How tall will your child be?
Enter each parent's height and the child's age, sex and current height. See the predicted adult height by the mid-parent method, a cross-check from how much the child has already grown, and the full growth curve to maturity in feet, inches and centimeters.
The child
Mother 5 ft 4 in, Father 5 ft 10 in.
What the numbers say
Projected growth to adulthood
Height by age
Height scorecard
Year-by-year projection
Projected from the mid-parent adult height, scaled by the share of adult height typically reached at each age. Real growth varies child to child.
| Age | Height (in) | Feet / inches | Height (cm) | % of adult |
|---|
Predicting height, explained
The Mid-Parent Height Method
The mid-parent method predicts adult height using both parents' heights. For boys: (mother's height + father's height + 5 inches) / 2. For girls: (mother's height + father's height - 5 inches) / 2. This gives a prediction within about 2 inches (plus or minus) for most children. The 5-inch adjustment accounts for the average height difference between men and women.
Factors That Affect Adult Height
Genetics account for 60-80% of height variation. Nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and overall health during childhood also play significant roles. Chronic illness, hormonal disorders, or severe nutritional deficiency can reduce adult height below genetic potential. Growth typically continues until ages 16-18 for girls and 18-21 for boys.
Common questions
How accurate is the mid-parent height prediction?
The mid-parent method predicts adult height within about 2 inches for most children, with a margin of error of approximately plus or minus 2 inches. It works best as a rough estimate. Bone age X-rays provide more accurate predictions.
At what age do children stop growing?
Girls typically reach their full adult height by age 14-16, about 2 years after the onset of menstruation. Boys usually continue growing until age 16-21, with most reaching adult height by age 18. Growth plates close at different ages.
Can nutrition affect predicted height?
Yes, proper nutrition is essential for reaching genetic height potential. Adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, and overall calorie intake support growth. Malnutrition during critical growth periods can permanently reduce adult height.
What is the average height for adults?
In the United States, the average height is about 5'9\" (69.1 inches) for adult men and 5'4\" (63.7 inches) for adult women. These averages vary by country and have increased over the past century due to improved nutrition.
Estimates for general guidance only. Height prediction is not medical advice. Genetics, nutrition, sleep, health and hormones all shape final height, and the mid-parent method carries a margin of roughly plus or minus 2 inches. For a precise assessment, ask a pediatrician about a bone-age X-ray.