This child height calculator answers the question of how tall will your children be? We use two very different methods and describe how to calculate a child's eventual adult height in detail.
If you already have a child over four years old, our future height calculator uses a scientifically proven formula to determine their height.
However, if your kid is younger, you're just curious, or maybe you are pregnant, we have a child height predictor that calculates the child's height based on the parents' height. It's called the Mid-Parental Height Formula.
In the article below, you can learn about a variety of height-related topics, such as when do girls and boys stop growing and what is the average male height. Moreover, we discuss how to get taller (and whether it is possible at all).
What does a child's height depend on?
How tall will my child be? Will they be as tall as their dad or average height like their grandpa? These questions thrill almost every parent during pregnancy and while the child is continuously growing in the early years. Lots of us believe that children are usually taller than their parents. For sure, that is not a rule, and these trends vary from child to child and from family to family.
The single most significant factor here is genetics. However, environmental aspects still have a lot of impact on the child's height! Let's take a look at a few crucial points:
- Nutrition – growth requires a lot of energy! Overweight children tend to be taller than others, but staying fit is crucial for their development. You can check your ideal weight using our ideal weight calculator.
- Hormone levels, especially growth hormone or thyroid hormones.
- Health conditions, such as coeliac disease or arthritis.
- Medications such as corticosteroids can affect growth.
- Genetic conditions: for example, children with Marfan's syndrome tend to grow higher, while children with Down's syndrome are usually shorter than others.
As you can see, one of the most crucial aspects is nutrition. It is so significant that scientists suggest the proper question to consider should be "How much variation (the difference between individuals) in height is attributable to genetic effects and how much to nutritional effects?".
The answer is about 60-80% of the individual's height is determined by genetics. The role of environmental factors (especially nutrition) is estimated to be around 20-40%. These numbers come from estimations of the heritability of human height and from research examining what proportions of the height variation are determined by genetics.
Height – the genetics behind a human appearance
Based on various scientific studies, heritability contributes to around 80 percent of a child's height. A Finnish study on almost 9000 twins arrived at results of 78 percent for men and 75 percent for women. As we can see, the heritability varies even for men and women.
These values may vary a lot between ethnic populations as well. This is mainly due to different living environments (including nutrition, lifestyle, and climate conditions) and different genetic combinations across communities. In Asian and African populations, the height heritability is notably lower. Miao-Xin Li of Human Normal University in China estimated that in the Chinese population, the heritability equals 65 percent. D. F. Roberts found a comparable figure in studies in west Africa.
Heritability allows us to consider how the person's height is determined. Let's analyze it on the following example: a man who is 183 cm (6 ft) tall. The white male population has an average height of 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) with a heritability of 80 percent. Our individual is 5 cm taller than the population average. Analysis of heritability suggests how much of his extra height is a genetic cause and how much is due to environmental factors. In this example, we can say that 4 cm of his extra height is thanks to genetics (80%), and the 1 cm (20%) is an environmental effect (probably a result of good nutrition).
How tall will I be? – how to calculate a child's height
There are a few methods of predicting the growth of a child. Some use mathematical estimations as a base and are entirely safe (because the child is not exposed to any hazardous factors). The one we provide here (the Khamis-Roche Formula) is proven to be the most accurate without the use of skeletal age. The most straightforward method (Mid-Parental height formula) is based on parents' height only.
The other conventional method of height prediction uses roentgen radiation (which is potentially hazardous). It is, however, the most accurate way. The child's "bone age" is determined by using X-ray medical imaging of the child's hand.
The Khamis-Roche child height predictor
A child's adult height can be predicted using a simple mathematical equation using parent height, current child height, and current child weight. It is valid for children above the age of four.
This method of height prediction is known as the Khamis-Roche Method, and it was developed in 1994 at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. The publication by Dr. Harry Khamis and Dr. Alex Roche was called Predicting adult stature without using skeletal age: the Khamis-Roche method. It's the most accurate method of child height prediction without determining the skeletal age.
For boys, the margin of error is 2.1 inches, and for girls, the margin is 1.7 inches.
Please note that this future child height calculator was developed by research on a group of Caucasian children, so it may be less accurate for kids of other ethnicities.
