If you wonder how your body sizes up to others your age, it can help to compare to the average weight and height of teenagers. Keep in mind there are several factors that affect the average weight of any teen; birth gender, build, and age all factor into the equation.
Because teens' bodies are still developing, a teen's average weight and height can fluctuate quite a bit from one year to the next, finally stabilizing around 18-20 years of age. Don't stress if you're larger or smaller than average - this is a time of major change, and healthy can look totally different on different people.
Average Height and Weight for Teen Boys
Having a handle on the average height and weight for a teen boy can give you lots of helpful information, but it's not a substitute for a medical opinion. These charts are based on data collected by the CDC.
Teen Boy Weight Averages
The average teen who identifies as a male has the following weight, but remember that weight may vary by several pounds and still be healthy.
| Age | Weight in Pounds | Weight in Kilograms |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 102.4 lbs | 46.5 kg |
| 13 | 122 lbs | 55.5 kg |
| 14 | 132 lbs | 60 kg |
| 15 | 145.7 lbs | 66.2 kg |
| 16 | 147.2 lbs | 66.9 kg |
| 17 | 158.9 lbs | 71.3 kg |
| 18 | 156.6 lbs | 71.2 kg |
Teen Boy Height Averages
The average height for a teen who identifies as male is listed here, but like weight, there's lots of variation.
| Age | Height in Inches | Height in Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 60.6 inches | 153.9 cm |
| 13 | 64.4 inches | 163.6 cm |
| 14 | 66.9 inches | 169.9 cm |
| 15 | 68 inches | 172.7 cm |
| 16 | 68 inches | 172.7 cm |
| 17 | 68.9 inches | 175 cm |
| 18 | 69.1 inches | 175.5 cm |
Average Height and Weight for Teen Girls
The average height and weight for a teen girl will vary, and it's not uncommon for different countries and cultures to have significant differences. Like the information for teen boys, these average height and weight figures are based on CDC data.
Weight Averages for Female Teens
The average teen who identifies as a girl has the following weight, but keep in mind, it's totally normal for a teen's weight to vary by several pounds from the average.
| Age | Weight in Pounds | Weight in Kilograms |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 114.8 lbs | 52.2 kg |
| 13 | 115.1 lbs | 52.3 kg |
| 14 | 131.3 lbs | 59.7 kg |
| 15 | 128.1 lbs | 58.2 kg |
| 16 | 136.2 lbs | 61.9 kg |
| 17 | 143.6 lbs | 65.3 kg |
| 18 | 138.2 lbs | 62.8 kg |
Height Averages for Female Teens
Teens who identify as girls have the following height averages:
| Age | Height in Inches | Height in Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 60.8 inches | 154.4 cm |
| 13 | 62.1 inches | 157.7 cm |
| 14 | 63.5 inches | 161.3 cm |
| 15 | 63 inches | 160 cm |
| 16 | 63.7 inches | 161.8 cm |
| 17 | 64 inches | 162.6 cm |
| 18 | 63.9 inches | 162.3 cm |
Use this quick refresher as you're looking at these averages: To get an average, you take the weight for all the teens you're studying and add them together. Then you divide by the number of teens to get the average. Very few teens actually weigh the average, but it's a handy number to know.
Factors Affecting the Average Height and Weight for a Teenager
Whether you were born a male or a female, a healthy teen weight-to-height ratio depends on a number of things. It's not as simple as falling into the appropriate range on standard charts. Instead, your healthy weight will be based on these and other aspects:
- Age
- Height
- Build
- Percentage of body fat
For example, a highly physical teen boy with great muscle tone could easily weigh higher than average on the standard average height and weight chart. This is due largely to the fact that muscle cells weigh more than fat cells.
Average Weight Versus BMI for Teens
A more common measure of average healthy bodies is based on a formula known as the Body Mass Index or BMI. (BMI formula = your weight divided by your height squared). The Center for Disease Control recommends the use of a BMI calculator to screen for obesity, overweight, underweight, and healthy weight.
However, the site states, "BMI is not a diagnostic tool." Even if a teen has a high BMI, a health care provider would perform other diagnostic tests to determine if a teen is overweight.
BMI Calculator Widget
Curious where you fall? Calculate your own body mass index using the handy widget above.
- Choose between US customary (pounds, feet and inches) or metric (kilograms, meters and centimeters) units of measurement.
- Type in your weight and height in the corresponding fields.
