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Growth spurts: ages, signs and what to expect
Updated 13 October 2026 · Educational guide, not medical advice
The big puberty growth spurt usually happens between 10 and 14 for girls (fastest around 11 to 12) and between 12 and 16 for boys (fastest around 13 to 14).
Growth spurt ages: girls vs boys
| Girls | Boys | |
|---|---|---|
| Spurt usually starts | Around 10–11 | Around 12–13 |
| Fastest growth | Around 11–12 | Around 13–14 |
| Growth at the peak | 6–8 cm a year | 8–10 cm a year |
| Close to adult height | Around 14–16 | Around 16–18 |
These are averages. Children who start puberty early or late are usually completely healthy, and late starters often keep growing for longer.
Do younger children have growth spurts?
Yes, but smaller ones. Babies grow fastest of all, and growth slows through the toddler years to a steady 5 to 6 cm a year through primary school. Many children also have small bursts of growth along the way, often noticed when trousers suddenly look short.
Signs of a growth spurt
- Hungrier than usual: raiding the fridge after a full meal.
- More tired: sleeping in or wanting earlier nights.
- Clothes and shoes stop fitting: feet often grow first, so a jump in shoe size is an early clue.
- A bit clumsy: limbs can grow faster than coordination keeps up.
- Aching legs at night: often called growing pains, they're common, harmless and usually ease with a warm bath or a massage.
- Mood changes: the spurt comes alongside the hormonal changes of puberty.
How to help during a growth spurt
- Protect sleep: growth hormone is mostly released in deep sleep. Aim for 9 to 12 hours for primary-age children and 8 to 10 for teenagers, with phones out of the bedroom.
- Feed the appetite well: protein at every meal, plus dairy or calcium-rich alternatives, fruit and vegetables. Bigger portions are normal.
- Keep them active: about an hour a day helps build strong bones.
- Measure monthly: the same time of day, shoes off. It's the easiest way to see a spurt as it happens.
How tall will they be when it's over?
The growth spurt adds a lot of height quickly, but where a child ends up depends mostly on their parents' heights. Try our free height calculator to see a likely adult height range.
When to see a GP
- Signs of puberty before 8 in girls or 9 in boys.
- No signs of puberty by 13 in girls or 14 in boys.
- Growth seems to have stopped, or your child is dropping across growth chart lines.
- Leg pains during the day, in one leg only, or with swelling, limping or fever. These aren't typical growing pains.
How tall will your child be?
Enter Mum's and Dad's heights for an estimated adult height range. Free, takes 10 seconds.
Try the height calculatorFrequently asked questions
How long does a growth spurt last?
The main puberty growth spurt usually lasts about two to three years, with the fastest growth in the middle of that time.
Do children sleep more during a growth spurt?
Many do. Extra tiredness is common, and protecting sleep helps them grow to their natural potential.
Can you tell when a growth spurt is about to start?
Early signs of puberty and a jump in shoe size are good clues, as feet often grow first.
More guides
Sources
- RCPCH: UK-WHO growth charts, 2–18 years
- NHS: Early or delayed puberty
- CDC: Growth charts
- Tanner JM, Whitehouse RH. Clinical longitudinal standards for height, weight, height velocity and stages of puberty. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 1976.
This guide is for general information only and isn't medical advice. If you're worried about your child's growth or development, speak to your GP or health visitor.