Boys Height chart in cms for Children 12 years old

Height chart for 12-Year-Old boys

Putting their height in context with CDC data for boys.

Height percentiles for 12-Year-Old boys

Based on CDC and WHO reference data, height percentiles for boys at 12-Year-Old are:

• 5th percentile: 136.9 cm

• 25th percentile: 143.8 cm

• 50th percentile (median): 148.8 cm

• 75th percentile: 153.8 cm

• 95th percentile: 161.3 cm

The percentile values on this page are displayed in cm.

A percentile ranking tells you where their measurement falls among boys of the same age. The 50th percentile is the statistical midpoint of the population.

Height and development for boys

Height at 12 years is closely tied to pubertal stage. Boys at this age are often approaching their pubertal growth spurt, which typically produces height gains of 7-10 cm per year at its peak. The timing of the growth spurt is largely genetically determined. A late-maturing child who appears shorter than peers will often catch up fully once their own growth spurt begins.

The teenage growth spurt for boys

For teenage boys, the growth spurt is often the most dramatic and visible change of puberty. Boys who are late developers should be reassured that their growth spurt is ahead of them, not behind - the final adult height is not determined until the growth plates close, typically in the late teens or early twenties.

Sleep and growth hormone

Most human growth hormone is secreted in the first hours of sleep, making 8-10 hours per night an active contributor to height gains during puberty. Protein needs are higher than at any other life stage to support the rapid increase in muscle mass that accompanies the growth spurt. Iron is also important, particularly for athletic boys.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my child shorter or taller than their classmates?

Variation in height between children of the same age reflects differences in genetics, timing of puberty, nutrition, and general health - all of which are entirely normal. Children often go through growth spurts at different times, which can widen apparent differences temporarily before other children catch up.

How much does a child grow per year at this age?

Most school-age children grow approximately 5-6 cm per year between ages 5 and 10. During puberty, the growth rate accelerates to 7-10 cm per year at the peak of the spurt before slowing again. A growth rate below 4 cm per year in a school-age child outside of puberty is worth discussing with a GP.

What is a normal height for this age?

The percentile table on this page shows the full range of typical heights. All values from the 5th to the 95th percentile are considered within normal limits. Height at a single point in time is less informative than a consistent pattern of growth over months and years.

Data sources and methodology

The percentile ranges on this page are drawn from CDC growth chart data from the National Center for Health Statistics and WHO Child Growth Standards (for children under 5). CDC data published May 30, 2000, with 2022 extended BMI tables. Percentiles are modelled using the LMS method (Box-Cox transformation), which accounts for the skewed distribution of measurements at each age. All measurements are given in metric units with imperial equivalents.

For personalised guidance, consult a paediatrician or healthcare provider who can assess their measurements in the context of their full growth history.