Tadpoles typically take about 14 to 16 weeks (around 3 to 4 months) to metamorphose into froglets, which are tiny, fully formed young frogs

. During this process, tadpoles gradually grow legs (first hind legs, then front legs), their tails shrink, and their gills are replaced by lungs, enabling them to transition from living in water to living on land

. The exact duration can vary significantly depending on species, environmental conditions such as temperature, water quality, and predator presence. For example, some species in colder climates or larger species like American Bullfrogs may take up to 3 years to fully metamorphose, while warmer conditions speed up development

. Tadpoles can also delay metamorphosis if the environment is safe and food is abundant, sometimes remaining tadpoles for up to a year

. In the final stage, once the front legs appear, the transformation into a recognizable frog usually completes within 2 to 10 days

. After metamorphosis, froglets continue to mature sexually over 1 to 3 years depending on species

. In summary:

• Typical time from tadpole to froglet: about 14–16 weeks (3–4 months)

• Variation by species and environment can range from under a month to several years

• Final visible transformation after front legs appear takes about 2–10 days

• Sexual maturity takes additional 1–3 years after metamorphosis

This complex biological process is called metamorphosis and involves a complete restructuring of the tadpole's body to adapt from an aquatic to a terrestrial life