genetics
Parental genetics
Genetics accounts for ~80% of adult height. Both parents' heights are averaged and corrected for sex to calculate the mid-parental height target.
science Science-based prediction
Predict Your Child's Adult Height
Enter your child's current measurements for an instant prediction. Add parents' heights for greater accuracy — all optional.
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Based on mid-parental height method
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WHO growth standards reference
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Child details required. Parent heights are optional but improve accuracy.
How It Works
Our calculator uses three well-established data points for an accurate prediction.
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Current growth status
Your child's current age and height are compared against WHO growth standards to determine their current percentile and growth trajectory.
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Growth projection
Both data points are combined to produce a predicted adult height with a confidence range, visualised against WHO reference percentiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about child height prediction.
How accurate is a child height predictor?
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The mid-parental height method typically has an accuracy of ±10 cm (about ±4 inches), capturing roughly 95% of adult heights within that range. Genetics accounts for approximately 80% of adult height, making parental heights the strongest predictor available without bone age X-rays.
When do boys stop growing?
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Most boys reach their adult height between ages 16 and 18. The adolescent growth spurt typically peaks around ages 13–14. Growth plates (epiphyses) usually fuse by age 17–18, though some boys continue growing slightly into their early 20s.
When do girls stop growing?
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Most girls reach their adult height between ages 14 and 16. Girls experience their growth spurt earlier than boys, typically between ages 10–13. By around age 15, most girls have reached or are very close to their final adult height.
What is the mid-parental height method?
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The mid-parental height (MPH) method estimates a child's genetic height potential by averaging both parents' heights and correcting for sex.
For boys: (Father's height + Mother's height + 13 cm) ÷ 2
For girls: (Father's height + Mother's height − 13 cm) ÷ 2
The result is the "target height" with a typical range of ±8.5 cm (1 standard deviation).
For boys: (Father's height + Mother's height + 13 cm) ÷ 2
For girls: (Father's height + Mother's height − 13 cm) ÷ 2
The result is the "target height" with a typical range of ±8.5 cm (1 standard deviation).
What factors affect a child's height?
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Genetics is the dominant factor (~80%), but these lifestyle factors also play a role:
- Nutrition: Adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D are critical during growth years
- Sleep: Growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep
- Physical activity: Regular exercise supports healthy bone development
- Overall health: Chronic illness can affect growth velocity
Can nutrition help my child grow taller?
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Nutrition can help a child reach their genetic potential, but it cannot exceed it. Malnutrition can stunt growth, so ensuring adequate intake of protein, dairy, leafy greens, and micronutrients is important — especially during the first 1,000 days of life and puberty.
auto_stories From the Blog
The science behind height
Article 1 of 7
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6 April 2026
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8 min read
Why Do Kids End Up Taller Than Their Parents?
Height is controlled by thousands of genes, not one. Find out why your child might end up taller or shorter than both parents, and what the science actually says about predicting adult height.
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