Average Height for a 12-Year-Old Girl
The average 12-year-old girl is about 154.8 cm (5 ft 0.9 in) tall, the 50th percentile on the CDC growth chart.
Most girls this age (5th to 95th percentile) measure between 142.8 cm (4 ft 8.2 in) and 166.4 cm (5 ft 5.5 in).
Between the 12th and 13th birthdays, the average girl grows about 5.9 cm (2.3 in).
Height chart for a 12-year-old girl
| Percentile | Height (cm) | Height (ft, in) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 142.8 | 4 ft 8.2 in |
| 10th | 145.5 | 4 ft 9.3 in |
| 25th | 149.9 | 4 ft 11.0 in |
| 50th (average) | 154.8 | 5 ft 0.9 in |
| 75th | 159.6 | 5 ft 2.8 in |
| 90th | 163.8 | 5 ft 4.5 in |
| 95th | 166.4 | 5 ft 5.5 in |
CDC 2000 growth chart reference values at age 12½ years. Percentile = out of 100 girls the same age, how many are shorter.
Weight chart for a 12-year-old girl
| Percentile | Weight (kg) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 32.9 | 72.5 |
| 10th | 34.9 | 76.9 |
| 25th | 38.7 | 85.3 |
| 50th (average) | 44.0 | 97.0 |
| 75th | 50.8 | 112.0 |
| 90th | 58.7 | 129.4 |
| 95th | 64.7 | 142.6 |
How much girls grow at this age
At the 50th percentile, the CDC chart shows about 5.9 cm (2.3 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
Many girls are at or just past the peak of their growth spurt at 12. The years around the spurt are also a major bone-building window, built on calcium-rich food and active play. 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 girl?
About 154.8 cm (5 ft 0.9 in). That is the 50th percentile on the CDC growth chart for girls at this age.
What height range is normal for a 12-year-old girl?
On the CDC chart, the 5th to 95th percentile runs from 142.8 cm (4 ft 8.2 in) to 166.4 cm (5 ft 5.5 in). Your pediatrician looks at how your child grows over time, not one number.
How much does a 12-year-old girl usually grow in a year?
At the 50th percentile, the CDC chart shows about 5.9 cm (2.3 in) between the 12th and 13th birthdays. Individual children vary, especially around puberty.
How much does the average 12-year-old girl weigh?
About 44.0 kg (97.0 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.
BoneScience makes Dr's Grow UP, an AM/PM daily nutrition system for ages 10+, NSF Certified for Sport®.
The studies above were not conducted on BoneScience products.
BoneScience makes free tools for parents: Growth Calculator · Growth Coach
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2000 CDC growth charts, data tables (statage, wtage). cdc.gov
- Baxter-Jones AD, Faulkner RA, Forwood MR, Mirwald RL, Bailey DA. Bone mineral accrual from 8 to 30 years of age: an estimation of peak bone mass. J Bone Miner Res. 2011;26(8):1729-1739. PubMed 21520276
- Weaver CM, Gordon CM, Janz KF, et al.. The National Osteoporosis Foundation's position statement on peak bone mass development and lifestyle factors: a systematic review and implementation recommendations. Osteoporos Int. 2016;27(4):1281-1386. PubMed 26856587
- 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
- Barstow C, Rerucha C. Evaluation of short and tall stature in children. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(1):43-50. PubMed 26132126
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have questions about your child's growth, talk with your pediatrician.