The mid-parental child height calculator and formula
The mid-parental formula is the easiest way to calculate a child's height based on the parents' height. Here is how it works:
Let's calculate the mid-parental height:
(mother's height + father's height)/2
For a girl's future height, subtract 2½ in (or 6.5 cm):
girl's height = mid-parental height - 2½ in (or 6.5 cm)(Video) How Tall Will You Be When You Grow Up?
For a boy's future height, add 2½ in (or 6.5 cm):
boy's height = mid-parental height + 2½ in (or 6.5 cm)
You can expect a margin of error of about four inches either way. You can convert metric to imperial length units using our length calculator.
As we have already discussed, a child's height is primarily determined by genetics. However, it does not depend solely on the parents' height. It's inherited in a way so that children may be taller or shorter than their parents since height inheritance is polygenic – the answer to how tall your child will be is scattered among many genes.
Bone age – skeletal maturity prediction
The maturity of a child's skeletal system might be estimated by using a bone age study. It consists of taking a single X-ray of the left wrist, hand, and fingers. It is a painless procedure that exposes the individual to a very small amount of radiation. Afterward, the image is compared to standard images from a bone development atlas created from studies on a large number of kids. Bone age is measured in years.
The growth of bones is possible thanks to a particular area within two ends of long bones – the growth plate. This is a hyaline cartilage plate, which consists of actively growing cells. These plates can be found in children's bones, and, in adolescents, they turn into an epiphysial line (a residue of the growth plate). This replacement is called epiphysial closure or growth plate fusion. The fusions are complete in age 12-16 for girls and 14-19 for boys.
Growth plates are easy to identify on an X-ray because they are softer and contain less mineral content than standard bone. That makes them appear darker than the rest of the skeleton on the X-ray image. They look different at each age – thanks to that, a doctor can determine bone maturity by simply reviewing its appearance. Then, the image is compared with the closest matching image from an atlas.
Observing a difference between a child's bone age and their chronological age may point to a growth problem, but it is not the rule. Some kids with perfect health can have a disparity in skeletal and chronological age.
The control of bone age is done to assess the tempo of the maturing process of a child's skeleton. This allows doctors to diagnose conditions that delay or accelerate physical growth. Using the skeletal age, physicians may predict:
- How long the child will be still growing for;
- A child's final height; and
- The start of puberty.
The study is also used to monitor the treatment process of kids with growth deficiencies. There are plenty of factors that may affect growth:
- Hormone-related diseases (adrenal gland disorders, growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism);
- Genetic disorders (e.g., Turner syndrome); and
- Orthopedic as well as orthodontic problems, the treatment of which must be planned according to the child's predicted growth.
Standardized growth charts are an essential tool used by doctors to determine whether a child is growing as expected. They are based on regular measurements of a child's height, weight, head size, and BMI.
To find these values, you can use our BMI calculator or child BMI calculator.
The most popular charts are the WHO Charts for infants and children ages 0 to 2 and CDC Charts for children above 2. They are also helpful for judging the onset of puberty in an older child.
When do girls stop growing? – average female height
The growth process differs between girls and boys. Female growth is fast in childhood, and when they reach puberty, it speeds up rapidly. They achieve adult height usually at the age of 14-15 or a couple of years after menstruation occurs the first time.
Following the growth charts from the CDC, the average height of adult woman at age 20 is 64-65 in (163 cm). In the table below, you can find a few other numbers for different ages.
Median female height
3 ft 3 in
3 ft 9 in
4 ft 2 in
4 ft 7 in
4 ft 11 in
5 ft 4 in
5 ft 4 in
5 ft 4 in
5 ft 5 in
When do boys stop growing? – average male height
Boys come into puberty later than girls. They start entering it at the age of 12-15, so the most significant growth happens around two years later than for girls. The height growth rate for most boys slows down around 16 years old, but their body mass (mainly muscles) continues to develop. According to the CDC, the average male height around 20 years old is 69.5 in (177 cm). Check below for the median height of boys during childhood and teenage years.
Median male height
3 ft 4 in
3 ft 9 in
4 ft 2 in
4 ft 6 in
4 ft 11 in
5 ft 4 in
5 ft 8 in
5 ft 9 in
5 ft 9 in
How to get taller?
