Height Calculator — Predict Adult Height From Parents' Height
Predict your child's adult height using parents' height, current age, and growth charts. Understand genetic height prediction methods and growth percentiles.
"How tall will my child be?" is one of the most searched parenting questions. While no method is perfectly accurate, several evidence-based approaches predict adult height within 5–10 cm. The CalcHub Height Calculator uses the most reliable methods combined.
Method 1: Mid-Parental Height (Most Common)
For boys: (Father's height + Mother's height + 13 cm) / 2 For girls: (Father's height + Mother's height − 13 cm) / 2The 13 cm (5 inches) accounts for the average height difference between males and females.
Quick Prediction Table
| Father | Mother | Predicted Son | Predicted Daughter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 cm (5'7") | 155 cm (5'1") | 172 cm (5'8") | 159 cm (5'3") |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 160 cm (5'3") | 174 cm (5'9") | 161 cm (5'3") |
| 178 cm (5'10") | 163 cm (5'4") | 177 cm (5'10") | 164 cm (5'5") |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 165 cm (5'5") | 179 cm (5'10") | 166 cm (5'5") |
| 183 cm (6'0") | 168 cm (5'6") | 182 cm (6'0") | 169 cm (5'7") |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 170 cm (5'7") | 184 cm (6'0") | 171 cm (5'7") |
Method 2: Doubling Age-2 Height
A simple rule: double a child's height at age 2 for a rough adult height estimate.
| Height at Age 2 | Predicted Adult Height |
|---|---|
| 84 cm (2'9") | ~168 cm (5'6") |
| 86 cm (2'10") | ~172 cm (5'8") |
| 88 cm (2'11") | ~176 cm (5'9") |
| 90 cm (2'11.5") | ~180 cm (5'11") |
| 92 cm (3'0") | ~184 cm (6'0") |
Method 3: Growth Chart Percentiles (Most Accurate)
Pediatricians use WHO/CDC growth charts that plot a child's height against age percentiles. A child tracking the 75th percentile at age 8 will likely end up near the 75th percentile as an adult.
Boys' Height Percentiles (Adult)
| Percentile | Height (India avg) | Height (Global avg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 158 cm | 165 cm |
| 25th | 165 cm | 172 cm |
| 50th (median) | 170 cm | 176 cm |
| 75th | 175 cm | 181 cm |
| 95th | 182 cm | 188 cm |
Girls' Height Percentiles (Adult)
| Percentile | Height (India avg) | Height (Global avg) |
|---|---|---|
| 5th | 147 cm | 152 cm |
| 25th | 153 cm | 159 cm |
| 50th (median) | 157 cm | 163 cm |
| 75th | 162 cm | 168 cm |
| 95th | 168 cm | 175 cm |
Growth Milestones
| Age | Boys (average height) | Girls (average height) | % of Adult Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 50 cm | 49 cm | ~29% |
| 1 year | 76 cm | 74 cm | ~44% |
| 2 years | 87 cm | 86 cm | ~50% |
| 5 years | 110 cm | 109 cm | ~63% |
| 8 years | 128 cm | 127 cm | ~74% |
| 10 years | 138 cm | 138 cm | ~80% |
| 12 years | 149 cm | 152 cm | ~86% (girls near final) |
| 14 years | 164 cm | 160 cm | ~93% (boys still growing) |
| 16 years | 174 cm | 162 cm | ~98% (girls done) |
| 18 years | 177 cm | 163 cm | ~99% |
Factors That Affect Height
| Factor | Impact | Controllable? |
|---|---|---|
| Genetics (parents' height) | 60–80% of adult height | No |
| Nutrition (childhood) | Up to 5–10 cm difference | Yes |
| Sleep | Growth hormone peaks during sleep | Yes |
| Exercise | Stimulates growth hormone | Yes |
| Chronic illness | Can stunt growth if untreated | Partially |
| Hormonal conditions | GH deficiency, thyroid issues | Yes (with treatment) |
| Emotional stress | Psychosocial short stature (rare) | Yes |
How to Use the Calculator
- Open the CalcHub Height Calculator
- Enter father's height and mother's height
- Enter child's gender
- Optionally enter child's current age and height for percentile-based prediction
- See: predicted adult height with confidence range
Can a child be taller than both parents?
Yes. Height is influenced by many genes, and a child can inherit height-favorable combinations from both sides. Additionally, better nutrition and healthcare than previous generations (secular trend) means each generation tends to be slightly taller.
When should I worry about my child's height?
Consult a pediatrician if: (1) your child falls below the 3rd percentile consistently, (2) growth rate slows significantly (crossing percentile lines downward), or (3) puberty is very early (before 8 in girls, 9 in boys) or very late (no signs by 13 in girls, 14 in boys).
Do stretching exercises increase height?
No exercise can increase bone length after growth plates close (typically 16–18 for girls, 18–21 for boys). Stretching improves posture, which can make you appear 1–2 cm taller, but doesn't change actual height. Before growth plates close, regular exercise and good nutrition support reaching your genetic potential.
Related Calculators
- BMI Calculator — body mass index using height and weight
- Child BMI Calculator — age-adjusted BMI for children
- Age Calculator — exact age calculation
- Baby Growth Percentile Calculator — infant growth tracking