Leopard geckos are one of the most popular pet lizards, known for their docile nature, easy care requirements and wide range of morphs and colors.

They like to stay in small holes and cracks in the ground. Leopard geckos eat bugs like crickets, worms, and cockroaches. Many people like to have them as pets because they are friendly, easy to take care of, and can live for a long time, sometimes over 20 years, if they are kept healthy and taken to the vet when needed.

Many new owners have questions about leopard gecko growth rates – how fast do they grow, what sizes can I expect, and when do they reach full size?

Much of the confusion stems from the wide variation that exists across leopard geckos – just like dog breeds, there can be significant differences in size depending on the specific genetics of each animal. Some of the factors that contribute to this variety include:

• Morphs – Tremper albinos and other morphs often stay smaller than normal or “wild-type” leopard geckos.
• Gender – Male leopard geckos generally don’t grow as large as females.
• Lineage – There are discernible “giant” and “super giant” lines that have been selectively bred to achieve larger sizes.
• Husbandry – Factors like diet, temperatures and health impact growth rates.

Without understanding these distinctions, general growth charts don’t always match what an owner experiences with their own gecko. The actual size depends greatly on the morph, gender and genetics of the individual animal.

Leopard Gecko Weight Chart

Newly Hatched

• Weight: 2 – 5 grams
• Size: 3 – 4 inches
• Key Fact: Very small and fragile

1 Month Old

• Weight: 5 – 10 grams
• Size: 3 – 5 inches
• Key Fact: Growing quickly

3 Months Old

• Weight: 15 – 40 grams
• Size: 5 – 7 inches
• Key Fact: Rapid juvenile growth

6 Months Old

• Weight: 30 – 60 grams
• Size: 7 – 8 inches
• Key Fact: Should reach adult colors

12 Months Old

• Weight: 45 – 75 grams
• Size: 8 – 10 inches
• Key Fact: Reaching full proportions

Adult

• Weight: 60 – 120 grams
• Size: 8 – 12 inches
• Key Fact: Fully grown

This chart traces their progress from tiny hatchlings under 5 grams to mature adults weighing 60-120 grams. These are general ranges – individual size varies based on genetics, care and other factors. Use monthly weight as a guide to ensure proper growth. Contact an exotic vet if weight stalls or declines.

Age	Weight in Grams	Typical Size Category
0 – 2 months	3 – 5 grams	Hatchling
3 – 4 months	8 – 15 grams	Juvenile
5 – 8 months	20 – 35 grams	Juvenile
9 – 12 months	40 – 60 grams	Subadult
12 – 18 months	60 – 80 grams	Adult
18+ months	80 – 100 grams	Adult

Leopard Gecko Growth Rate

The growth rate of a Leopard Gecko can vary based on factors like genetics, environment, and diet, but here is a general guideline for their growth:

• Hatchling (0-1 month): Hatchlings usually measure 3 to 4 inches in length and weigh approximately 2 to 5 grams. They grow rapidly during this stage.
• Juvenile (1-6 months): At this stage, they grow approximately 1 inch per month and their weight will increase steadily. By the end of the juvenile phase, they may reach 5 to 8 inches in length and weigh between 20 to 40 grams.
• Subadult (6-12 months): The growth rate slows slightly. They may grow to be 8 to 10 inches long and weigh between 40 to 60 grams. Some may start showing signs of sexual maturity towards the end of this phase.
• Adult (12 months and older): Growth in length stops around 12 to 18 months when they reach about 8 to 10 inches, but they can continue to fill out and gain weight. Adult Leopard Geckos typically weigh between 50 to 100 grams, although some males can weigh more.

Age	Average Length (inches)	Average Weight (grams)	Growth Stage
1 month	3.5	5	Hatchling
2 months	4.5	10	Early Juvenile
3 months	5.5	15	Late Juvenile
4 months	6	20	Juvenile
5 months	6.5	25	Juvenile
6 months	7	30	Juvenile
7 months	7.5	35	Subadult
8 months	8	40	Subadult
9 months	8.5	45	Subadult
10 months	9	50	Subadult
11 months	9.5	55	Subadult
12 months	10	60	Adult
18 months	10.5	70	Mature Adult
24 months	11	80	Mature Adult

The chart shows the average length and weight of normal leopard geckos at different ages, based on data from 50 male and 50 female geckos.

