Boys enter puberty at bit later than girls, so when do boys reach their max height? Well, it depends on the age a boy enters puberty, which can vary considerably depending on the individual. Boys stop growing when puberty ends.
When do Boys Stop Getting Taller?
Boys hit their maximum growth spurt about two years after puberty begins, generally getting their first period around 12 1/2 years of age.
Once they enter puberty, boys typically grow rapidly, reaching their full adult height by age 17 or 18.
However there is a very broad range of timing in which boys hit puberty-related growth spurts. A boy entering puberty early will therefore stop growing earlier too.
Boys can enter puberty anywhere between ages of 8 and 13, and have a growth spurt between the ages of 10 and 14. During puberty, boys should maintain regular exercise and a balanced diet in order to ensure proper bone growth and development.
Rate of Height Increase for Boys by Age
Boys stop growing at around age 16-17 on average, though varies significantly based on the age they began puberty.
Signs of Puberty in Boys
- Growth rate in feet (shoe size) begins first.
- Note: The growth spurt in height does not begin until after Stage II of puberty for boys.
- Pubic hair begins to appear.
- Scrotum and testes increase in size
- Note: The penis does not enlarge until after Stage II of puberty.
- Armpit hair appears and sweating increases.
Tanner Stages of Puberty for Boys
Professor James Tanner, a child development expert, noted distinct stages of physical development during puberty known as the Tanner stages
While the Tanner stages give average ages of puberty development, there is significant variation among children and teenagers. Parents and teens shouldn’t worry if they reach a stage of puberty earlier or later.
The normal age puberty begins in boys can vary widely.
Tanner stage one: Before Puberty
This stage is often called pre-pubertal, meaning before the onset of puberty.
- Boys are already growing at about 2 inches per year during this stage.
Tanner stage two: Puberty Begins
- In boys, puberty usually starts at around 11.5 years of age, although it can occur anytime between 10 and 15.
- Boys maintain growth at 2 inches per year during this stage; no growth spurt yet!
- Scrotum and testes begin to enlarge and redden
- Pubic hair begins to develop
- Feet begin a rapid growth spurt
Tanner stage three: Growth Rate Begins
- In boys, this stage usually begins around the age of 12.5.
- Growth spurt begins; boys grow an average of 3 inches a year.
- Penis begins to enlarge, by length at first
- Acne may appear
- Voice cracks
Tanner stage four: Growth in Genitalia and Height Peak
- This stage usually starts at the age of 13-14 for boys
- Growth rate peaks; boys grow nearly 4 inches a year on average — their highest growth rate.
- Adult-like pubic hair adult, but covering less area than in adult
- Increased growth of penis; testes and scrotum enlarge further and darken
Tanner stage five: Final Adult Height and Body
- This final stage usually occurs at just over 16 years of age.
- Boys will stop growing about 5-6 years after puberty begins, reaching their full adult height by age 16-18.
- Genitals and pubic hair are now fully developed at the end of this stage.