Height Calculator

Every parent wonders how tall their child will grow up to be. While genetics isn't destiny, it's the best predictor we have. This height calculator uses the mid-parental height method — the same method pediatricians use — to estimate your child's adult height.

What Does This Calculator Do?

Enter the heights of both parents (and optionally the child's current height and age), and the calculator estimates the child's projected adult height along with a typical range of ±2 inches.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the father's height in feet and inches.
2. Enter the mother's height in feet and inches.
3. Select the child's biological sex.
4. Optionally enter the child's current age and height for a growth-chart-based estimate.
5. Click Calculate to see the predicted adult height range.

Height Prediction Formula – Mid-Parental Method

For boys:

Predicted Height = (Father's Height + Mother's Height + 5 inches) ÷ 2

For girls:

Predicted Height = (Father's Height + Mother's Height − 5 inches) ÷ 2

The result has a normal range of ±4 inches (±10 cm) — about 95% of children fall within this range.

Example Calculation

Father: 5'10" (70 inches), Mother: 5'4" (64 inches), predicting for a boy.

• Predicted height = (70 + 64 + 5) ÷ 2 = 139 ÷ 2 = 69.5 inches ≈ 5'9½"
• Typical range: 5'5½" to 6'1½"

What Factors Affect Height?

• Genetics: Accounts for about 60–80% of final height.
• Nutrition: Adequate protein, calcium, and zinc are essential during growth years.
• Sleep: Growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep.
• Health conditions: Chronic illness, hormonal disorders, and some medications can affect growth.
• Physical activity: Regular exercise supports healthy bone development.

Why Use This Calculator?

Parents often use height predictions for curiosity, sports planning, or medical tracking. Pediatricians use growth charts alongside this formula to identify children who may be growing unusually slowly or quickly — which can sometimes indicate a health issue worth investigating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating the estimate as exact — this is a statistical prediction with real variability. Many children fall outside the predicted range entirely.
• Using one parent's height only — both parents contribute equally to a child's height genetics.
• Ignoring late bloomers — children go through puberty at different ages, and late developers often "catch up" significantly in their late teens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the mid-parental height method?

It's the most reliable non-invasive method available. About 95% of children end up within 4 inches of the predicted height. Some individuals fall outside this range due to genetic variation.

At what age does a child stop growing?

Girls typically stop growing around age 14–16 (after their first period). Boys usually continue growing until age 17–19. Growth plates close at different times for each person.

Can nutrition help a child grow taller?

Good nutrition can help a child reach their genetic potential — but it won't make them taller than their genes allow. Malnutrition, however, can definitely stunt growth below the genetic potential.

What if my child's height is far outside the predicted range?

If your child's growth seems unusually fast or slow for their age, consult a pediatrician. They can plot growth on standardized charts and check for any underlying issues.

Can I use this for adult height conversion?

This calculator is specifically for predicting a child's adult height. For unit conversions between feet, inches, and centimeters, use our Conversion Calculator.

Conclusion

No one can predict a person's exact height — but the mid-parental method gives a solid, science-backed estimate that is useful for parents, coaches, and healthcare providers alike. Try it out and remember: the range matters as much as the number.

Related: BMI Calculator | Ideal Weight Calculator | Age Calculator