Track growth over time
See how your child compares to WHO growth percentile curves as they grow
Child Height Predictor
Predict your child's adult height range from both parents' heights
Your Details
cm
cm
Track Current Progress (optional)
Enter your child's current age and height to see how far they are from the prediction.
cm
The Formula
Boy = (Father's height + Mother's height + 13) ÷ 2
Girl = (Father's height + Mother's height − 13) ÷ 2
Prediction range = target height ± 8.5 cm
This is the Mid-Parental Height Method (also called the Tanner Method), which explains roughly 36–40% of height variance.
Your Prediction
Predicted Adult Height
Predicted Height
171.5
cm
Around the average adult man's height
Low end
163.0 cm
High end
180.0 cm
What does this range mean?
About 94% of children with these parent heights end up somewhere in this range — think of it as a realistic window, not a single guaranteed number.
Based on the clinical Mid-Parental Height (Tanner) method used by pediatricians — see sources below.
How They Compare
1.5 cm taller than Dad
11.5 cm taller than Mom
Dad
170 cm
Predicted
171.5 cm
163 – 180 cm
Mom
160 cm
155 cm170 cm185 cm
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Height prediction is based on a statistical genetic formula; actual adult height is influenced by nutrition, exercise, sleep, and health conditions. If you have concerns about your child's growth, please consult a pediatrician or pediatric endocrinologist.
About the Child Height Predictor
This calculator uses the internationally recognized Mid-Parental Height Method (also known as the Tanner Method) to estimate a child's likely adult height based on both parents' heights. It's a clinical tool widely used by pediatricians and pediatric endocrinologists to provide a reasonable predicted height range.
How to Use It
- Enter the father's height (in cm)
- Enter the mother's height (in cm)
- Select the child's gender (boy or girl)
- View the predicted height and the likely range
The Formula Explained
This calculator uses the Mid-Parental Height Method:
- Boy's predicted height = (Father's height + Mother's height + 13) ÷ 2
- Girl's predicted height = (Father's height + Mother's height − 13) ÷ 2
The predicted range is ±8.5 cm, covering approximately the 3rd to 97th percentile (Tanner et al.).
What Affects a Child's Height
While genetics is the dominant factor in determining height (roughly 60–80%), several other factors influence a child's final adult height:
- Nutrition: a balanced diet, especially adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D
- Sleep quality: growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep
- Exercise habits: moderate physical activity supports healthy bone growth
- Health conditions: chronic illness can affect growth trajectory
- Puberty timing: earlier or later puberty onset changes the length of the growth window
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this prediction?
Research shows this formula explains approximately 36–40% of height variance. That means it offers a reasonable reference range, but actual height can still be shaped by nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other environmental factors. The ±8.5 cm range captures most likely outcomes.
What factors influence actual height?
Beyond genetics, nutrition (especially protein, calcium, and vitamin D), exercise habits, sleep quality, health conditions, and the timing of puberty all affect final adult height. Research suggests optimizing these factors may help a child reach the upper end of their genetic potential.
What does the ±8.5 cm range mean?
This range represents the statistical 3rd to 97th percentile. In other words, about 94% of children will end up with an adult height that falls within this predicted range. Results outside the range are still possible, just less likely.
What age range does this calculator apply to?
This formula predicts final adult height, typically reached between ages 18–21 once growth is complete. For a child who is still growing, the result represents the height they are statistically likely to reach as an adult.
Why do boys and girls use different formulas?
On average, men are about 13 cm taller than women, which is reflected directly in the formula: +13 for boys, −13 for girls. This difference stems from biological sex differences in puberty growth patterns and growth hormone activity.
Sources
- PMC/NCBI (2024): Accurate Prediction of Children's Target Height from Their Mid-Parental Height
- My Endo Consult: Mid Parental Height Formula
- Pediatric Oncall: Mid Parental Target Height Calculator
