What's the best way to predict a child's adult height?

Answer From Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

There's no proven way to predict a child's adult height. However, several formulas can provide a reasonable guess for child growth. Here's a popular example:

  • Add the mother's height and the father's height in either inches or centimeters.
  • Add 5 inches (13 centimeters) for boys or subtract 5 inches (13 centimeters) for girls.
  • Divide by two.

Another way to estimate a child's adult height is to double a boy's height at age 2 or a girl's height at age 18 months.

Remember, a child's height is largely controlled by genetics. It's also important to note that children grow at different rates. Some children begin their growth phases early, while others are late bloomers.

If you're concerned about your child's growth, talk to his or her doctor. Having the doctor plot your child's growth on a standardized growth chart can determine if your child is following his or her curve, as well as help predict adult height.

Get the latest health advice from Mayo Clinic delivered to your inbox.

Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expert advice on managing your health.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic Patient, this could include Protected Health Information (PHI). If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

Nov. 06, 2019 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Acetaminophen and children: Why dose matters
  2. Bullying Scars
  3. Car sickness in children
  4. Cast care
  5. Children and divorce
  6. Children and gender identity
  7. Children and sports
  8. Tips for picky eaters
  9. Cold medicines for kids
  10. Herd immunity and coronavirus
  11. COVID-19 (coronavirus) in babies and children
  12. Disposal of unused pain medications
  13. Don't save leftover pain pills
  14. Ear infection treatment: Do alternative therapies work?
  15. Enterovirus D68: How can I protect my child?
  16. Fitness ideas for the entire family
  17. Flu shots for kids
  18. Fruit juice for kids
  19. Halloween safety tips
  20. Hand-washing tips
  21. Head lice prevention
  22. Healthy snacks for kids
  23. Helping children cope
  24. Hygiene hypothesis
  25. Iron deficiency in children
  26. Kids and exercise
  27. Preventing lead exposure
  28. Learning disorders: Know the signs, how to help
  29. BMI and waist circumference calculator
  30. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why and when children should be vaccinated
  31. Measles vaccine: Can I get the measles if I've already been vaccinated?
  32. Mental illness in children: Know the signs
  33. Introducing a new sibling
  34. Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet
  35. Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
  36. Safety tips for returning to school during COVID-19
  37. Limiting screen time
  38. Sibling rivalry
  39. Single-parenting tips
  40. Stepfamilies
  41. Thermometer basics
  42. Thermometers: Understand the options
  43. Building your child's resilience
  44. When to Take Your Child to the E.D.