It’s important to note that these are averages and some geckos may grow more quickly or slowly. A healthy diet and proper husbandry are key to ensuring a steady growth rate. Regular weigh-ins and length measurements can help keep track of a gecko’s growth over time.

Also See : – Koala Life Span – Bearded Dragon Lifespan

Leopard Gecko Growth Chart by Morph

Here is a leopard gecko growth chart separated by some popular morphs:

Leopard Gecko Size by Morph

Normal

• Adult Size: 8 – 11 inches
• Key Facts: Classic coloration and patterns. Medium adult size.

Giant

• Adult Size: 11 – 14 inches
• Key Facts: Selectively bred for larger size. Docile temperament.

Super Giant

• Adult Size: Over 14 inches
• Key Facts: The largest morph, but less common. Impressive size.

Tangerine

• Adult Size: 6 – 10 inches
• Key Facts: Vibrant orange and yellow hues. Tend to stay smaller.

Patternless

• Adult Size: 8 – 12 inches
• Key Facts: Lack body and banded markings. Variable sizes.

Radar (Bell Albino)

• Adult Size: 6 – 9 inches
• Key Facts: White with dark radar-like bands. Smaller morph.

This shows how popular genetic mutations impact maximum growth. “Giant” labeled breeds reach larger sizes, while morphs like tangerine and radar tend to stay smaller into adulthood. Use your gecko’s morph to predict their full grown dimensions.

Morph	Average Length (inches)	Average Weight (grams)
Normal	8.5	60
High Yellow	8.5	60
Albino	8.5	60
Mack Snow	7	45
Bold Stripe	8.5	60
Blizzard	8.5	60
RAPTOR	8.5	60
Diablo Blanco	8.5	60
Patternless	8.5	60
Red Stripe	8.5	60
Giant	10	90
Super Giant	11	110

The chart shows the average length and weight of different leopard gecko morphs at 24 months of age, which is when they reach their full size.

Leopard Gecko Growth Rate by Age

Leopard geckos grow fastest as young juveniles, similar to pet kittens and puppies. Their rapid development begins to taper off after reaching about 1 year old. Here are the average size milestones as they reach maturity:

• 3 months old – 5 to 7 inches (12 to 18 cm)
• 6 months old – 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm)
• 12 months old – 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm)
• 18 months old – 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm)

Of course there is individual variation in growth due to the factors discussed earlier. Tremper albino leopard geckos, for example, are often max out at the small end of these ranges, while “giant” morphs achieve the higher measurements.

When Do Leopard Geckos Reach Full Size?

The average full grown leopard gecko size spans between 8 to 12 inches nose-to-tail, with some variation above and below that range. For example, “giant” morph leopard geckos can reach lengths exceeding 12 inches as mature adults thanks to specialized selective breeding programs emphasizing size. 

Certain color patterns like bold stripe tend to produce smaller adults generally under 8 inches long regardless of husbandry. But across standard captive bred specimens, 8 to 12 inches marks the common band once growth concludes.

Leopard gecko weights also diversify among adults depending on strain, gender and individual attributes. Most adults fall between 60 to 120 grams total body weight when fully grown and fed appropriately. To put that into perspective, that’s about the same weight as a baseball!

Again genetics contribute significantly to the parentheses here. Female leopard geckos naturally grow larger and stockier than males on average thanks to reproductive considerations. 

Since females must produce and pass large eggs, they require more robust abdominal and spinal dimensions for fertility and egg carrying unrelated to length alone. These anatomical distinctions yield 10-20% heavier mature weights across females separate from simple nose-to-tail metrics.

Underweight adult geckos signal cause for attention, as falling below threshold body condition risks health decline. Overweight specimens may appear impressive initially but can suffer reduced activity levels and shortened longevity akin to human obesity circling back to diet and habitat space.

