It is the largest inner organ among human beings, which enables the conducting of over 500 crucial life functions necessary to human being's lives. The liver is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, just below the ribcage. It performs several crucial functions, such as:
- Detoxification: The liver purifies the blood by removing harmful substances including alcohol, drugs, and environmental toxins.
- Metabolism: It performs the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It converts surplus glucose into glycogen for storage purposes and releases glucose according to needs.
- Nutrient Storage: The liver stores essential nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with iron and copper, and releases them when the body needs them.
- Production of Bile: It produces bile, which it stores in the gallbladder and discharges into the intestines for easy digestion and absorption of fats.
- Synthesis of Proteins for Blood Clotting: The liver synthesizes proteins that help in blood clotting, thus preventing injuries from bleeding excessively.
- Serving the Immune System: The liver helps the immune system fight infections by filtering out unwanted bacteria and producing immune factors.
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Also Read: Liver Infection Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
What Is the Normal Size of the Liver in CM, MM, and Inches by Age?
An important diagnostic marker, the first point of priority is usually diagnosing liver disease; however, an important factor can also be the size of the liver. The average liver size in adults is about 14 cm, though this can vary based on age, sex, body size, and overall health. In most cases, the best assessment to make about the size of the liver would be by using an image, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or even an MRI.The size of the liver can tell several things:
- Hepatomegaly: An enlarged liver, caused by liver diseases, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, or by metabolic disorders and heart failure, and sometimes due to cancer.
- Atrophic liver: The liver is smaller than normal, for example, in very advanced cirrhosis and other chronic liver disorders.
Normal Liver Size in cm by Age
Liver size varies with age and sex, gradually growing from infancy to adulthood and slightly decreasing in older age.| Age Group | Liver Size (cm) | Details |
| Newborn | 4–5 | Liver occupies a larger portion of the abdomen at birth |
| 1–5 years | 5–7 | Growth continues as the child develops |
| 6–12 years | 6–10 | Liver size increases proportionally with body growth |
| Adolescents | 10–13 | Approaches adult size |
| Adult Men | 15–17 | Average width & weighs 1.4 – 1.5 kg |
| Adult Women | 12–15 | Average width & weighs 1.2 – 1.3 kg |
| Elderly | Slightly smaller | Liver volume may decrease with age |
Normal Liver Size In Females
The following are the results of the study measuring the average liver size in females:| Normal Liver Size Female Aspect | Details |
| Normal Liver Size in Females | On average, a woman’s liver measures about 14-15 cm. |
| Average Liver Length | The average length of the liver in females is about 14.9 cm. |
| Comparison with Males | A man’s liver is slightly larger, around 15-16 cm, mainly due to differences in body size and muscle mass. |
| Factors Affecting Liver Size | - Height - Weight - General body composition - Pregnancy - Hormonal variations - Medical conditions (e.g., NAFLD, autoimmune liver disease) |
| Normal Variations | Slight alterations in liver size are within normal limits. |
| Indicators of Illness | Extreme deviations from average size may indicate illnesses. |
| Common Causes of Liver Enlargement | - Alcohol-related liver disease - Viral hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis B or C) - NAFLD (common in obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol) - Autoimmune hepatitis (where the immune system attacks liver cells) |
| Age | Liver size in inches | Liver size in cm | Liver size in mm |
| 1-3 months | 2.4 in | 6.2 cm | 62 mm |
| 3-6 months | 2.8 in | 7.2 cm | 72 mm |
| 6-12 months | 3.1 in | 7.9 cm | 79 mm |
| 1-2 years | 3.3 in | 8.5 cm | 85 mm |
| 2-4 years | 3.5 in | 8.9 cm | 89 mm |
| 4-6 years | 3.9 in | 9.8 cm | 98 mm |
| 6-8 years | 4.3 in | 10.9 cm | 109 mm |
| 8-10 years | 4.6 in | 11.7 cm | 117 mm |
| 10-12 years | 4.8 in | 12.3 cm | 123 mm |
Normal Liver Size In Males
This table gives you a clear look at normal liver size in males, including average measurements and what affects liver health.| Normal Liver Size Male Aspect | Details |
| Normal Liver Size in Males |
In men, the liver tends to be slightly larger than in women, mainly due to variations in body size and muscle mass.
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| Average Length of Liver | The average length of the liver in men is usually about 15.1 cm. |
| Variations |
These measurements are averages, and variations within a spectrum do not necessarily indicate an abnormality.
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| Implications of Size Changes | Unusually larger or smaller liver sizes may imply the possibility of a diseased liver. |
| Hepatomegaly Causes | - Chronic alcoholism (can lead to liver cirrhosis) - Hemochromatosis (excess iron buildup in the liver) - Heart failure (fluid retention can change liver size) - Fatty liver disease (alcohol-induced and non-alcoholic) |
| Importance of Check-Ups |
Regular liver check-ups are important if there are concerns about liver function or size, especially with symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes.
