Child's Gender

Father's Height

Mother's Height

Child's Current Age (optional)

yrs

Child's Current Height (optional)

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Predicted adult height

📊 Height Range Visualization

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👨 Father

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👶 Child

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👩 Mother

⚠️ The prediction range is ±10 cm (±4 inches). Genetics accounts for about 80% of height. Nutrition, sleep, and health during childhood also play significant roles.

📐 How Height is Inherited

🧬80% genetic: Height is predominantly determined by the combination of genes inherited from both parents.

🥗Nutrition: Adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D are crucial for reaching genetic height potential.

😴Sleep: Growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep. Children need 9–12 hours nightly.

🏃Exercise: Weight-bearing activities support healthy bone development.

👨‍⚕️Health: Chronic illness or hormonal issues can affect final height.

🔗 Related Health Tools

How the Mid-Parental Height Formula Works

The Mid-Parental Height (MPH) method is the most widely used clinical tool for predicting a child's adult height. It calculates the genetic target height based on both parents' heights.

For boys: (Father's height + Mother's height + 13 cm) ÷ 2

For girls: (Father's height + Mother's height − 13 cm) ÷ 2

The 13 cm adjustment accounts for the average height difference between adult men and women. The prediction range is ±10 cm (2 standard deviations), within which 95% of children are expected to fall.

When to Consult a Doctor

Consult a pediatrician if your child's height is consistently below the 3rd or above the 97th percentile for their age, or if their growth rate suddenly slows down significantly.

A doctor may order a bone age X-ray (of the wrist) to assess growth potential, or blood tests to check for growth hormone deficiency, thyroid issues, or nutritional deficiencies.

Early intervention for growth disorders is most effective before puberty, when growth plates are still open.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the height prediction? ▼

The Mid-Parental Height formula has a prediction range of ±10 cm (±4 inches). About 95% of children will reach an adult height within this range. It is most accurate when both parents' heights are known accurately. Factors like early or late puberty can shift actual height by a few centimeters.

At what age do children stop growing? ▼

Most girls reach their final adult height by age 15–17, about 2–3 years after their first period. Boys typically finish growing between ages 17–20, as they start puberty later. Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) close at the end of puberty, stopping further height gain.

Can nutrition increase a child's height beyond their genetic potential? ▼

Nutrition cannot increase height beyond genetic potential, but poor nutrition can prevent children from reaching it. Adequate protein, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D are essential. Children who are well-nourished tend to reach the upper end of their genetic potential range.

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: The height prediction provided is an estimate based on genetic inheritance. Actual adult height depends on many factors. This tool is for informational purposes only. Consult a pediatrician if you have concerns about your child's growth or development.

Child Height Predictor