Baby leopard geckos emerge tiny before intensifying development through their first year, once maturity hits around 18 months old their size stabilizes for life. Responsible pet owners monitor adults within conventional length and weight ranges to balance impressive appearance with quality of life. 

When Do Leopard Geckos Stop Growing

Leopard geckos experience a period of dramatic rapid growth starting from the moment they hatch until reaching approximately one year old. But when do they ultimately stop getting bigger in terms of both length and weight? The answer links closely to sexual maturation alongside shifts in proportional resource allocation once adults.

As juveniles under 12 months old, leopard geckos focus heavily on skeletal and muscular development to quickly achieve survival requisite dimensions. Feeding aggression peaks during this intensive growth phase which can yield 8 inches nose-to-tail length within the first year alone.

Around 12 months old, the wild expansion gives way to a more gradual size progression until 18 months age. Here their growth rate plateaus dramatically as adulthood commences. Reproductive hormones signal redirecting resources towards maintaining fertility rather than arbitrary dimensional gains unlikely to increase survival fitness at this stage.

By 18 to 24 months old, experts consider captive leopard geckos as fully mature adults whose intensive growing days are conclusively over. Their muscle mass and proportions stabilize as length stops increasing and weight holds steady around 60 to 120 grams depending on gender and genetics. Once sexually mature, the imperative switches from rapid physical size enhancement to upholding health.

The longest verified leopard gecko measured over 14 inches nose-to-tail as an outlier freak specimen. So while measurable growth concludes by two years old normally, outliers can continue widening marginally across years three through five before Absolute Length Plateaus forevermore.

Leopard geckos concentrate the vast majority of growing exclusively within their first year post-hatching, slowing by month twelve and concluding by years two maximally. Knowing these milestones helps owners assess adults whose enduring golden years contrast the temporary intensity of their remarkable but fleeting baby growth boom.

Average Leopard Gecko Weight by Age

Along with increases in length, leopard geckos also rapidly gain weight starting from just a few grams at hatching. Here are the normal weight ranges as they grow:

• 3 months old – 15 to 40 grams
• 6 months old – 30 to 60 grams
• 12 months old – 45 to 75 grams
• Adult – 60 to 120 grams

Male vs Female Leopard Gecko Size

Due to genetic and anatomical differences, female leopard geckos grow noticeably larger than males. The females need to accommodate egg production, which accounts for their size advantage.

• Male Leopard Geckos:
  • Tend to be larger and heavier.
  • They can grow up to 8-10 inches long.
  • They usually weigh between 60-100 grams.
  • Males have broader heads and thicker necks.
  • They have visible pre-anal pores and hemipenal bulges near the base of the tail.
• Female Leopard Geckos:
  • Are generally smaller and lighter.
  • They grow to about 7-8 inches in length.
  • Females typically weigh between 50-70 grams.
  • They have a more slender build compared to males.
  • Females lack the pronounced pre-anal pores and hemipenal bulges.

Male and female mature leopard geckos diverge in eventual nose-to-tail lengths and body weights, attentive caretaking enables both sexes to fulfill the highest reaches of their growth potential within gender constraints.

Leopard Gecko Hatchling Size and Weight – Baby Leopard Geckos

Leopard gecko hatchlings emerge from their eggs extremely small and fragile. They measure just 3 to 4 inches (8 – 10 cm) long from nose to tail tip. Their weights range between 2 to 5 grams – similar to a few paperclips! But what they lack in size early on, they make up for in rapid growth potential.

This diminutive size right after hatching makes baby leopard geckos vulnerable initially. Their tails are often kinked and feet can be missing toes – common temporary imperfections. Their large heads, eyes and short snouts give them an almost alien-like appearance. 

At just one month old, baby leopard geckos undergo a rapid growth spurt. They reach 5 to 6 inches in length quickly. And by three months old, most juveniles measure between 5 to 7 inches nose to tail. Their weight gains are equally impressive – from just a couple grams at birth to over 15 grams by 12 weeks old.

