Sit & Reach Test: Norms by Age & Sex
What is a normal sit-and-reach score? These are the sit-and-reach flexibility norms (in centimeters) from the Presidential Fitness Test's 1985 survey, by age and sex. The V-sit reach was offered as an alternate.
Sit & Reach Test norms by age
Sit-and-reach is measured on a box with the legs extended; the score is how far past the baseline you can reach, in centimeters, on the best of several attempts.
| Age | Boys 85th | Boys 50th | Girls 85th | Girls 50th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 31 cm | 26 cm | 32 cm | 27 cm |
| 7 | 30 cm | 25 cm | 32 cm | 27 cm |
| 8 | 31 cm | 25 cm | 33 cm | 28 cm |
| 9 | 31 cm | 25 cm | 33 cm | 28 cm |
| 10 | 30 cm | 25 cm | 33 cm | 28 cm |
| 11 | 31 cm | 25 cm | 34 cm | 29 cm |
| 12 | 31 cm | 26 cm | 36 cm | 30 cm |
| 13 | 33 cm | 26 cm | 38 cm | 31 cm |
| 14 | 36 cm | 28 cm | 40 cm | 33 cm |
| 15 | 37 cm | 30 cm | 43 cm | 36 cm |
| 16 | 38 cm | 30 cm | 42 cm | 34 cm |
| 17 | 41 cm | 34 cm | 42 cm | 35 cm |
Verified source: Presidential Physical Fitness Test standards — President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, 1985 National School Population Fitness Survey (85th percentile validated 1998; 50th validated 1994). Reproduced verbatim and checked cell-by-cell. Recovered from the President's Challenge archive and verified cell-by-cell against the authoritative GPO publication (p. 8). Partial Curl-Up norms: Canada Fitness Award Program; ¼/½-mile: AAU. Official source · Sources & methodology
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal sit-and-reach score?
On the Presidential Fitness Test scale, the 50th percentile is typical for your age and sex. Scores rise into the teens — a 17-year-old girl's median was about 35 cm, with 42 cm at the 85th percentile.
Why do girls score higher on sit-and-reach?
Females tend to have greater hip and hamstring flexibility on average, which is reflected in higher sit-and-reach norms across every age group.
Other events: Push-Up Test · Pull-Up Test · Curl-Up (Sit-Up) Test · One-Mile Run · Shuttle Run Test · Flexed-Arm Hang Test