Many people are not satisfied with their height. That is why they keep asking questions like how to get taller? Is it possible to increase my height? How can I grow taller as an adult? Firstly, we should consider a general question – is it possible to increase height after puberty at all?
In the text above, we found the majority of a person's height is determined by genetics (60-80%), and the body grows by lengthening its long bones (thanks to special cartilage located in long bones – growth plates). The conclusion is that it is impossible to increase bone length after the closure of growth plates. It means that a human cannot grow taller.
However, we can observe slight daily variations in height for most adults. The cause of these changes lies in spinal disc compression throughout the day. Daily activities impact the disc cartilage, which results in their height reduction. Note that we are tallest just after night and shortest at the end of a long, active day.
You may encounter myths about some techniques that will allow you to grow. Most popular activities are certain forms of exercising (e.g., weightlifting) and stretching. Unfortunately, there is no good scientific evidence to prove these methods. We recommend that you do not let it worry you, as it is something you can do seemingly nothing about.
For sure, during the childhood and teenage years, while puberty is on, a healthy lifestyle allows your kid to grow in the right way. At that time, it is very important to sleep enough, eat well (provide enough macronutrients and micronutrients to the developing body), and do sports.
Remember that Omni Calculator is not a doctor. If you believe your child is too short or too tall, please consult a pediatrician.
Can identical twins be different heights?
Yes, identical twins can be of different heights. This is because a small percentage of the factors that determine height are environmental, so if one twin receives a more nutrient-rich diet, they will likely be taller, even though they are genetically the same.
How can I increase my height?
If you are a child, eat as much as you can on a healthy diet! If you are an adult, you cannot grow anymore, but you can appear taller by maintaining good posture. Stand straight up to realize your tallest potential.
What is the average height for a 12 year old?
The average height of a 12-year-old boy is 148.3 cm (4 ft 10 in), while for a 12-year-old girl, it is 150.0 cm (4 ft 11 in). The reason girls are slightly taller at this age is that, on average, they go through puberty earlier than boys.
What is the average height for a 13 year old?
The average height of a 13-year-old girl is 155.4 cm (5 ft 1), and for a 13-year-old boy, it is 154.9 (5 ft 0). This data is taken from WHO growth charts, which are the international standard for height percentiles.
When do girls stop growing?
On average, a girl will stop growing when she is around 14-15 years old. Her final growth spurt should occur roughly 2 years after her period has begun and approximately 4 years after puberty has begun.
How do you measure height?
Here is how you measure your height:
- Stand next to a wall with your back to it. A floor that is not carpeted will give more accurate results.
- Remove any headwear and footwear, and stand against the wall as straight as possible. Your head, shoulders, back, and heels should all be touching the wall.
- Using a mirror, place a hardback book or box on your head so that it forms a right angle with the wall.
- Mark with a pencil (or sticky note so as not to mark the wall) where the bottom of the book meets the wall.
- Measure from the mark to the floor to find your height.
Is height genetic?
Height is said to be around 80% genetic, with the other 20% being environmental. You can think about it as genetics determining someone's maximum height, while their nutrition and other factors decide if they get there or not. Someone with a poor diet growing up will not realize their height potential.
At what age do boys stop growing?
The average that boys stop growing is 16, but this can be as late as 18, depending on when he entered puberty. As a general rule, boys will stop growing around 4 years after they have entered puberty. They may continue to get muscular, however.
What is the average height for a 14 year old?
The average height for a 14-year-old boy is 162.4 cm (5 ft 3), while for girls, it is 159.8 cm (5 ft 2). Expect a significant variation in height at this age. However, some people will have finished puberty, while some may not have started yet.
What is the average height for a 10 year old?
The average height of a 10-year-old girl is 138.6 cm (4 ft 6), while for boys, it is 138.4 (also 4 ft 6). The reason for this similarity is that, at a population level, puberty hasn't begun to cause growth spurts yet, and both sexes are the same height until sexual differences occur during puberty.
How tall will I be at 14? ›
The average height for a 14-year-old boy is 162.4 cm (5 ft 3), while for girls, it is 159.8 cm (5 ft 2). Expect a significant variation in height at this age. However, some people will have finished puberty, while some may not have started yet.What is the most accurate height predictor? ›
The Khamis-Roche method
This method is one of the most accurate methods for predicting the future adult height of the child without determining the skeleton age. This method usually considers the age, gender, child weight, child height with the heights of both parents.