Feeding appropriate insects several times daily fuels this intense baby leopard gecko growth phase. Their enclosure temperatures should also be kept slightly warmer during this period – around 90°F ambient allows optimal digestion. Proper supplemental powders provide balanced nutrition for development.

By 6 months old, juvenile leopard geckos slow their growth curve and should achieve around 7 to 8 inches long. And they approach adult proportions by 12 months old typically spanning 8 to 10 inches. Once maturity hits, size increases taper off dramatically. Adults range from 8 to 12 inches fully grown depending on genetics.

Baby leopard geckos hatch with surprisingly small and fragile frames, their tremendous appetite and growth acceleration during the first year allows them to transform quickly into juveniles and thrive into adulthood with proper care. Monitoring developmental milestones ensures they stay on target to attain ideal mature dimensions.

What are the different types of leopard gecko morphs?

There are over 100 different types of leopard gecko morphs, created through genetic mutations and selective breeding. Some of the most popular include:

• Normal: The classic wild-type coloration with yellow and black spots. The most common and affordable morph.
• High Yellow: Brighter yellow coloration with fewer spots. Achieved through line breeding of specimens with enhanced yellow hue.
• Albino: Lack black pigment and have little to no coloration. Red or pink eyes. Includes Tremper, Bell, and Rainwater albino strains.
• Mack Snow: Reduced dark pigment results in a pale, often white appearance, sometimes with black spots or stripes. A co-dominant trait.
• Bold Stripe: The aptly named Bold Stripe morph sports two prominent black bands bookending the spine from crown to tail tip. Through selective crossing of banded specimens, breeders have concentrated this pinstriping pattern while amplifying vibrancy. The dorsal markings manifest either as unbroken black bars or fragmented dashes against the base yellow-orange coat. 
• Blizzard: The Blizzard represents the extreme end of a hypomelanistic spectrum, maximally suppressing nearly all pigment. Save for the dark eyes, these geckos sport a pristine canvas devoid of pattern and hue – hence the evocative Blizzard appellation. The skin tones range from stark alabaster to subtly infused lavender or slate gray, affected by ambient temperatures and circulation. 
• RAPTOR: The premier RAPTOR morph integrates key recessive traits – red eyes devoid of markings upon vibrant tangerine skin – to create an elite designer combination esteemed among collectors for unparalleled aesthetics and value.
• Diablo Blanco: This is a combination of the Blizzard and RAPTOR morphs, resulting in a white or pale leopard gecko with red eyes and no pattern. Diablo Blanco leopard geckos are very rare and costly.
• Patternless: Patternless specimens wholly lack any markings, exhibiting sleek monochrome skin spanning the spectrum from ochre through emerald; this underlying mutation readily breeds with albinos and more to unlock further striking morphogenic possibilities.
• Red Stripe: A line-bred morph that has a red or orange stripe running along the back, from the head to the tail. The stripe can be solid or broken, and the base color can vary from yellow to white. Red stripe leopard geckos can also have a carrot tail, which is a patch of orange or red on the tip of the tail.

These are just some of the many leopard gecko morphs that exist, and there are many more that are not listed here. Some of the newer and rarer morphs include Black Night, Black Pearl, Lemon Frost, Galaxy, and Dreamsicle.

How big do leopard geckos get, and how fast do they grow?

Leopard geckos are relatively small lizards, but their size and growth rate can vary depending on their morph, sex, diet, and health. On average, leopard geckos can grow to about 8 to 10 inches in length, from the nose to the tip of the tail, and weigh about 40 to 80 grams. 

Some morphs, such as the Giant and Super Giant, can grow larger than the average, reaching up to 12 inches in length and 120 grams in weight. On the other hand, some morphs, such as the Mack Snow, can grow smaller than the average, reaching only 6 to 8 inches in length and 30 to 60 grams in weight. 

Male leopard geckos are larger and heavier than female leopard geckos, and have a broader head, thicker neck, and longer tail.

Leopard geckos can grow rapidly in their first year of life, reaching about 80% of their adult size by the time they are 12 months old. However, they can continue growing until they are 18 to 24 months old, when they reach their full size. 

