What is the average head circumference of a newborn?

What is the average head circumference of a newborn?

• A. 12 inches
• B. 13 inches
• C. 14 inches
• D. 15 inches

Answer: (C)

Newborn head circumference is typically around mid-30s centimeters. In inches, that’s about 13.5 to 14 inches, with many charts showing a median near 13.8–14 inches at birth. The option closest to this average is 14 inches, since 12 inches (roughly 30 cm) and 13 inches (about 33 cm) are notably smaller than average, while 15 inches (about 38 cm) is larger than typical. Measuring head circumference involves placing a flexible, non-stretchable tape around the widest part of the head, above the eyebrows and around the occipital prominence, snug but not compressing. This measurement helps screen for microcephaly or macrocephaly and is plotted on growth charts to track brain growth over time.

Newborn head circumference is typically around mid-30s centimeters. In inches, that’s about 13.5 to 14 inches, with many charts showing a median near 13.8–14 inches at birth. The option closest to this average is 14 inches, since 12 inches (roughly 30 cm) and 13 inches (about 33 cm) are notably smaller than average, while 15 inches (about 38 cm) is larger than typical. Measuring head circumference involves placing a flexible, non-stretchable tape around the widest part of the head, above the eyebrows and around the occipital prominence, snug but not compressing. This measurement helps screen for microcephaly or macrocephaly and is plotted on growth charts to track brain growth over time.