Average Height for a 13-Year-Old Boy
The average 13-year-old boy is about 160.3 cm (5 ft 3.1 in) tall, the 50th percentile on the CDC growth chart.
Most boys this age (5th to 95th percentile) measure between 147.0 cm (4 ft 9.9 in) and 173.4 cm (5 ft 8.3 in).
Between the 13th and 14th birthdays, the average boy grows about 7.7 cm (3.0 in).
Height chart for a 13-year-old boy
| Percentile | Height (cm) | Height (ft, in) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 147.0 | 4 ft 9.9 in |
| 10th | 150.0 | 4 ft 11.1 in |
| 25th | 154.9 | 5 ft 1.0 in |
| 50th (average) | 160.3 | 5 ft 3.1 in |
| 75th | 165.7 | 5 ft 5.2 in |
| 90th | 170.5 | 5 ft 7.1 in |
| 95th | 173.4 | 5 ft 8.3 in |
CDC 2000 growth chart reference values at age 13½ years. Percentile = out of 100 boys the same age, how many are shorter.
Weight chart for a 13-year-old boy
| Percentile | Weight (kg) | Weight (lb) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 36.3 | 80.0 |
| 10th | 38.5 | 84.9 |
| 25th | 42.8 | 94.4 |
| 50th (average) | 48.5 | 106.9 |
| 75th | 55.6 | 122.6 |
| 90th | 63.7 | 140.4 |
| 95th | 69.4 | 153.0 |
How much boys grow at this age
At the 50th percentile, the CDC chart shows about 7.7 cm (3.0 in) of growth between the 13th and 14th 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 boys are in their fastest growth years around 13 to 14, at 10 to 14 cm (4 to 5.5 in) a year. Experts recommend 8 to 10 hours of sleep for ages 13 to 18.
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 13-year-old boy?
About 160.3 cm (5 ft 3.1 in). That is the 50th percentile on the CDC growth chart for boys at this age.
What height range is normal for a 13-year-old boy?
On the CDC chart, the 5th to 95th percentile runs from 147.0 cm (4 ft 9.9 in) to 173.4 cm (5 ft 8.3 in). Your pediatrician looks at how your child grows over time, not one number.
How much does a 13-year-old boy usually grow in a year?
At the 50th percentile, the CDC chart shows about 7.7 cm (3.0 in) between the 13th and 14th birthdays. Individual children vary, especially around puberty.
How much does the average 13-year-old boy weigh?
About 48.5 kg (106.9 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
- Barstow C, Rerucha C. Evaluation of short and tall stature in children. Am Fam Physician. 2015;92(1):43-50. PubMed 26132126
- Marshall WA, Tanner JM. Variations in the pattern of pubertal changes in boys. Arch Dis Child. 1970;45(239):13-23. PubMed 5440182
- 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.