Child Height Predictor
Adult height from parents' heightsRuns locally · nothing uploaded
Likely range 166.5–183.5 cm
- Mid-parental height (± 6.5)The standard mid-parental method; about 95% of children end up within ±8.5 cm175 cm± 8.5
- Regression formula (used in China)Range ±5.29 cm177.4 cm± 5.29
- Folk ratio formulaBoys (father + mother) × 1.08 ÷ 2, girls (father × 0.923 + mother) ÷ 2; no error range, for comparison only182 cm
Genes explain roughly 60–80% of adult height; nutrition, sleep, activity and illness matter too. If a child over 3 grows less than 5 cm a year or is much shorter than peers, ask a pediatrician about a bone-age check.
Estimates based on general formulas, for information only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
A statistical estimate from parents' heights only; it cannot tell whether a child is growing normally. See a pediatrician if your child is much shorter than peers or growing slowly.
How it works
When to use it
- Get a rough idea of a child's adult height potential.
- One reference point when a child's growth seems far from the family pattern.
Formula
Boys: (father + mother + 13) ÷ 2, ±8.5 cmGirls: (father + mother − 13) ÷ 2, ±8.5 cm13 cm is the average adult height difference between men and women.
Worked example
Given: Father 175 cm, mother 162 cm, boy
- Target height = (175 + 162 + 13) ÷ 2 = 175.0 cm.
- Range ±8.5 cm: 166.5–183.5 cm.
Result: Most likely adult height is around 175 cm.
Limitations
- Uses parents' heights only.
- Not a substitute for a medical growth assessment.
Sources
- Tanner JM, Goldstein H, Whitehouse RH. Standards for children's height at ages 2–9 years allowing for height of parents. Arch Dis Child. 1970;45:755–762.
How to use
- 1Enter the father's and mother's heights in cm.
- 2Choose the child's sex.
- 3Read the target height and range.
FAQ
How is target height calculated?
Boys: (father + mother + 13) ÷ 2; girls: (father + mother − 13) ÷ 2, in cm. About 95% of children end within ±8.5 cm.
How accurate is it?
Genes explain roughly 60–80% of adult height; nutrition, sleep, health and puberty timing shift the result.