How fast do red eared turtles grow?

Red eared slider turtles have to have the proper balance of heat and light in order to grow properly. If they have access to UVA and UVB light (usually via a basking bulb) and they bask and get out of the water for their shell to dry, they are usually healthy and grow at a normal rate. This is usually a few inches per year for the first few years.

Hatchlings are about 1 inch when they hatch and they grow to be 2 to 4 inches in their first year. Afterwards, their growth may slow down a little. Males will grow to be 7 to 9 inches and females will grow to be 10 to 12 inches in diameter.