How Tall Will My Child Be?Height Prediction Guide
Predict your child's adult height using proven formulas. Understand what affects height and when to talk to your pediatrician.
Growth Tracking Essentials
Track Baby Weight at Home
Accurate digital scale for monitoring your baby's growth and weight gain between pediatric visits.
View on AmazonWant a Quick Prediction?
Use our height predictor calculator for an instant estimate.
Height Prediction Methods
Mid-Parent Height Formula
Within 4 inches for 95% of children
Average parents' heights, then add 2.5" for boys or subtract 2.5" for girls
Boys:
(Mother's height + Father's height + 5") ÷ 2
Girls:
(Mother's height + Father's height - 5") ÷ 2
Limitation: Assumes average nutrition, health, and genetics
Double Age 2 Height
Rough estimate only
Double the child's height at age 2 for boys, or at age 18 months for girls
Boys:
Height at age 2 × 2
Girls:
Height at 18 months × 2
Limitation: Very rough; many factors affect growth after age 2
Growth Chart Percentile
Good for children tracking consistently
Follow child's percentile curve to adult height on growth chart
Boys:
Track 50th percentile curve to adult range
Girls:
Track 50th percentile curve to adult range
Limitation: Percentiles can shift, especially during puberty
Bone Age X-Ray
Most accurate method
X-ray of left hand/wrist compared to standard growth plates
Boys:
Requires medical imaging and specialist interpretation
Girls:
Requires medical imaging and specialist interpretation
Limitation: Requires doctor's order; typically only for growth concerns
What Affects Height?
Genetics
60-80%The biggest factor. Height is polygenic (many genes involved).
Nutrition
10-20%Adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, and overall calories are essential for reaching genetic potential.
Sleep
SignificantGrowth hormone is released during deep sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can affect growth.
Health Conditions
VariableChronic illness, hormonal disorders, or untreated celiac disease can impair growth.
Puberty Timing
Affects final heightEarly puberty = less time to grow before growth plates close. Late bloomers often catch up.
Physical Activity
Positive influenceWeight-bearing exercise supports bone development. Extreme training may delay puberty.
Typical Growth by Age
| Age | Expected Growth | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0-12 months | About 10 inches (25 cm) | Fastest growth period |
| 1-2 years | About 5 inches (12 cm) | Still rapid |
| 2-3 years | About 3.5 inches (9 cm) | Slowing down |
| 3-puberty | About 2-2.5 inches (5-6 cm) per year | Steady growth |
| Puberty (girls) | 2-3 inch growth spurt | Usually ages 10-14 |
| Puberty (boys) | 3-4 inch growth spurt | Usually ages 12-16 |
| After puberty | 1-2 more inches | Growth plates closing |
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Consider consulting your pediatrician if:
- Child falls off their growth curve (drops percentiles)
- No growth for 6+ months after age 2
- Significant height difference from same-sex parent
- Signs of early puberty (before age 8 in girls, 9 in boys)
- Very delayed puberty (no signs by 13 in girls, 14 in boys)
- Child is below the 3rd percentile for age
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Updated
Get updates, tools, and calculators related to ParentCalc.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.