The following table shows the average height and weight for boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 18. Wide variations are common. Kids' height can vary by as much as 6" at age 5 for kids who will still grow up to be the same size. Girls and boys are very similar in average height and weight until puberty.
| Boys | Girls |
Height
|
Weight
|
Height
|
Weight
|
43
|
40
|
42
|
40
|
46
|
44
|
45
|
44
|
48
|
50
|
48
|
50
|
51
|
56
|
51
|
56
|
53
|
62
|
52
|
62
|
55
|
70
|
54
|
72
|
57
|
79
|
57
|
82
|
59
|
88
|
59
|
91
|
61
|
101
|
62
|
102
|
65
|
112
|
63
|
108
|
67
|
124
|
63
|
114
|
68
|
134
|
64
|
118
|
69
|
142
|
64
|
121
|
69
|
148
|
64
|
123
|
Source:
National Center for Health Statistics One of the biggest challenges with growth concerns the times when kids are out of step with their peers. If kids are developing slower, they may feel less confident and will need encouragement to continue playing when they are tempted to quit. Players who develop quicker may become overconfident and lack the work ethic to excel. These players will need encouragement to continue improving. Over time, most physical differences will even out but the process is difficult physically and emotionally. Growing up is hard to do.
For More Information:
The complete set of growth charts with percentile variations can be found at the NCHS website:
http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts.