Predicting Your Child’s Adult Height
The mid-parental method and its limits.
The formula
Add the parents’ heights, add 13 cm for a boy or subtract 13 cm for a girl, then divide by two.
Accuracy
The result is accurate within about 8.5 cm in 95 percent of children. Nutrition, illness and timing of puberty all influence the outcome.
When to worry
Crossing growth chart percentiles downward or a growth rate under 4 cm a year after age 4 warrants a paediatric visit.
Try it: Child Adult Height Predictor
Example with sample values. Open the full calculator →
Predicted adult height178 cm
Likely range170–187 cm
The mid-parental method is accurate to about ±8.5 cm. Nutrition, health and growth timing all matter.
Educational content only. This article does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Medical disclaimer.