The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of birth weight of piglets on subsequent performance through a meta-analysis. The database totaled 2,691 piglets (15 articles published between 2002 and 2014). Average birth weights were 1.785, 1.511 and 1.129 kg for heavy, medium and light piglets, respectively. The selected database publications contained results of experiments with at least 2 weight groups of piglets at birth and performance results. The meta-analysis was based on 3 sequential analysis: graphic, correlation and variance-covariance. The birth weight of piglets was positively correlated with body weight in the subsequent phases and with weight gain during the lactation period. On the other hand, the age at slaughter to reach 110 kg correlation with birth weight of piglets was negative. The birth weight of piglets affected (P < 0.05) body weight and weight gain in the subsequent phases. Heavy piglets at birth showed an increase (P < 0.05) of 6.6 kg in the slaughter weight, at 150 d of age, compared with light piglets. Piglets with medium weight at birth reached similar weight at slaughter (P > 0.05) compared with heavy piglets and showed a difference (P < 0.05) of 5.2 kg compared with light piglets. The different birth weight of piglets had no influence (P > 0.05) on feed intake in the subsequent phases of growth. Feed efficiency improved (P < 0.05) in medium and heavy piglets at birth in the growing and finishing phases. The slaughter age to reach 110 kg of live weight decreased (P < 0.05) in the piglets born with medium and heavy weight, respectively, compared with piglets with low birth weight. Heavy piglets at birth (1.785 kg) performed better by increasing weight gain, and consequently greater final body weight and fewer days (10–12 d) to reach slaughter weight compared with light piglets (1.129 kg). Above 1.50 kg at birth the pig performance until slaughter is not influenced by birth weight.