This Child Height Predictor is intended to estimate a child’s predicted adult height. The calculations are based on the CDC growth charts for children and teens between the ages of 2 and 20 years. To perform calculations choose appropriate measurement units and specify the child’s height and age either using the sliders or entering the data in the calculator fields, then specify the gender.
Predicting a child’s height
Scientific studies show that a child’s height is determined mostly by hereditary factors and gender. Their contribution is up to 70% – 80% of growth and rest is based on nutritional and environmental factors. In some cases diseases, illness and certain medications can inhibit a child growth.
There are a number methods of prediction of a child’s height. Among the most famous are the Greulich-Pyle method, that is based bone age, or the Khamis-Roche method, that is based on the child’s stature, weight, and the average stature of the two parents. The latter method is considered to be one of the more accurate height prediction methods.
There are also some very simple, but less accurate, methods. One of them is adding 2.5 inches (7.6 cm) to the average of the parent’s height for a boy and subtracting 2.5 inches (7.6 cm) for a girl. Another simple method is to double the height achieved by the child by age 2 for a boy, or age 18 months for girl.
The method we use in our Child’s Height Predictor is based on the CDC Growth Charts of the US. These growth charts consist of percentile curves showing the distribution of specific body measurements of children in the United States. The height percentile shows how a child’s height or stature compares to other children of the same age and sex. The percentile tells you what is the percentage of children that have a height less than your child has.
Usually, healthy children maintain a fairly constant growth curve, which is why these charts can be used to predict the adult height of a child. Specifically, we determine the percentile corresponding to the height of a child between the ages of 2 and 18 years. Then, assuming that, as the child grows, he or she remains on the same curve, we find the height at the age of 20 years.
For tall or short stature which is beyond the interval of 3rd and 97th percentiles we can not predict a child’s adult height.
Related calculators
To assess your child’s weight check out our BMI Calculator for Children.
Disclaimer. Please remember that this tool is not intended to be used as a sole diagnostic instrument. In case of any concerns about your child’s growth, please consult a pediatrician to address your child’s specific situation.