What is puberty short answer?
Christopher Harper
Updated on April 02, 2026
Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a process that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys.
What happens during puberty?
Puberty is when a child’s body begins to develop and change as they become an adult. Girls develop breasts and start their periods. Boys develop a deeper voice and facial hair will start to appear. The average age for girls to begin puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12.
What are the 5 stages of puberty?
What Are the Five Stages of Puberty?
- Tanner stage 1. Describes a child’s appearance before physical signs appear. Signs of stage 1 that occur are not visible.
- Tanner stage 2. Boys: Enlargement of scrotum and testes.
- Tanner stage 3. Boys: Enlargement of penis (length at first)
- Tanner stage 4. Boys:
- Tanner stage 5. Boys:
How long is puberty for a girl?
In girls, puberty usually begins between the ages of 9 and 14. Once it begins, it lasts about 2 to 5 years.
What are the signs of puberty in a girl?
Here’s an overview of the major physical changes girls can expect as they go through puberty:
- Breast Development. Girls usually begin puberty between the ages of 8 and 13 years old.
- Body Hair.
- Vaginal Discharge.
- Periods.
- Increase in Height.
- Wider Hips.
- Other Common Changes.
- Parent FAQs about girls & changing bodies:
What are the first visible signs of puberty?
The first signs of puberty are followed 1 or 2 years later by a noticeable growth spurt. Her body will begin to build up fat, particularly in the breasts and around her hips and thighs, as she takes on the contours of a woman. Her arms, legs, hands, and feet will also get bigger.
What is the final stage of puberty?
Tanner stage 5: This final phase marks the end of physical maturation. Girls: Usually, puberty occurs around the age of 15 years. Changes include: Breasts reach approximate adult size and shape, although breasts may change till the age of 18 years.
What age do girls start periods?
Typically, you’ll start your periods about 2 years after your breasts start growing and about a year after getting a white vaginal discharge. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.