To determine the average weight and height for a 12-year-old boy or girl, consult a growth chart. Although growth charts provide a good estimate of size, it's best to use these averages as a guide only. With anything concerning a child's health, it is important to consult a physician for further follow-up.
Growth Charts
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides various growth charts. They are divided according to gender, age and medical condition. Growth charts for infants birth to 36 months measure length for age, weight for age, head circumference for age and weight for length. Growth charts for children and adolescents 2 to 20 measure stature for age, weight for age and body mass index for age. Growth charts are best used to track growth over a period of time.
Average Weight
To determine average weight for a 12-year-old, use the growth chart for children and adolescents 2 to 20 years. Then use either the growth chart for boys or girls. The average weight will be located along the 50th percentile line on the graph. For a 12-year-old boy, the average weight is about 89 lbs. For a 12-year-old girl, the average weight is about 91 lbs.
Average Height
To determine average height for a 12-year-old, again use the growth chart for adolescents 2 to 20-years-old. Then use the section located above weight percentiles listed as stature. The average height will be located along the 50th percentile line on the graph. For a 12-year-old boy, the average height is about 58.5 inches. For a 12-year-old girl, the average height is about 59.5 inches.
Trends
These heights and weights represent averages. Various factors play into growth of a child, including genes. It is important to track growth over a period of time to determine trends. Keep track of your child's growth using growth charts at home and present these to the physician with any questions or concerns.
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