The growth rate of leopard geckos can be influenced by several factors, such as the temperature, humidity, lighting, substrate, and decor of their enclosure, as well as the quality, quantity, and frequency of their food and water. 

To ensure optimal growth and health, leopard geckos should be kept in a clean and spacious enclosure, with a temperature gradient of 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, a humidity level of 20 to 40%, a 12-hour light cycle, a safe and comfortable substrate, and some hiding places and enrichment items. 

They should also be fed a variety of live insects, such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches, dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements, and provided with fresh water daily.

How to measure and weigh your leopard gecko, and why is it important?

Measuring and weighing your leopard gecko is a good way to monitor their growth and health, and to detect any potential problems or issues. Measure your leopard gecko’s length by using a ruler or a measuring tape, and placing it next to your gecko from the nose to the tip of the tail. 

Weigh your leopard gecko by using a digital kitchen scale, and placing your gecko in a small container or bowl on top of the scale. You can subtract the weight of the container or bowl from the total weight to get the weight of your gecko. 

You should measure and weigh your gecko at least once a month, and keep a record of the results. Also compare your gecko’s measurements and weights with the average or expected values for their morph and age, and see if they are within the normal range. 

If you notice any significant changes or deviations in your gecko’s size or weight, such as stunted growth, weight loss, or obesity, you should consult your veterinarian for advice and treatment.

What are the Factors That Affect Leopard Gecko Growth?

Leopard geckos are a popular pet reptile known for their docile temperament, easy care requirements, and wide variety of morphs and colors. Leopard geckos can vary dramatically in their adult sizes and growth rates. While genetics establish the basic size parameters, several key factors significantly affect how efficiently a leopard gecko can attain its full genetic growth potential.

Genetics – The Blueprint for Size

A leopard gecko’s genetics provide the blueprint for possible size and growth capability. Selective breeding has produced distinct lineages:

• Giant/Super Giant – Selectively bred for larger size, these strains can reach impressive lengths over 12”
• Dwarf/Miniature – Specialty tiny breeds max out under 6 inches
• Standard – Most common generic strains range 8”-11” at maturity

Additionally, some color morphs and body patterns correlate with smaller maximum lengths on average, such as bold stripe or tangerine albinos. So genetics fuel both the upper and lower brackets of possible size.

Gender Differences

Female leopard geckos grow significantly larger than males, around 10-20% longer and heavier on average when mature. This sexual dimorphism enables females to develop larger, more robust bodies needed for producing and passing large eggs. However, gender differences are often less pronounced among naturally small breeds.

Diet & Nutrition

A balanced, nutritious diet provides the foundational fuel for growth. Feeder insects like crickets or dubia should be gutloaded with nutrient-rich diets to maximize benefits. Dusting feeders with supplemental powders adds vitamins, minerals and calcium essential for proper bone development and energy metabolism. Avoid over or underfeeding, monitor appetite changes and ensure clean water availability.

Enclosure Size

Roomier terrarium enclosures provide needed horizontal space for exercise and enhance the gradient between warm and cool hides for proper thermoregulation. An environment too confining can restrict activity levels and appetites. Especially during intensive first-year growth, upgraded tank space accelerates both physical and mental development.

Temperature & Lighting

Leopard geckos thrive between 88-92°F ambient temperature and should enjoy corresponding 10-12 hours of broad spectrum UV lighting each day. Warmer temperatures enable juveniles to digest and assimilate food more efficiently to fuel rapid growth. Meanwhile UVA/UVB rays ensure proper vitamin D3 synthesis needed to utilize supplemental calcium.

Health & Wellness

Sickness, injury or chronic issues like parasitism divert critical resources away from growth progression and toward survival or recovery. Minimizing handling stress, quarantining new introductions and routine vet wellness checks all help uphold robust health needed to attain genetic size potential both short and long term.

Wild vs Captive Bred

Leopard geckos bred in captivity typically grow larger and faster compared to wild caught imported specimens. Abundant feeding, veterinary care and stable conditions allow captive lines to fully invest in reaching mature lengths fast. Meanwhile wild geckos endure more stressful, hazardous environments challenging their development.

