Height & growth guides
Straight answers about growing taller, puberty and growth plates, based on CDC growth data and medical sources. No miracle tricks.
Free height tools
Height CalculatorPredict your adult height from your age, height and your parents’ heights.How Tall Will I Be? QuizAnswer a few quick questions and see your likely adult height.Mid-Parental Height CalculatorYour genetic target height, from your mom’s and dad’s heights.Height Percentile CalculatorHow your height compares with others your age (CDC charts).Am I Done Growing? QuizCheck the signs and estimate how much growth you have left.Height ComparisonCompare up to 4 heights side by side, drawn to scale.
Growing taller
What Foods Make You Taller?No food adds height beyond your genes, but protein, calcium, vitamin D, zinc and enough calories help you reach it. See food lists and a sample day for teens.How to Grow Taller: What You Can and Can't ChangeGenes set your height range, but while you're still growing, sleep, food, activity and health decide if you reach it. See what works and what doesn't.Stretches to Grow Taller: A 10-Minute Routine to Stand TallerStretching won't lengthen your bones, but it can undo slouching so you stand at your full height. Try this safe 10-minute routine with 8 moves and posture tips.Vitamins for Height: Do Any Actually Help You Grow?No vitamin or pill makes you taller unless it fixes a real deficiency. See which nutrients matter for growth, the best food sources and supplement risks.
Growth & puberty
Can You Grow Taller After 18?Some late bloomers grow a little after 18, usually an inch or less, but nobody grows once growth plates close. Here is what is possible and what is a myth.Growth Plates: What They Are and When They CloseGrowth plates are soft zones near the ends of bones that let kids grow taller. They usually close at 13–15 in girls and 15–17 in boys. Here's how they work.Growth Spurts in Teens: When They Happen and What to ExpectThe teen growth spurt usually peaks around 11 to 12 in girls and 13 to 14 in boys. Learn the ages, signs, how long it lasts and what actually helps you grow.Can You Keep Your Growth Plates Open?No diet, stretch or supplement can keep growth plates open or reopen them. Learn what closes them, what doctors use and what helps while you're growing.How to Tell if Your Growth Plates Are ClosedThere is no home test for closed growth plates. See the signs that hint growth is over, how a bone-age X-ray confirms it, and what to ask your doctor.Late Bloomer: Signs of Late Puberty and How Much You Will GrowLate bloomers start puberty and their growth spurt later, then keep growing longer. Learn the signs, how doctors confirm it, and how tall late bloomers end up.When Do Boys Stop Growing?Most boys stop growing between 16 and 18. See the CDC age chart, the signs growth is ending, what late bloomers can expect, and how much taller you may get.When Do Girls Stop Growing?Most girls stop growing around 14 or 15, a year or two after their first period. See the CDC age chart, growth after your period, and signs you're done.When Do You Stop Growing?Most people stop growing in height between 14 and 18: girls around 14 to 15, boys around 16 to 18. Compare the timelines and find out where you are.
Myths & facts
Does Basketball Make You Taller?No, basketball doesn't make you taller: tall kids choose it. See what jumping, swimming and volleyball really do for growing bodies and what affects height.Does Coffee Stunt Your Growth?No, coffee and caffeine don't stunt growth. Learn where the myth came from, how much caffeine teens can safely have, and why sleep is the real concern.Does Creatine Stunt Growth?There's no evidence creatine stunts growth, but teen research is thin and pediatricians don't recommend it under 18. Here's what the science and the AAP say.Does HGH Make You Taller?HGH only adds height in kids with open growth plates and specific conditions, under a specialist. See typical gains, costs, side effects and black-market risks.Does Lifting Weights Stunt Growth?No. Supervised weight training doesn't stunt growth in kids or teens. See what pediatricians say, how growth plate injuries happen, and safe lifting rules.Does Milk Make You Taller?Milk can't make you taller than your genes allow, but it supports growth. See what milk studies show, how much dairy teens need, and options if you skip milk.Does Sleeping Make You Taller?Sleep can't add height beyond your genes, but much of your growth hormone is released in deep sleep. How much teens need, plus the 10-hour and position myths.Does Stretching Make You Taller?No. Stretching can't lengthen bones or add real height, but better posture helps you stand tall. What science says about hanging, yoga and morning height.Does Testosterone Make You Taller?Your own testosterone fuels the teen growth spurt, but extra testosterone can close growth plates early and lower final height. Here's how it really works.Does Working Out Make You Taller?Working out won't make you taller than your genes allow, and sensible training doesn't stunt growth. What exercise does for teens, and why athletes are tall.What Stunts Growth?Undernutrition, untreated illness and steroids can stunt growth. See what research says about vaping, alcohol, weed, Adderall, melatonin and common myths.
Average height
Average Height for Men in the US and WorldwideThe average American man is just under 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). See US height percentiles, averages by age and by country, and whether 5'8 is short.Average Height for Women in the US and WorldwideThe average American woman is about 5 feet 3.5 inches (161 cm). See US height percentiles, averages by age and by country, and whether 5'2 is short.