Most people stop growing in height after puberty when their growth plates close.
For Boys
- Most boys stop growing taller by around age 16 to 18, as their growth plates fuse shortly after puberty ends
- Some boys, especially late bloomers, may continue to grow a little into their early 20s, but significant growth after 18 is rare
- Puberty in boys generally starts between ages 10 and 13 and lasts 2 to 5 years
For Girls
- Girls usually stop growing around 14 to 15 years old, typically a couple of years after menstruation begins
- Most girls have their growth spurt between ages 10 and 14 and reach adult height shortly after
Why Growth Stops
- Growth stops because the growth plates (areas of cartilage near the ends of bones) harden and fuse into bone, preventing further lengthening of bones
- Genetics largely determine final height, but nutrition and sleep also influence growth
In summary, most females stop growing by mid-teens (14-15 years), while most males stop by late teens (16-18 years), with some rare cases of males growing slightly into their early 20s
