Average Height for a 12-Year-Old Boy
The average 12-year-old boy is about 152.7 cm (5 ft 0.1 in) tall, the 50th percentile on the CDC growth chart.
Most boys this age (5th to 95th percentile) measure between 140.3 cm (4 ft 7.2 in) and 165.5 cm (5 ft 5.2 in).
Between the 12th and 13th birthdays, the average boy grows about 7.1 cm (2.8 in).
Height chart for a 12-year-old boy
| Percentile | Height (cm) | Height (ft, in) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 140.3 | 4 ft 7.2 in |
| 10th | 143.0 | 4 ft 8.3 in |
| 25th | 147.5 | 4 ft 10.1 in |
| 50th (average) | 152.7 | 5 ft 0.1 in |
| 75th | 157.9 | 5 ft 2.2 in |
| 90th | 162.6 | 5 ft 4.0 in |
| 95th | 165.5 | 5 ft 5.2 in |
CDC 2000 growth chart reference values at age 12½ years. Percentile = out of 100 boys the same age, how many are shorter.
Weight chart for a 12-year-old boy
| Percentile | Weight (kg) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 32.3 | 71.2 |
| 10th | 34.3 | 75.6 |
| 25th | 38.0 | 83.8 |
| 50th (average) | 43.2 | 95.2 |
| 75th | 49.7 | 109.6 |
| 90th | 57.2 | 126.1 |
| 95th | 62.7 | 138.2 |
How much boys grow at this age
At the 50th percentile, the CDC chart shows about 7.1 cm (2.8 in) of growth between the 12th and 13th birthdays. Children grow at different speeds, and puberty can make one year much faster or slower than the next.
What is happening at this age
At 12, boys vary a lot: some are in their growth spurt and some have not started. During the boys' spurt, growth of 10 to 14 cm (4 to 5.5 in) a year is typical. Experts recommend 9 to 12 hours of sleep for ages 6 to 12.
What pediatricians watch
One height is a snapshot. Pediatricians look at growth speed over at least a year, alongside height and the parents' heights. A 2015 review for family physicians lists growth under about 5 cm (2 in) a year, between age 5 and puberty, as one of the signs for a closer look. Children also move up and down a little on the chart from year to year, so a single change is rarely a concern on its own.
Check your child's exact percentile →
FAQ
How tall is the average 12-year-old boy?
About 152.7 cm (5 ft 0.1 in). That is the 50th percentile on the CDC growth chart for boys at this age.
What height range is normal for a 12-year-old boy?
On the CDC chart, the 5th to 95th percentile runs from 140.3 cm (4 ft 7.2 in) to 165.5 cm (5 ft 5.2 in). Your pediatrician looks at how your child grows over time, not one number.
How much does a 12-year-old boy usually grow in a year?
At the 50th percentile, the CDC chart shows about 7.1 cm (2.8 in) between the 12th and 13th birthdays. Individual children vary, especially around puberty.
How much does the average 12-year-old boy weigh?
About 43.2 kg (95.2 lb), the 50th percentile on the CDC weight chart.
How can I find my child's exact percentile?
Enter your child's age, sex and height in the free BoneScience Growth Percentile Calculator, which uses the same CDC data.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2000 CDC growth charts, data tables (statage, wtage). cdc.gov
- Marshall WA, Tanner JM. Variations in the pattern of pubertal changes in boys. Arch Dis Child. 1970;45(239):13-23. PubMed 5440182
- Barstow C, Rerucha C. Evaluation of short and tall stature in children. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(1):43-50. PubMed 26132126
- Paruthi S, Brooks LJ, D'Ambrosio C, et al.. Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: a consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. J Clin Sleep Med. 2016;12(6):785-786. PubMed 27250809
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have questions about your child's growth, talk with your pediatrician.