Child Height Predictor – Free Adult Height Calculator

Predict your child's adult height using the mid-parental height method. Enter both parents' heights and the child's gender to get an estimated adult height with a normal range.

Father's Height (cm)

Mother's Height (cm)

Child's Gender

How to Use This Child Height Predictor

Enter the father's height in centimeters

Use the actual measured height. For example, if the father is 5 feet 11 inches, enter 180 cm.

Enter the mother's height in centimeters

Enter the mother's actual height. If you only know feet and inches, convert to cm (1 inch = 2.54 cm).

Select the child's gender and click Predict

The calculator uses different formulas for boys and girls. You'll see the predicted adult height with a normal range of plus or minus 10 cm.

Height Prediction by Parent Heights

Father Height	Mother Height	Boy (Predicted)	Girl (Predicted)
165 cm (5'5")	155 cm (5'1")	167 cm	154 cm
170 cm (5'7")	160 cm (5'3")	172 cm	159 cm
175 cm (5'9")	163 cm (5'4")	176 cm	163 cm
180 cm (5'11")	165 cm (5'5")	180 cm	167 cm
183 cm (6'0")	168 cm (5'6")	183 cm	170 cm
188 cm (6'2")	173 cm (5'8")	188 cm	175 cm

Note: These are mid-parental height predictions. Actual adult height typically falls within plus or minus 10 cm of the predicted value.

How the Mid-Parental Height Method Works

The Formula Behind the Prediction

The mid-parental height method was developed in the 1970s and remains one of the most widely used approaches for estimating a child's adult height. For boys, the formula adds 13 cm to the average of both parents' heights. For girls, it subtracts 13 cm from that average. This 13 cm difference accounts for the average height gap between adult men and women.

Why the Plus or Minus 10 cm Range

Height is influenced by many genes, not just the parents' direct genetic contribution. Grandparents, great-grandparents, and even distant relatives can contribute height-related genes. The 10 cm range (about 4 inches on either side) captures roughly 95 percent of children whose parents have average heights. Some children will fall outside this range, and that's normal.

When Predictions Are Less Accurate

The mid-parental method works best when both parents are close to average height. Predictions become less reliable when one parent is very tall and the other is very short, because children in these families tend to regress toward the population average. The method also doesn't account for early or late puberty, which can affect final height.

Factors That Influence Adult Height

Genetics (60-80 percent of variation)

Height is highly heritable. Most of your child's height potential comes from their genes, with hundreds of genetic variants contributing small effects.

Nutrition during childhood

Adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, and overall calories are essential for reaching genetic height potential. Malnutrition can significantly reduce adult height.

Sleep and growth hormone

Growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep. Children need 9-12 hours of quality sleep per night for optimal growth.

Health and chronic conditions

Chronic illnesses, hormonal disorders, and certain medications can affect growth. Most children with proper medical care reach their genetic potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the mid-parental height method?

The mid-parental method predicts adult height within about 10 cm (4 inches) for roughly 95 percent of children. It works best for children whose parents are both close to average height. The prediction becomes less precise when parents have very different heights or when there's a family history of early or late puberty.

Can a child be taller than both parents?

Yes, this happens regularly. Height genes can skip generations, so a child might inherit tall genes from grandparents or other relatives. Children of short parents can also be tall if they inherit favorable combinations of height-related genes. Nutrition and health during childhood also play significant roles.

At what age do children stop growing?

Girls typically stop growing around age 14-16, about 2 years after their first period. Boys continue growing until age 16-18, sometimes into their early 20s. Growth plates in the bones close after puberty, which ends the possibility of natural height increase.

Does exercise help children grow taller?

Regular physical activity supports healthy bone development and growth hormone release, but it won't make a child exceed their genetic potential. Activities like swimming, basketball, and hanging exercises are often recommended, but their main benefit is overall health, not height increase beyond genetics.

Should I be concerned if my child is shorter than predicted?

Children grow at different rates. Some are "late bloomers" who catch up during puberty. If your child's height falls below the 3rd percentile or if growth suddenly slows, consult a pediatrician. Most children who are shorter than predicted are healthy and simply on their own growth trajectory.

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