Will Your Ape Index Change During Puberty?
I’m not entirely certain if this is the ideal forum for my question, but I’ll dive in. I’m a 14-year-old guy and recently I calculated my ape index. My height is 5 feet 3 inches, which I realize is on the shorter side. My parents and I are consulting with specialists in the near future, and I'm also using a product called TruHeight to help with my growth. In terms of wingspan, I measured around 5 feet 7 inches. This gives me an ape index of approximately 1.06 to 1.063. To give you some perspective, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has an ape index ranging from 1.053 to 1.06. As a swimmer, this excites me because several doctors believe I might eventually reach a height between 6 feet and 6 feet 3 inches, with the most probable height being around 6 feet 2 inches. I should mention that I might be experiencing constitutionally delayed puberty, although it's not officially diagnosed; it's just a hypothesis shared by some medical practitioners, not necessarily specialists. Currently, I’m showing minimal signs of puberty. For instance, I have a bit of facial hair, some mild pubic hair growth, a slight deepening of my voice, a little height increase, and my muscles are becoming slightly more defined—hopefully as a result of my workouts. Returning to my question, do you think my ape index will remain stable throughout my puberty, or could my arms simply be growing at a faster pace in anticipation of a significant growth spurt? I would greatly appreciate any insights. Thank you for taking the time to read this!
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 2:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're taking a keen interest in your growth and measurements like your ape index! The ape index is the ratio of wingspan to height, and understanding how this might change during puberty can be quite interesting—especially for someone involved in athletics like swimming.
Main Points:
- Your ape index could change during puberty.
- Growth spurts may affect your height and wingspan differently, potentially altering the ratio.
- Monitor your growth and any changes during this time, and consult with specialists for tailored advice.
Explanation:
During puberty, generally, both height and arm length can change significantly, but they may not always grow at the same rate. For many boys, puberty can start anywhere from ages 9 to 14 and can last until the late teens. Some people experience what's called "constitutional delayed puberty," which can mean that your body is just taking a bit longer to go through these changes. As you grow taller, your arms may also grow longer, but the pace might vary.
In your case, if you're accurately measuring your arms and height, it’s possible that as you grow taller, your wingspan could increase relatively to your height, potentially affecting your ape index. Keep in mind that Michael Phelps's measurements are impressive, and while having a good ape index can be beneficial for swimming, continued growth and development during puberty will ultimately define your final measurements.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Changes: Keep a record of your height and wingspan measurements every few months to track changes over time. This will help you see how your ape index evolves.
-
Stay Active and Healthy: Continue with your swimming and workouts. They are not only beneficial for your athletic performance but also support healthy growth.
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Consult with Professionals: Follow through with your upcoming appointments with specialists to discuss your growth, development, and any concerns regarding puberty. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations.
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Patience and Positivity: Remember that growth patterns can vary significantly among individuals, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will support your development.
Feel free to ask more questions as you navigate this unique period in your life!
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