Health

Child Height Predictor

Predict a child's adult height from the parents' heights using the mid-parental method. Get an estimated adult height plus a realistic range in cm and ft/in.

Child Height Predictor

Child's sex

Mother's height (cm)

Father's height (cm)

Method

How this calculator works

Mid-parental method — Boys: (father + mother + 13) ÷ 2. Girls: (father + mother − 13) ÷ 2. Heights in cm. The actual adult height usually lands within about ±8.5 cm of this estimate.

Select whether the child is a boy or a girl.
Enter the mother's height in centimetres.
Enter the father's height in centimetres.
The tool applies the mid-parental formula and shows the predicted adult height with a ±8.5 cm range, also converted to feet and inches.

Examples

Worked examples

Real numbers, end-to-end results.

Boy, mother 165 cm, father 180 cm

≈ 179.0 cm (170.5–187.5 cm)

(180 + 165 + 13) ÷ 2 = 179 cm, then ±8.5 cm for the expected range.

Girl, mother 165 cm, father 180 cm

≈ 166.0 cm (157.5–174.5 cm)

(180 + 165 − 13) ÷ 2 = 166 cm.

Boy, mother 160 cm, father 175 cm

≈ 174.0 cm (165.5–182.5 cm)

(175 + 160 + 13) ÷ 2 = 174 cm.

Use cases

When to use it

Getting a rough idea of how tall a child may become
Setting realistic expectations for growth and clothing/sizing
Comparing a child's current growth curve to a genetic target
Satisfying everyday curiosity about family height

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for decisions affecting your health. Results depend on the accuracy of inputs provided.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does the mid-parental height method work?

For a boy, add the father's and mother's heights, add 13 cm, then divide by 2. For a girl, add both heights, subtract 13 cm, then divide by 2. The 13 cm (about 5 inches) reflects the average height difference between adult men and women.

How accurate is this prediction?

The mid-parental method gives a target height, and a child's actual adult height typically falls within about 8.5 cm (roughly 3.3 inches) above or below it. Genetics, nutrition, health, and hormones all influence the final result.

Why is there a range instead of one number?

No formula can predict adult height exactly. The ±8.5 cm range represents where roughly the majority of children with the same mid-parental height end up, giving a realistic expectation rather than a false precision.

Can a child grow taller than the prediction?

Yes. The prediction is an estimate based only on parental height. Improved nutrition, later growth spurts, and other factors mean many children fall outside the estimated range, either taller or shorter.

What if I only know heights in feet and inches?

Convert to centimetres first: multiply total inches by 2.54. For example, 5 ft 10 in is 70 inches × 2.54 = 177.8 cm. Enter that value for an accurate result.