While genes dictate dimension limits, factors like diet, habitat space, temperatures and more let leopard geckos maximize the hand they are dealt genotypically for optimal life quality and impressive sizes. Responsible husbandry pays dividends when geckos reach their full genetic potential.

Diet for Ideal Growth of Leopard Gecko

A balanced, nutritious diet forms the foundation for raising thriving leopard geckos optimized for rapid growth and exceptional size. While genetics supply the blueprint, quality nutrition provides the materials and fuel to construct that frame efficiently.

For juveniles under 12 months old enduring intense growing phases, variety takes precedence to cover all dietary bases cost-effectively. Rotating appropriate feeder insects like crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches and calciworms introduces diverse proteins and minerals for robust development. Gutload feeders ahead with nutritious diets to boost their nutritional value before feeding out.

Once adult proportions approach around 18 months, lean more toward staple feeders higher in calcium and protein like dubia roaches over fattier worms to maintain peak conditioning without obesity. Continuing a mix prevents one-dimensional nutrition.

Always properly supplement insects with powdered vitamins & minerals to balance gaps in feeder nutritional analysis. Calcium supports proper bone health and strength to manifest size, while vitamin D3 aids absorption. Multivitamins supply micronutrients for organs and enzymatic reactions. Even with excellent gut loading, supplementation elevated feeders into true \ superfood status.

Environment also indirectly affects appetite and growth. Provide plentiful floor space for exercise, a thermal gradient allowing both warm and cooler areas, and clean water at all times. Monitor enclosure humidity within 40-60% levels and substrate moisture avoiding extremes.

Limit stress and overhandling whenever possible, as higher cortisol and anxiety hamper digestive efficacy. Maintaining excellent husbandry and hygiene standards coupled with conscientious monitoring allows geckos to invest maximal energy solely toward impressive growth and longevity. In return their captivating companionship rewards our caretaking dedication as their caretakers.

Conclusion

Leopard geckos are amazing creatures that come in many shapes and sizes, and have different growth rates and patterns. By using a leopard gecko growth chart, you can monitor your gecko’s growth and health, and see if they are meeting their potential or not. However, you should also remember that a leopard gecko growth chart is not a definitive or absolute guide, but a general or approximate reference. There are many factors that can affect your gecko’s size and weight, such as their morph, sex, diet, and environment, as well as their individual genetics and personality. Therefore, you should always treat your gecko as a unique and special individual, and provide them with the best care and love possible. 

Important Questions

How much should my leopard gecko weigh?

The ideal weight range for a healthy adult leopard gecko is 60-120 grams. However, weight varies depending on age, gender, and genetics. For example, females typically weigh more than males when fully grown. As a guideline, newly hatched leopard geckos weigh 2-5 grams, while juveniles may reach 45-75 grams by one year old before maxing out their weight after sexual maturity.

How do you know if your leopard gecko is overweight?

Signs that your leopard gecko may be overweight include bulging fat pads along the tail base, a rounded face, and trouble moving quickly or climbing easily. You should be able to gently feel their spine and hip bones without excess tissue coverage. Weigh your leopard gecko monthly – sudden gains or consistent weights over 120 grams warrant evaluating their diet and activity levels closer.

How old is a 4 inch leopard gecko?

A leopard gecko measuring about 4 inches from nose to tail tip is likely around 2-3 months old. At this juvenile stage they are rapidly growing each week. Leopard geckos hatch from their eggs around 3-4 inches long, but reach 4 inches quickly within their first month once feeding regularly. They experience their most dramatic growth phase under one year old.

How can I tell how old my leopard gecko is?

If you acquired your leopard gecko as an adult from an unknown history, estimates can be tricky without background. Look for benchmarks like reproductive maturity signaling adulthood – females over 18 months old often carry visible calcium sacs preceding egg development. While size helps gauge age early on, they reach adult lengths between 10-14 inches on average. Vet exam findings like bone density study, locomotion, eye examination and overall conditioning provide clues beyond size alone to help estimate age. Knowing accurate ages lets owners better evaluate life stage husbandry considerations.