Child Height Predictor

About This Tool

Estimate your child's predicted adult height using the Mid-Parental Height method (Tanner, Goldstein & Whitehouse, 1970). Enter both parents' heights to get an evidence-based prediction with a statistical range. For reference only — consult a paediatrician for clinical assessment.

This calculator uses the Mid-Parental Height method, the standard approach cited in paediatric endocrinology. Reference: Tanner JM, Goldstein H, Whitehouse RH. "Standards for children's height at ages 2–9 years allowing for heights of parents." Archives of Disease in Childhood, 1970.

How To Use

1. Select the child's sex — the formula differs by sex (+13cm for boys, −13cm for girls).
2. Choose your preferred unit — cm or ft/in; the toggle applies to both parent height fields.
3. Enter the mother's height — use a measured value.
4. Enter the father's height — use a measured value.
5. Click Predict Adult Height — the estimated adult height and statistical range (3rd–97th percentile) are displayed.

Example

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this height prediction?

The prediction is based on the Mid-Parental Height method (Tanner, Goldstein & Whitehouse, 1970, Archives of Disease in Childhood). The ±8.5cm range represents the 3rd–97th percentile of expected adult height as defined in the original paper — not a 68% confidence interval. Later research has sometimes quoted ±9cm for girls or ±10cm for boys. The method gives a useful statistical estimate but cannot account for individual factors such as nutrition, sleep, chronic illness, or hormonal differences. It is a starting point, not a diagnosis.

How is this different from the Baby Growth Percentile Calculator?

The Child Height Predictor estimates your child's predicted adult height based on both parents' heights using the Mid-Parental Height formula. The Baby Growth Percentile Calculator, on the other hand, shows how your baby's current measurements (weight and height) compare to age-matched peers using WHO or CDC growth reference charts. In short: this tool predicts future adult stature; the other tool evaluates current growth against a population standard.

What factors beyond genetics influence how tall a child grows?

Genetics accounts for roughly 60–80% of adult height variation. The remaining 20–40% is influenced by environmental factors including nutrition (adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, and zinc), sleep quality (growth hormone is released primarily during deep sleep), overall health (unmanaged chronic conditions such as coeliac disease, hypothyroidism, or growth hormone deficiency can impair growth), and psychosocial wellbeing. A paediatrician can evaluate whether a child is growing consistently with their genetic potential.

Can practising the checklist factors help my child grow taller than the predicted height?

No. The checklist is a general health reference to help children reach their genetic potential — not a method to exceed it. The Mid-Parental Height formula already estimates the genetic ceiling. Adequate sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and regular check-ups help children approach that ceiling, especially if there are manageable limiting factors, but they do not guarantee growth beyond the predicted range.

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