Men typically stop growing in height when their growth plates (epiphyseal plates) fuse, which usually occurs around age 18. However, some men may continue to experience minor growth spurts into their early 20s, with growth generally ceasing by about age 21 to 25 in rare cases
. Key points:
- Most men stop growing by age 18, coinciding with the end of puberty and closure of growth plates
- Some men, especially those with later puberty onset, may grow slightly into their early 20s, but this growth is minimal (often less than an inch)
- Growth plates are cartilage areas near the ends of long bones that allow bones to lengthen; once these plates harden into bone, growth stops
- Individual factors such as genetics, nutrition, health, and hormonal balance influence the timing and extent of growth
In summary, while the average age for men to stop growing is around 18, it is not unusual for some to continue growing slightly until their early 20s, but growth beyond age 21 is uncommon.