Average Height for a 12 Year Old Girl (CDC Data)

Average Height for a 12 Year Old Girl

Pediatricians use CDC growth charts to track adolescent growth during puberty. At age 12, the median stature for girls—the 50th percentile—is 139 cm (4'7").

Teenage height varies enormously depending on puberty timing. Two 12-year-olds can differ by 6+ inches and both be normal if each is tracking consistently on their own percentile curve.

The table below shows CDC stature-for-age percentiles for 12-year-old girls. Use these alongside your pediatrician's growth charts at annual checkups.

Is My Child's Height Normal?

During adolescence, temporary comparisons to the average can be misleading because puberty timing differs. A 12-year-old girl who has not yet started puberty may be shorter than peers who have—without any underlying problem.

What matters most is growth velocity and percentile tracking over time. A steady pattern along the 15th or 85th percentile is usually normal; crossing multiple percentile lines rapidly may warrant evaluation.

Heights below the 5th or above the 95th percentile at age 12 should be discussed with a pediatrician, especially if accompanied by other symptoms or a sudden change in growth rate.

For a 12-year-old girl, the CDC defines a typical range from the 5th percentile (125 cm / 4'1") to the 95th percentile (151 cm / 5'0"). Heights within this band are generally considered normal for age. Percentiles below the 5th or above the 95th warrant a conversation with your pediatrician—not necessarily a problem, but worth monitoring.

How Much Will They Grow From Here?

Adolescence is when the most dramatic height changes occur. Girls ages 11–14 experience wide variation in growth timing—early, average, and late bloomers can differ by several inches at the same age.

At age 12, many girls are in puberty with accelerated growth. Girls typically have their peak height velocity around ages 11–13—earlier than boys—and finish growing sooner.

Growth velocity at age 12 is typically about 7–9 cm per year (often peak growth spurt). A girl at this age has about 22–28 cm of growth remaining. Individual timing varies widely based on genetics and puberty onset.