Push-Up Standards for Ages 13-17 (Teens)

How many push-ups should you be able to do between 13 and 17? Find your exact age in the tables below for men and women, then test your rating.

The short answer

Between ages 13 and 17, about 8-34 full push-ups is average for men and about 5-19 for women. The exact numbers shift a little with each year of age, so check your row below.

These benchmarks assume standard full push-ups with a straight body line, controlled lowering, and full extension at the top. Test with the same form each time so your score is comparable from month to month.

Men: push-up standards by age

Teen boys experience rapid strength gains thanks to puberty-driven increases in testosterone and muscle mass. Push-up performance typically improves each year during this period, with many teens doubling their capacity between ages 13 and 17. School fitness tests like the Presidential Fitness Test often use push-ups as a benchmark, making this an ideal time to build foundational upper-body strength. Consistent practice now builds habits and connective tissue resilience that pays dividends for decades.

Age	Below Avg	Average	Above Avg	Elite
13	0-7	8-14	15-24	25+
14	0-10	11-19	20-32	33+
15	0-13	14-24	25-39	40+
16	0-16	17-29	30-47	48+
17	0-18	19-34	35-54	55+

Women: push-up standards by age

Teen girls can make excellent push-up progress, though hormonal differences mean absolute numbers are typically lower than male peers. The focus should be on proper form, progressive overload, and building confidence rather than chasing specific numbers. Many young women find that starting with incline push-ups and gradually lowering the surface builds strength efficiently. School fitness standards account for physiological differences, so teens should measure progress against their own baseline.

Age	Below Avg	Average	Above Avg	Elite
13	0-4	5-8	9-13	14+
14	0-6	7-10	11-18	19+
15	0-7	8-13	14-21	22+
16	0-9	10-16	17-26	27+
17	0-10	11-19	20-30	31+

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Training Tips for Teens

Tips

•Master proper form before adding volume -- a few perfect push-ups beat many sloppy ones.
•Include push-ups in a balanced routine that also trains legs, core, and back.
•Rest at least one day between push-up sessions to allow growing muscles to recover.
•Track your numbers weekly to stay motivated and see real progress.
•If you cannot do a standard push-up yet, start with knee or incline push-ups and progress from there.

Considerations

•Growth plates are still developing; avoid extreme volume or weighted push-ups before physical maturity.
•Wrist discomfort is common during growth spurts -- use push-up handles or fists if needed.
•Focus on movement quality over quantity to build safe movement patterns.
•Some teens may find bodyweight exercises challenging if experiencing rapid height gains; this is normal and temporary.

Other Age Groups

Young Adults: Ages 18-25

Adults: Ages 26-35

Middle-Aged: Ages 36-50

Mature Adults: Ages 51-60

Seniors: Ages 61-70

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many push-ups should a teenager be able to do?+

It varies by age and gender. A 15-year-old male averaging 15-25 push-ups is performing well, while a 15-year-old female averaging 8-14 is on track. The key is consistent improvement over time rather than hitting a specific number.

Are push-ups safe for teenagers who are still growing?+

Yes, bodyweight push-ups are safe for teens. They build functional strength without the joint stress of heavy weights. Just ensure proper form and avoid pushing through pain in the wrists or shoulders.

How can a teen improve their push-up count for a school fitness test?+

Practice 3-4 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Start with 3 sets of as many good-form reps as possible, and add 1-2 reps per set each week. Test yourself every two weeks to track progress.

Should teens do push-ups every day?+

Daily push-ups are not recommended for teens. Growing muscles need recovery time. Training 3-4 days per week with rest days in between produces better results and reduces overuse injury risk.

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