (156 cm). However, height can vary significantly.

Normal height range:4'10" – 5'5" (147 cm – 165 cm)

Average weight:102 lbs (46.3 kg)

BMI range considered normal:18.5 – 25

Height Growth Chart for Boys (Age 8–18)

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Most boys experience their peak growth spurt around 13 years old, increasing their height by about 4.5 inches per year.

Average Height for a 13-Year-Old Girl
Average Height for a 13-Year-Old Girl
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Girls typically experience their growth spurt earlier than boys. The average height for a 13-year-old girl is 5’1¾” (157 cm), but this can vary.

Normal height range:4’11” – 5’5” (150 cm – 167 cm)

Average weight:102 lbs (46.3 kg)

Age (years)50th percentile height for teen girls (inches)
8-1250.1 - 59.3 inches
13-1561.8 - 63.8 inches
16-1864.1 - 66.3 inches

Girls experience their fastest height growth between ages 10 and 13, gaining about 3.5 inches per year during their peak growth phase.

Why Do Some Teenagers Grow Faster Than Others?
Why Do Some Teenagers Grow Faster Than Others?

Height development varies due to several key factors:

1. Genetics (The Biggest Factor)

✔ If parents are tall, their child is likely to be tall.

✔ If parents are shorter, the child may follow a similar pattern.

2. Nutrition (Balanced Diet Is Essential!)

Calcium & Vitamin D support strong bones.

Protein is essential for muscle and height growth.

Zinc & Iron prevent growth delays.

3. Physical Activity

Basketball, swimming, and stretching improve posture and spinal health.

✔ Regular exercise stimulates growth hormones naturally.

4. Sleep & Hormones

✔ The body releases growth hormones during deep sleep.

✔ Teens need at least 9–11 hours of sleep per night for optimal growth.

📌 Related Tool: Track Your Child’s Sleep Cycle

5. Medical Conditions & Growth Disorders

If a child is not growing at a normal rate, underlying conditions like hormonal imbalances, growth hormone deficiency, or malnutrition may be responsible.

Does Puberty Affect Growth?
Does Puberty Affect Growth?

Yes! Puberty is the most crucial period for height development.

Boys’ growth spurt:Starts at 12–13 years, peaks at 14–15 years

Girls’ growth spurt:Starts at 10–11 years, peaks at 12–13 years

Some teens mature earlier or later than their peers due to hormonal differences, but they typically catch up over time.

How to Calculate BMI for Teenagers
How to Calculate BMI for Teenagers

BMI (Body Mass Index) helps determine if a teenager has a healthy weight for their height.

Formula:

🔹 BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m²)

🔹 Example: 45 kg ÷ (1.52m × 1.52m) = 19.5 (Healthy BMI Range)

Normal BMI range:18.5 – 25

Below 18.5:Underweight

Above 25:Overweight

Average Height for 13-Year-Olds in Different Countries

Height varies worldwide due to genetics, diet, and living conditions.

CountryBoys (Feet)Girls (Feet)
USA5’1″5’1″
Canada5’1″5’0″
Netherlands5’4″5’2″
Germany5’3″5’2″
India4’11”4’10”
Japan4’11”4’9″
Australia5’2″5’2″
Sweden5’5″5’2″
UK5’2″5’1″
France5’3″5’2″

Fun Fact:Dutch people are the tallest in the world!

FAQs About Teen Growth
FAQs About Teen Growth

Q1. What Is the Average Height for a 14-Year-Old?

Boys:5’3” (162.4 cm)

Girls:5’2” (159.8 cm)

Q2. Can a 13-Year-Old Still Grow Taller?

Yes! Most boys grow until 16–18 years, while girls typically stop growing at 14–16 years.

Q3. Do Boys Grow Faster Than Girls?

Girls hit puberty earlier and grow faster between 8–13 years.

Boys grow more rapidly between 12–16 years.

Q4. What Is the Best Way for a 13-Year-Old to Grow Taller?

Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins.

Exercise regularly (jump rope, stretching, basketball).

Get at least 9–11 hours of sleep per night.

Final Thoughts: What to Expect at 13 Years Old
Final Thoughts: What to Expect at 13 Years Old

The average height for a 13-year-old varies, but genetics, diet, and lifestyle all play crucial roles.

Boys:5’1¾” (156 cm)

Girls:5’1¾” (157 cm)

Peak growth spurt:Boys (12–15), Girls (10–13)

If you’re concerned about slow growth or delayed puberty, consult a doctor or pediatrician.

CountryAverage Height (Feet)
America5 feet
Netherland5 feet 4 inches
Africa4 feet 11 inches
Russia5 feet 3 inches
Canada5 feet
Switzerland5 feet 3 inches
Germany5 feet 4 inches
Sweden5 feet 5 inches
Japan4 feet 11 inches
Australia5 feet 2 inches
UK5 feet 2 inches
France5 feet 3 inches
Denmark5 feet 5 inches
Italy5 feet 4 inches
Greece5 feet 3 inches
Spain5 feet 4 inches
India4 feet 11 inches
Thailand5 feet
Portugal5 feet 2 inches
Finland5 feet 5 inches

Need Personalized Advice?

If you have concerns about your teen's growth or development, consider an Online Consultation. A pediatrician or nutrition expert can offer tailored guidance to help ensure your child reaches their full growth potential.


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