At what age do female breast buds typically become palpable?

Breast bud development is an important indicator of the onset of puberty in females. Typically, breast buds, which are the first sign of breast development, become palpable around the age of 11. This timing corresponds with Tanner Stage II of breast development, where estrogen-induced ductal development begins, leading to noticeable changes in the breast tissue.

During this stage, girls may start to notice swelling and tenderness in the breast area. While breast development can start as early as age 9 and may vary among individuals, the average age for the palpation of breast buds is around 11 years old, making this answer the most representative of the typical onset of breast development in females.