Kids Height Calculator

This Kids Height Calculator estimates a child’s potential adult height based on the parents’ heights and the child’s gender. It uses a formula that takes into account the average height differences between parents and children to provide a range of possible adult heights for the child.

Child Height Predictor

Child’s Gender
ft in
ft in

What is this calculator and what does it do?

The Kids Height Calculator is a tool that estimates how tall a child might be when they grow up. It looks at the heights of the parents and the child’s gender to give an idea of what their adult height could be. The estimate is based on common patterns of height growth within families, but it’s important to remember it’s just an estimate, not a guarantee.

How to use it?

Using the calculator is pretty easy. Here’s how:

  1. Input the mother’s height – You can enter it in either inches or centimeters.
  2. Input the father’s height – Again, in either inches or centimeters.
  3. Select the child’s gender – Whether the child is male or female makes a small difference in the calculation.
  4. Get the estimate – Once you’ve entered everything, the calculator will give you a range of potential heights that the child might reach as an adult.

What formula does it use?

The formula for this calculator is pretty simple. It takes the average of the mother’s and father’s heights, and then adjusts that number slightly based on whether the child is a boy or a girl. Here’s the breakdown:

  • For boys: (Father′s height + Mother′s height) ÷ 2 + 6.3cm
  • For girls: (Father′s height + Mother′s height) ÷ 2 − 6.3cm

The 6.3 cm (or about 2.5 inches) difference is added or subtracted to account for the usual height difference between boys and girls.

Is the calculator accurate?

While this calculator can give you a pretty good estimate, it’s not 100% accurate. It doesn’t consider things like nutrition, overall health, or unique genetic factors that can affect growth. So, while the results might be close, you shouldn’t take them too seriously. Many factors can influence a child’s height as they grow up.

What is considered the ideal height for boys and girls?

There isn’t really an “ideal” height, as it can vary based on country, genetics, and personal opinion. However, here are some general average adult heights for boys and girls in the U.S. (heights may vary in other countries):

GenderAverage Height
Boys5’9″ or 175 cm
Girls5’4″ or 162.5 cm

What other methods can be used to estimate your child’s height?

Besides this calculator, there are a few other methods to estimate a child’s adult height:

  1. Mid-Parental Height Formula – This is similar to the calculator we just talked about, where you average the parents’ heights, and adjust for the child’s gender.
  2. Bone Age X-rays – A doctor can take an X-ray of a child’s hand to check how developed the bones are, which can give clues about how much more growth might happen.
  3. Growth Charts – Doctors often use growth charts to compare a child’s height with other children the same age. By seeing where they fall on the chart, they can make predictions about adult height.
  4. Genetic Testing – While not common, genetic testing can sometimes be used to predict growth and height, especially if there are concerns about growth disorders.

These methods can give an idea of how tall a child might grow, but like the calculator, they aren’t perfect.

What factors other than genetics affect a child’s height?

While genetics play a big role in determining how tall a child will be, there are other important factors that can influence height:

  1. Nutrition – Good nutrition is essential for proper growth. If a child doesn’t get the right nutrients during their growing years, it can affect their height.
  2. Exercise – Regular physical activity helps strengthen muscles and bones, which supports proper growth. Activities like running, jumping, and swimming help kids develop strong bones.
  3. Sleep – During sleep, the body releases growth hormone, which is important for height. Kids need enough good-quality sleep to grow to their full potential.
  4. Health conditions – Some illnesses or medical conditions can affect growth. For example, conditions like growth hormone deficiency or thyroid problems can slow down growth.
  5. Hormones – Hormones, especially during puberty, play a big part in growth. Growth spurts usually happen because of changes in hormone levels.
  6. Emotional Well-being – Stress and emotional problems can sometimes interfere with growth. A child who is very stressed or going through trauma might not grow as expected.

What nutrients does a child need to grow tall?

To grow tall, kids need a diet full of important nutrients that support healthy bones and muscles.

Here is a table summarizing the key nutrients that help children grow tall and foods that are rich in these nutrients:

NutrientWhy It’s ImportantFoods Rich in This Nutrient
ProteinBuilds muscles and tissues needed for growthEggs, chicken, fish, beans, nuts, dairy (milk, yogurt)
CalciumStrengthens bones, crucial for growth.Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt), leafy greens (kale, spinach), fortified plant-based milks. Here are some more food ideas to get your daily calcium.
Vitamin DHelps the body absorb calcium, supports bone strengthFatty fish (salmon), eggs, fortified milk, sunlight
ZincAids in cell growth and repair, supports bone healthMeat, shellfish, seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
Vitamin ASupports growth and bone developmentCarrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, cantaloupe
IronSupports oxygen supply, important for energy and growthRed meat, beans, fortified cereals, dark leafy greens (spinach). Here are some vegetables that are pack with iron – for those of you who are on a plant based diet.
MagnesiumSupports bone health and energy productionNuts (almonds, cashews), seeds, whole grains, leafy greens.

Suggested Foods for Growth

To help ensure kids get the nutrients they need to grow, here’s a list of foods that are especially helpful:

  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) – for calcium and protein.
  • Eggs – for protein and Vitamin D.
  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale) – for calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin A.
  • Chicken and lean meats – for protein and iron.
  • Fish (especially salmon and tuna) – for protein, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds) – for protein, magnesium, and zinc.
  • Fruits (like oranges and cantaloupe) – for Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

A balanced diet that includes a variety of these foods will support healthy growth and give kids the nutrients they need to reach their full height potential.