Mid-Parental Height Calculator – Predict Child's Adult Height
Predict child's adult height based on parents' heights
This calculator provides estimates based on genetics. Actual height can vary due to nutrition, health, and other factors.
Table of Contents
How to Use
- Select child's gender (boy or girl)
- Choose height unit (centimeters or inches)
- Enter mother's height
- Enter father's height
- Click calculate to see predicted height
What is Mid-Parental Height?
Mid-parental height is a method to estimate a child's adult height based on the average of both parents' heights, adjusted for the child's gender.
For boys: (Mother's height + Father's height + 13 cm) / 2. For girls: (Mother's height + Father's height - 13 cm) / 2.
Factors Affecting Height
- Genetics: Parents' heights are the strongest predictors
- Nutrition: Adequate nutrition during growth years is essential
- Health: Chronic illnesses can affect growth
- Hormones: Growth hormone levels impact final height
- Environment: Socioeconomic factors play a role
How Accurate is This Prediction?
Mid-parental height predictions are typically accurate within ±10 cm (4 inches). Genetics account for about 80% of height variation, with environmental factors making up the remaining 20%.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How accurate is the mid-parental height calculator?
- The calculator is typically accurate within ±10 cm (4 inches). It accounts for genetic factors but cannot predict the influence of nutrition, health, or environmental factors.
- At what age does a child reach their adult height?
- Girls typically reach their full adult height by age 14-16, while boys continue growing until age 16-18. Growth spurts vary individually.
- Can a child be taller than both parents?
- Yes. While uncommon, children can be taller than both parents due to recessive tall genes, better nutrition, or other environmental factors.
- Do boys and girls use different formulas?
- Yes. The formula adds 13 cm (5 inches) for boys and subtracts 13 cm for girls to account for average height differences between genders.
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