Normal Height and Weight for an 11-Year-Old Girl
The normal weight for an 11-year-old girl typically ranges from 28-65 kg (62-143 pounds), while the normal height ranges from 134-155 cm (4'5" to 5'1"), based on CDC growth charts showing the 5th to 95th percentiles for this age group. 1
Understanding Growth Charts and Percentiles
Growth charts are essential tools for assessing whether a child's physical development falls within normal parameters. For children aged 2-19 years, the CDC growth charts are recommended, while WHO growth charts are used for children under 24 months 1.
For 11-year-old girls, the following ranges represent normal development:
Height (Length/Stature-for-Age)
- 5th percentile: approximately 134 cm (4'5")
- 50th percentile: approximately 145 cm (4'9")
- 95th percentile: approximately 155 cm (5'1")
Weight (Weight-for-Age)
- 5th percentile: approximately 28 kg (62 lbs)
- 50th percentile: approximately 40 kg (88 lbs)
- 95th percentile: approximately 65 kg (143 lbs)
Body Mass Index (BMI) Considerations
BMI is an important measurement used to assess whether a child's weight is appropriate for their height:
- Healthy weight: BMI between the 5th and 85th percentiles
- Underweight: BMI below the 5th percentile
- Overweight: BMI between the 85th and 95th percentiles
- Obese: BMI at or above the 95th percentile 1
For an 11-year-old girl, a healthy BMI typically ranges from approximately 14 to 20 kg/m².
Growth Pattern Evaluation
When evaluating an 11-year-old girl's growth:
- Consider her growth pattern since birth, not just a single measurement
- Assess whether she is following a consistent percentile channel
- Note that crossing two major percentile lines (upward or downward) may warrant further evaluation 2
- Consider genetic factors such as parental height
Common Pitfalls in Growth Assessment
Focusing on a single measurement: Growth should be evaluated as a pattern over time rather than a single point measurement.
Ignoring BMI: Weight alone doesn't provide a complete picture; weight relative to height (BMI) is more informative for assessing healthy development.
Comparing to average values only: Children naturally vary in size; what's important is consistent growth along their established percentile curves.
Overlooking family patterns: Genetic factors significantly influence a child's growth potential. Short parents tend to have shorter children, though this doesn't necessarily predict adult height outcomes 3.
Self-reported measurements: Research shows that children aged 8-11 years cannot accurately self-report their height and weight, with height typically overestimated and weight underestimated 4.
Remember that these ranges represent statistical norms, and healthy children may fall outside these ranges while still developing normally. If there are concerns about a child's growth, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for proper evaluation.