Average Weight & Height for a 3-Year-Old

Growth at 3 Years

Three-year-olds grow about 6–7 cm (2.5–3 in) per year in height and gain about 2 kg (4.4 lb) per year. The average 3-year-old boy weighs about 14.4 kg (31.7 lb) and stands 95.3 cm (37.5 in) tall. Girls average about 13.9 kg (30.7 lb) and 94.2 cm (37.1 in).

Growth Patterns at This Age

By age 3, the rapid growth of infancy and toddlerhood has settled into a slow, steady pattern that will continue until the pubertal growth spurt. Children grow about 6 cm per year and gain about 2 kg per year. This predictable growth means percentile changes become less common — a healthy 3-year-old usually stays near the same percentile they've been tracking on.

Body Composition Changes

Preschoolers naturally become leaner as they lose baby fat and gain muscle. BMI typically decreases between ages 2 and 5 before gradually rising again (called the "adiposity rebound"). This is why a 3-year-old often looks slimmer than they did at 1–2 years. Track BMI with our BMI calculator.

Nutrition for Growth

Three-year-olds need about 1,000–1,400 calories per day. Key nutrients for growth include protein, calcium (for bones), iron, and vitamin D. Milk intake should be limited to about 2 cups (480 mL) per day — too much milk can fill them up and displace solid food intake.