Height Prediction Calculator

The height that a child grows to as an adult is influenced by a number of factors, such as genetics (their parents height), sex (are they male or female), and overall health and nutrition. It is believed that genetics accounts for 70% of the adult height, while 30% comes from environmental factors, such as health, nutrition and exercise.

Although there is no way to predict the future to see how tall a child will become, the calculator above and following height prediction methods can be used to give you some idea. For athletes, proper nutrition and training during growth years is crucial for reaching genetic height potential.

See more about measuring height, baby length and standing height.

How to Use This Height Prediction Calculator

Our calculator offers two scientifically validated methods for predicting adult height. Each method has different accuracy levels and is suitable for different situations:

Mid-Parental Height Method

This simple method uses only the parents' heights to estimate the child's adult height. According to research by Robert Wood, MSc Sports Science, this method works by averaging the parents' heights and adjusting for the child's biological sex. Males typically grow taller than the mid-parental average, while females grow shorter.

The calculation adds 13 cm (5 inches) for males or subtracts 13 cm for females from the average of the parents' heights, then divides by two. This method provides a prediction with a 68% confidence interval of ±8.5 cm. While less precise than the Khamis-Roche method, it's useful when you don't have the child's current measurements.

Khamis-Roche Method (More Accurate)

Developed by Khamis and Roche (1994) and published in Pediatrics journal, this method uses the child's current height, weight, and age along with parent heights. Research shows it achieves 90% accuracy within ±5.3 cm for children aged 4 to 17.5 years.

The method is most accurate for children over 8 years old and becomes increasingly precise as children approach adolescence. For young athletes in training, this method helps coaches and parents understand growth potential for sport-specific development.

Simple and Easy (but inaccurate?) Traditional Methods

There are a couple of simple methods used to estimate a child's height potential that are commonly used but less scientific and less accurate than the formula listed below.

1. Estimate adult height by adding the parents' heights together, then dividing this by two, then adding three inches (7.6 cm) for a boy or subtracting three for a girl.
2. Estimate your child's height when they reach adulthood, by taking their height at age 2 and doubling it.

Using Formula

• Using growth charts (see height and weight growth charts)
• Based on secondary sex characteristics: Onat method (1)
• Based on menstrual age: Tanner method (2)
• Based on anthropometry and mid-parent stature:
  • Modified Roche-Wainer-Thissen method (3)
  • Khamis-Roche method (4). based on a child's gender, height, and weight and the height of both parents.
• Based on anthropometry: Lauren method (5)
• Based on bone age: An estimate of a child's height as an adult can be made by measuring the child's bone age (using x-ray) and chronological age. This is a common method used by pediatricians and endocrinologists. This method utilizes the work done by Greulich and Pyle in "Radiographic Atlas of Skeletal Development of the Hand and Wrist".
  • Bayley-Pinneau method (6)
  • Roche-Wainer-Thissen method (7)
  • Tanner-Whitehouse method (8)
  • Tanner-Healy method (9)

Height Prediction for Young Athletes

For young athletes, understanding predicted adult height can help with sport selection and training focus. According to sports science research by Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia, certain sports favor specific height ranges:

Factors Affecting Height Achievement

While genetics determines approximately 70% of adult height, environmental factors account for the remaining 30%. For young athletes, several factors can influence whether they reach their genetic height potential:

Nutrition for Growth

Adequate nutrition during growth years is crucial. Key nutrients include:

• Protein: Essential for growth hormone production. Athletes need 1.2-1.7g per kg body weight.
• Calcium & Vitamin D: Critical for bone growth. Athletes require 1300mg calcium daily during adolescence.
• Zinc: Deficiency can stunt growth. Found in lean meats, whole grains, and legumes.
• Overall Calories: Under-eating during growth spurts can limit height potential.

Training Considerations

Research by sports scientists indicates that training can affect growth:

• Moderate Exercise: Stimulates growth hormone release and bone density.
• Overtraining: Excessive training without adequate recovery can suppress growth hormones.
• Sport-Specific Impact: High-impact sports may temporarily compress spine; proper recovery is essential.
• Sleep: Growth hormone releases primarily during deep sleep. Athletes need 9-10 hours nightly.