When Do Girls Stop Growing? What Parents Should Know About Growth Milestones

Signs That Girls' Growth Is Slowing or Stopping

Getting her first period is often a sign that a girl’s growth is slowing or stopping. Most girls will continue growing for about two to three years after they start menstruating.

During this time, which healthcare providers call “Tanner Stage 4,” several physical changes happen that show your daughter is moving toward her adult height. These include:

• The areola (the darker area around the nipple) on the breasts becomes raised, creating a “double scoop” look above the breast.

• Pubic hair growth is nearly complete.

• Body shape continues changing, with hips becoming rounder.

• Body odor develops, and acne may appear or become more noticeable.

• Regular menstrual cycles begin to establish.

These changes typically happen gradually over several months or years. Since every girl develops at her own pace, your daughter might experience these changes in a slightly different order or timeline than her friends.

Besides these physical changes, family history can give clues about a child's growth. For example, a girl’s growth timeline might follow that of her parents and siblings. 

If you're concerned about your daughter’s height growth, your pediatrician can help. They can use a growth chart to monitor her growth. They might also suggest tests, such as:

• An X-ray of the bones in the left hand and wrist, which can show your child’s “bone age” and help determine how much growth is left by checking the growth plates.

• Blood tests to check for any health issues affecting growth, such as hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies.

Average Height Expectations for Girls

Genetics are the main factor in determining height, but things like nutrition, sleep, and overall health also influence height growth. 

In the U.S., the average height expectations for girls by age, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are:

At about age 15 to 19, girls typically achieve their adult height, averaging between 5 feet 3 inches and 5 feet 4 inches, which is the average female height in the U.S.   

Height patterns also vary based on racial and ethnic groups. For example, in the U.S., non-Hispanic Black and White women ages 20 and over average about 5 feet 4 inches. Hispanic women in the same age group average around 5 feet 2 inches, and Asian women average about 5 feet 1.5 inches. 

There’s even more height variation around the world. Women in the Netherlands are typically among the tallest, averaging about 5 feet 6 inches, while women in Guatemala average about 4 feet 11 inches. That's a difference of seven inches, about the length of a pencil, between the tallest and shortest average heights worldwide. 

All in all, these numbers are just averages, and plenty of healthy girls will be taller or shorter.

Healthcare providers use growth charts and percentiles to better understand how your child's height compares to other children their age and gender. For example, at age 14, the 50th percentile height for girls is approximately 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm). This means that half of 14-year-old girls are taller than this height, and half are shorter.

Percentiles don’t determine how tall a child will be but give a snapshot of how their growth compares to others. A higher number does not mean better, and a lower number does not mean worse. A steady growth pattern within their percentile range is usually a sign of healthy development. If you have concerns about your child's growth, talking to a pediatrician is the best step.

What to Do If You’re Concerned About Your Girl's Growth

As a parent, you want to know your daughter is growing well. Knowing what to watch for and when to seek help can give you peace of mind and ensure your child stays on track.

Growth Monitoring Tips for Parents

Keeping an eye on your child’s growth at home is easier than you might think. Track by measuring your child’s height every few months and note any changes. Use a measuring tape to mark their height on a wall or door frame, and write the date next to the mark. 

Growth isn't always steady. Many children have periods of slower growth followed by growth spurts. Pay attention to the overall pattern over time. 

These home measurements, along with regular check-ups at the pediatrician’s office, can help create a more complete picture of your child's growth.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

Reach out to your child's healthcare provider if you notice:

• Your child shows no height increase for several months during the expected growing years.

• There are signs of early or delayed puberty, such as no breast development by age 13 or beginning menstruation before age 8.

• Your child has a chronic illness or other health conditions that might affect growth.

A pediatrician can measure your child's growth accurately, check their growth charts, and determine if any testing or referral to a pediatric endocrinologist is needed. They can also help you understand what's normal for your child's age and family background.

Summary

Most girls reach their final adult height around age 15, typically growing about 3 more inches in the two to three years after they get their first period. Genes play the biggest role in determining height, but factors such as nutrition, overall health, and living conditions can affect height growth. Each girl's growth journey is different. Talk to your daughter’s pediatrician if you have concerns about their growth rate or have any questions. 

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do girls stop growing?

Girls typically stop growing around 14 or 15 years old, but they may continue to grow for a couple of years after they start menstruating.

Can girls still grow after 18?

Girls typically stop growing around 14 to 15 years old, so it’s unlikely they’ll grow taller after 18. Once the body's growth plates close when puberty ends, significant height increase isn't possible anymore.

When do females stop growing?

Females stop growing taller around two years or two and a half years after they start puberty, typically around 14 to 15 years old.

How can I predict my daughter's adult height?

You can estimate your daughter’s adult height using the midparental height formula: add the parents’ heights (in inches or cm), subtract 5 inches (13 cm) for a girl, and divide by two. You can also use a Height Potential calculator. Still, these are estimates, not guarantees, since factors like nutrition and health can also influence growth. 

What factors influence a girl's final adult height?

A girl’s final adult height is mainly influenced by genetics. Nutrition, overall health, and environmental factors, such as living conditions and access to good healthcare, also play a role. 

When should I consult a healthcare provider about my daughter's growth?

Contact your child's pediatrician if you notice unusual patterns like no growth for several months or signs of very early or late puberty. They can check growth charts and determine if any testing is needed.

When do girls’ feet stop growing?

Girls’ feet typically stop growing around the same time they reach their final height. On average, this happens between ages 14 and 15, but it can vary depending on genetics and when puberty started. 

Do girls stop growing when they get their period?

No, girls don't stop growing as soon as they get their first period, but it is a sign that the major growth phase is winding down. Most girls will grow about 3 more inches in total over the next two to three years after their first period.

Reference sources

MedlinePlus. (2022). Is height determined by genetics?

Klein, D. A., et al. (2017). Disorders of puberty: An approach to diagnosis and management. American Family Physician, 96(9), 590–599.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2021). About puberty and precocious puberty. 

Sørensen, K., et al. (2024). Higher peak height velocity in early maturing girls depends on insulin rather than fat mass or IGF-I. European journal of endocrinology, 191(4), 381–388. https://doi.org/10.1093/ejendo/lvae115

Emmanuel, M., et al. (2022). Tanner stages. In: StatPearls.

Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Puberty.

MedlinePlus. (2023). Growth chart. 

National Center for Health Statistics. (2021). Anthropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults: United States, 2015–2018.

Data Pandas. Average height by country.

Jelenkovic, A., et al. (2020). Genetic and environmental influences on human height from infancy through adulthood at different levels of parental education. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 7974. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-64883-8

González-Elena, M. L., et al. (2021). A cross-sectional study of foot growth and its correlation with anthropometric parameters in a representative cohort of schoolchildren from Southern Spain. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 18(8), 4031. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084031