Child Adult Height Predictor (Mid-Parental Height)
Enter both parents’ heights and the child’s sex to estimate adult height.
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Child Adult Height Predictor (Mid-Parental Height) by TheCalcTools
How the Child Adult Height Predictor (Mid-Parental Height) works
The mid-parental height averages the parents’ heights and adjusts for sex: add 13 cm for boys or subtract 13 cm for girls, since adult men are on average about 13 cm taller than women.
About 95% of children end up within roughly 8.5 cm of this target. Nutrition, health and puberty timing all play a part; a paediatrician uses growth charts and bone age for better predictions.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Father's height | 178 |
|---|---|
| Mother's height | 163 |
| Child's sex | Boy |
- Boy: (178 + 163 + 13) ÷ 2 = 177 cm (5 ft 10 in), range 169 to 186 cm.
Result:
| Predicted adult height (cm) | 177.0 |
|---|---|
| In feet and inches | 5 ft 10 in |
| Target range (± 8.5 cm) | 169 to 186 cm |
Frequently asked questions
Is this method accurate?
It explains a large part of the variation but not all; individual children can fall outside the range.
Sources and further reading
- Tanner JM et al. (1970) Standards for children's height at ages 2-9 years allowing for height of parents. Arch Dis Child 45:755
- Wikipedia: Human height
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This calculator gives general estimates for information and education. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Talk to a qualified health professional about your own situation. See our disclaimer.