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| Age | Liver size in inches | Liver size in cm | Liver size in mm |
| 1-3 months | 2.6 in | 6.5 cm | 65 mm |
| 3-6 months | 2.8 in | 7.1 cm | 71 mm |
| 6-12 months | 3.0 in | 7.5 cm | 75 mm |
| 1-2 years | 3.4 in | 8.6 cm | 86 mm |
| 2-4 years | 3.5 in | 9.0 cm | 90 mm |
| 4-6 years | 4.1 in | 10.3 cm | 103 mm |
| 6-8 years | 4.3 in | 10.8 cm | 108 mm |
| 8-10 years | 4.7 in | 11.9 cm | 119 mm |
| 10-12 years | 5.0 in | 12.6 cm | 126 mm |
Liver Size for Men vs Women
Comparison of average liver dimensions in men and women across different age groups.| Age Group / Category | Normal Liver Size in Men (cm) | Normal Liver Size in Women (cm) |
| Adults (19–60 yrs) | 13–15 | 12–14 |
| Adolescents (13–18 yrs) | 10–12 | 9–11 |
| Children (1–12 yrs) | 5–10 | 5–9 |
| Infants (1–12 months) | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Newborns | 3–4 | 3–4 |
Signs Of Liver Disease
Abnormal liver size is the most common sign of health problems. Some of the signs of liver disease include:- Jaundice, or yellowing of skin and eyes, may occur because the liver contains very high levels of bilirubin in the blood.
- Sudden loss or gain of weight could be an indication of a failing liver.
- Abdominal aching or swelling may indicate inflammation, infection, or collection of fluid in the organ.
- Urine appears dark and colored stools appear light, conditions indicative of obstruction in the bile duct, blockage in the liver, or destruction of the organ.
- Dull fatigue, because of a disease of the liver that affects the metabolism of toxins and energy resources in the body.
- It warrants the highest concern if any of the symptoms occur.
Factors That Affect Liver Size
Many things can change the size of your liver, such as your height, body weight, gender and how much alcohol you drink.In a study published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, scientists measured the liver size of 2,080 volunteers, including both boys and girls, who were between the ages of 18 and 88. They took measurements at a location called the midclavicular line, which is an imaginary line running from the middle of your collarbone to the bottom of your body. From the study we found that:
| Age | Average liver diameter size in inches | Average liver diameter size in cm | Average liver diameter size in mm |
| 18 to 25 years | 5.4 in | 13.6 cm | 136 mm |
| 26 to 35 years | 5.4 in | 13.7 cm | 137 mm |
| 36 to 45 years | 5.5 in | 14.0 cm | 140 mm |
| 46 to 55 years | 5.6 in | 14.2 cm | 142 mm |
| 56 to 65 years | 5.7 in | 14.4 cm | 144 mm |
| Greater than 66 years | 5.6 in | 14.1 cm | 141 mm |
Normal Liver Size: Male vs. Female
The normal liver size for males averages around 14.5 ± 1.6 cm, while for females, it is slightly smaller at 13.5 ± 1.7 cm.Best Hepatologists In Mumbai
A hepatologist should be consulted if someone shows symptoms of liver disease or if there are concerns about liver health. A hepatologist is a specialist doctor diagnosing and treating diseases associated with the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree, and pancreas. With Mumbai being one of the most prominent healthcare destinations in India, there are many well-qualified hepatologists available. Before finalizing with the right hepatologist, one must also consider the doctor's experience, specialization, and reviews that patients have about the particular physician. If you are looking for a liver specialist in Mumbai, Asian Heart Institute is the best choice for you with avant garde technology and highly experienced health professionals.Conclusion
The liver is the most vital organ required in maintaining the human body with its supreme efficiency and being the right size according to a person's gender. Some knowledge regarding the normal size of the liver for both men and women helps in diagnosing any anomalies that could be indicative of possibly having some liver disease. The following are some requirements to keep the liver healthy: regular check-ups, a healthy diet, and, when needed, referring patients to the most experienced hepatologists.FAQ's
Q1: What is the average size of a healthy liver?A: The average liver size varies slightly between individuals, but generally, it's about 14-18 centimeters long, 10-12 centimeters wide, and 5-8 centimeters thick.
Q2: Can liver size change over time?
A: Yes, liver size can change due to factors like age, gender, body size, and underlying health conditions. For example, it may grow larger during childhood and adolescence and then stabilize in adulthood.
Q3: How can I tell if my liver is enlarged or smaller than normal?
A: Usually, you can't feel your liver with your hands. However, if it becomes significantly enlarged, it may cause discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the upper right side of your abdomen. If you experience any such symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor.
Q4: When should I see a doctor about my liver health?
A: If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's advisable to consult a doctor:
Q5: Abdominal pain or discomfort
A: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) Fatigue Unexplained weight loss or gain Dark urine or light-colored stools
Q6: Can I check my liver size at home?
A: No, you cannot accurately determine your liver size at home. It requires medical imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