- Click the "Calculate" button to reveal your BMI.
- Click the "Clear Results" button to perform a new calculation.
- Use the charts below with BMI ranges for children to see where your results fall.
BMI Results for Boys
Understanding BMI for boys can give you some useful information to discuss with your doctor, especially if you have any concerns.
| Age | Underweight | Healthy Weight | Overweight | Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 15.2 or under | 15.3-21.5 | 21.6-25 | 25.1 and over |
| 14 | 15.9 or under | 16-23.5 | 23.6-25.9 | 26 and over |
| 15 | 16.6 or under | 16.7-23.3 | 23.4-26.7 | 26.8 and over |
| 16 | 17.2 or under | 17.3-24.1 | 24.2-27.4 | 27.5 and over |
| 17 | 17.6 or under | 17.7-24.8 | 25-28.1 | 28.2 and over |
| 18 | 18.1 or under | 18.2-25.5 | 25.6-28.8 | 28.9 and over |
| 19 | 18.6 or under | 18.7-26.2 | 26.3-29.8 | 29.7 and over |
BMI Results for Girls
Understanding what the average BMI for girls is and calculating what yours is can be a useful piece of information to speak with your doctor about. They may also calculate it for you during your annual checkup.
| Girls | Underweight | Healthy Weight | Overweight | Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 15.2 or under | 15.3-22.5 | 22.6-26.2 | 26.3 and over |
| 14 | 15.7 or under | 15.8-23.2 | 23.3-27.1 | 27.2 and over |
| 15 | 16.2 or under | 16.3-23.9 | 24-28 | 28.1 and over |
| 16 | 16.7 or under | 16.8-25.5 | 25.6-28.8 | 28.9 and over |
| 17 | 17.1 or under | 17.2-25.1 | 25.2-29.5 | 29.6 and over |
| 18 | 17.4 or under | 17.5-25.6 | 25.7-30.2 | 30.3 and over |
| 19 | 17.7 or under | 17.8-26 | 26.1-30.9 | 31 and over |
Consider Growth Rates and Physical Exams
Anyone who has to buy new clothes is well aware that teens are still growing. Growth rate is unique to children and teens, as their BMI, height, and weight will flux as their bodies are developing.
Ultimately, the best evaluation is the one performed by a pediatrician. At each physical exam, height and weight should be measured, tracking progress on an individualized chart. This general health screen is recommended every two years for teenagers, aged 11 to 24 years.
Although your weight and height aren't used to diagnose anything, understanding where you fall in terms of these factors can give your doctor more information about other concerns you may have regarding your health and wellbeing.
Understanding Changing Teen Bodies
Teens' bodies are dramatically affected by puberty. While the above charts highlight the average height and weight for teenagers, there's much more to this story.
Consider these common factors in teen growth that may impact height and weight:
- Hormonal changes - Hormones will start changing the body's structure. So, even while normal growth happens, a teen's body will begin to look different. These changes may worry a teen, as they lose their straight childlike bodies. Often, actual height and weight really makes little difference.
- Growth periods- Teenagers also usually go through a period, lasting about two years, of rapid height growth. Before this occurs, the body may appear heavier. After the growth spurt, the body begins to elongate, even sometimes appearing too thin. For girls, this time of growth usually occurs in the preteens around 10 to 14 years. For boys, it's later, usually around 12 to 16 years old.
- Body fat percentage changes - A girl's body fat percentage will naturally increase and a boy's will decrease. Genetics play a large role in how this all pans out.
If a teenager's height or weight is significantly different than the average, a visit to your doctor can help, but know that fluctuations and differences aren't necessarily a cause for concern.
Staying Healthy Isn't Just About Numbers
If you're a teen feeling stressed about being over or underweight, focus on good eating habits and nutrition instead of the numbers on the scale. Talk to a doctor for advice on how to reach and maintain your ideal weight. Simple things like eating a well-balanced diet and staying active can help you grow properly and maintain a weight that's right for you.
If you're a parent, it's important to talk to your teens about body image and weight. Let them know that it's impossible to come up with an ideal weight that suits everyone and teach them to appreciate and take good care of their bodies. Don't talk about fat versus thin; talk about what's healthy.
Address Concerns With Your Doctor
If you have concerns about your current height or weight, address this with your primary care physician. A doctor can listen to all of your concerns and give advice based on your medical history, age, current height, and weight.
