Calculator Uni

Child Height Predictor

Predict a child's adult height from the parents' heights.

Parents' heights
cm
cm

Predicted adult height

179 cm

5'10"

Likely range (±8.5 cm)

171–188 cm

The mid-parental method

Average the parents' heights, then add 6.5 cm for boys or subtract 6.5 for girls — pediatrics' quick estimate of genetic height potential. About two-thirds of children land within ±8.5 cm of it; growth-chart tracking over time predicts far better than any formula.

Genes propose, environment disposes

Height is ~80% heritable, with nutrition and sleep supplying most of the rest — modern generations outgrew their grandparents on diet alone. A child consistently crossing percentile lines on their growth curve matters more than distance from any predicted number.

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