Question:
Hey,
I have a question: The Tanner Stage Calculator says I’m at stage 3.8. Stage 3 is supposed to be the stage of rapid growth, but I really didn’t grow a lot. Could my rapid growth stage be in Tanner Stage 4?
Answer:
By Dr. Tanner’s definition, stage 3 is the period of rapid growth. There are several possibilities:
- My aim for the calculator is to be within 0.3 of your actual development (or another way to look at it is within 6 months). Your estimate may be slightly high.
- It is also possible that your answers are slightly skewed toward saying you are more developed than you are. I’m not saying this has happened with you, but the possibility exists.
- You are still in stage 3, so your rapid growth could come in the next 6 months.
- Some boys don’t have sudden rapid growth but grow more quickly at a steady rate spread over a longer period.
Since I don’t know anything else about you, I can’t say which fits your situation best. Your heights over the last five years or so would help.
Question:
Hey,
Here are my heights:
- 2024 161 cm
- 2023 157 cm
- 2022 154 cm
- 2021 152 cm
- 2020 148cm
Answer:
Notice that you averaged about 3 cm per year (between 2 and 4 cm) through this year. Either you will see a growth spurt shortly (within six months), or something went wrong with the estimate. I cannot verify the estimate since I can’t see you, so we will have to wait.
Response:
OK. Thank you so much!