Abstract: 　Objective　The aim of this study is to analyze the etiology and status of bone age of children with short stature. Methods　Anthropological and physical examination data were retrospectively collected and studied in 2132 children with short stature in the department of endocrinology between 2009 and 2014. Growth hormone (GH) levels were determined by arginine-clonidine test. Bone age was determined by CHN scoring. Results　Among the 2132 patients, 1333 were males and 799 were females. Mean age is 9.03 ± 3.04 years old, mean bone age is 6.81 ± 3.05 years. Of them, 324 cases (15.2%) were diagnosed complete GH deficiency, 780 cases (36.59%) were partial GH deficiency, 27cases (1.27%) were multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, 13 cases (1.64%) were hypothyroidism, 893 cases (41.89%) were idiopathic short stature, 19 cases (0.89%) were small for gestational age (SGA), 40 cases (1.88%) were chromosomal disorders, etc. Significant difference in age and bone age was  found using t test (P< 0.05). Significant differences in Δage were found between etiological categories using ANOVA (P=0.000). Δage was significantly and negatively associated with peak GH using Pearson's correlation. Conclusions　GH deficiency is the most common cause of short stature. Bone age of children with short stature is commonly delayed. Δage was significantly and negatively associated with peak GH. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency has a significant effect on bone age. The etiology of patients with short stature cannot be determined just by bone age.