Child Height Predictor
Predict your child's adult height using three accurate methods: parents' heights only (for unborn or young children), current height and age (for growing children 2-17), or combined method (most accurate). Get predicted height with expected range. Includes imperial and metric units. Learn about genetic factors, nutrition, and growth patterns affecting final height.
How It Works
1. Choose Calculation Method
Select from three methods: Parents' Heights Only (for unborn or young children), Current Height (for growing children age 2-17), or Combined Method (most accurate, uses both).
2. Select Child's Gender
Choose whether predicting for a boy or girl. Boys typically grow taller than girls due to genetic differences, affecting the calculation.
3. Enter Required Data
Input parents' heights, child's current age and height (depending on method chosen). Use imperial (feet/inches) or metric (cm) units.
4. View Prediction & Range
See predicted adult height with expected range (±3-5 inches). Results include accuracy information and factors that can affect final height.
Examples
Example 1: Unborn Child (Parents' Heights)
Method: Parents' Heights Father: 5'10" (178 cm) Mother: 5'4" (163 cm) Child Gender: Boy Results: Predicted Height: 5'9" (175 cm) Range: 5'5" to 6'1" For a boy: (70" + 64" + 5") / 2 = 69.5" (5'9") Genetics suggest this range, but nutrition and health matter too.
Example 2: Growing Child (Current Height)
Method: Current Height Child Gender: Girl Age: 10 years Current Height: 4'8" (142 cm) Results: Predicted Height: 5'6" (168 cm) Range: 5'3" to 5'9" At age 10, girls are approximately 84% of adult height. Current height suggests she'll reach 5'6" as an adult.
Example 3: Combined Method (Most Accurate)
Method: Combined Father: 6'0" (183 cm) Mother: 5'6" (168 cm) Child Gender: Boy Age: 12 years Current Height: 5'2" (157 cm) Results: Predicted Height: 6'0" (183 cm) Range: 5'9" to 6'3" Combines genetic prediction (parents) with current growth pattern. Most accurate for children 4+ years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is child height prediction?
Height predictions are estimates with accuracy varying by method: (1) Parents' Heights Only: Moderate accuracy (±4 inches), best for unborn or very young children. (2) Current Height: Moderate to high (±3-5 inches), more accurate for children 10+. (3) Combined Method: Highest accuracy (±3 inches) for children age 4-14. About 60-80% of height is genetic, but nutrition, health, sleep, and other factors affect final height.
How is height inherited from parents?
Height is polygenic, controlled by many genes from both parents. The mid-parental height formula approximates this: For boys: (Father's height + Mother's height + 5 inches) ÷ 2. For girls: (Father's height + Mother's height - 5 inches) ÷ 2. The ±5 inches accounts for average gender difference. However, children can be significantly taller or shorter than predicted due to genetic variation, with siblings often having different heights.
At what age do children stop growing?
Girls typically stop growing at 14-16 years, usually 2 years after first period. Boys stop growing at 16-18 years. Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) in bones close at these ages, ending height increase. Most growth occurs during puberty growth spurts: girls around ages 10-14, boys around ages 12-16. Late bloomers may grow into early 20s but gain minimal height. Doctors can check bone age via X-ray to estimate growth potential remaining.
Can nutrition affect my child's height?
Yes, significantly. Proper nutrition during childhood is crucial for reaching genetic height potential. Key nutrients: (1) Protein for tissue growth, (2) Calcium and Vitamin D for bone development, (3) Zinc for cell growth, (4) Iron for oxygen transport. Malnutrition can stunt growth permanently. Conversely, good nutrition cannot make children taller than genetics allow. Obesity may trigger early puberty, potentially reducing final adult height.
When should I worry about my child's growth?
Consult a pediatrician if: (1) Child is significantly shorter than peers (below 3rd percentile), (2) Growth rate suddenly slows, (3) No growth for 6+ months, (4) Puberty is very early (<8 for girls, <9 for boys) or very late (>14 for girls, >16 for boys), (5) Short stature with other symptoms. Doctors can check for growth hormone deficiency, thyroid problems, or genetic conditions. Early intervention can help in some cases.