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).Does height come from mom or dad? ›
The genetics of height
If they are tall or short, then your own height is said to end up somewhere based on the average heights between your two parents. Genes aren't the sole predictor of a person's height. In some instances, a child might be much taller than their parents and other relatives.
Girls grow at a quick pace throughout infancy and childhood. When they reach puberty, growth increases dramatically again. Girls usually stop growing and reach adult height by 14 or 15 years old, or a couple years after menstruation begins.How tall is an average 14 year old kid? ›
|Age||Height - Females||Height - Males|
|10||50 to 59 inches||50.5 to 59 inches|
|12||55 to 64 inches||54 to 63.5 inches|
|14||59 to 67.5 inches||59 to 69.5 inches|
|16||60 to 68 inches||63 to 73 inches|
But at what age do you stop growing taller? Even if you hit puberty late, you're unlikely to grow significantly after the ages of 18 to 20 . Most boys reach their peak height around the age of 16. However, men still develop in other ways well into their twenties.How tall does the average 14 year old grow in a year? ›
Typically, in that intense phase of the growth spurt, or that three years between ages 12 and 15 years for boys (generally speaking) and between ages 10 and 13 for girls, height gains are about 4 inches per year for boys and 3 to 3.5 inches per year for girls.What height is most common? ›
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average age-adjusted height for American men 20 years and older is is 69.1 inches (175.4 cm), or 5 feet 9 inches tall, and the average height of an American female over 20 years of age is 63.5 inches (161.5 cm), or 5' 3.5" tall.What are 5 signs that you have stopped growing in height? ›
Growth has slowed considerably over the last one to two years. They have started menstruating within the last one to two years. Their pubic and underarm hair has grown in fully. They look more adult-like, as opposed to having a child-like stature;.
Can shoe size predict height? ›
Shoe size generally is proportional to height, so it's used in many height-predicting formulas out there. A lot of the time, these formulas take into account the parents' height, as well. However, the results are usually far from reliable.Do 15 year olds still grow taller? ›
The short answer is that, on average, people keep getting taller until puberty stops, around 15 or 16 years old. By the time someone has reached their adult height, the rest of their body will be done maturing too. By age 16, the body will usually have reached its full adult form — height included.What ages do you have growth spurts? ›
A major growth spurt happens at the time of puberty, usually between 8 to 13 years of age in girls and 10 to 15 years in boys. Puberty lasts about 2 to 5 years.Will you be taller if you start puberty late? ›
In the category of children with lower BMI and later onset of puberty, the spurt was all the stronger. Those whose puberty was delayed also had several extra years to grow in, and quite simply ended up taller.Can two short parents have a tall child? ›
However, this has raised concerns in the minds of several individuals. This includes people who may be described as short and those who may have wondered if it were possible. Just as simple as the question is, so is its answer. Yes, short parents can have tall children.Can a tall father have a short son? ›
For an exceptionally tall man, his son will be around 4 inches (10cm) shorter than him. His son will still be taller than average. A 58-inch-tall (147cm-tall) man will have a 63.5-inch-tall (161cm-tall) son. For an exceptionally short man, his son will be around 5.5 inches (14cm) taller than him.At what age are you half your height? ›
(2) Try this: Girls are half of their adult height at 18 months of age, while boys are half of their adult height at 24 months of age.How do I know if I'm done growing? ›
As mentioned in one of the articles one good way to see if you still have growth potential is to X-ray a wrist- the test is called a Pediatric Bone Age. It will show if your growth plates are still open. A doctor can also request lab tests- checking for hormones- such as thyroid, growth hormone and sex hormones.How can you tell if a girl is done growing? ›
- Growth has slowed considerably over the last one to two years.
- They have started menstruating within the last one to two years.
- Their pubic and underarm hair has grown in fully.
- They look more adult-like, as opposed to having a child-like stature;.
Females usually experience their fastest growth spurt around age 11 or 12. After menstruation starts, it is typical to grow another 7 cm (2.75 inches) in height. It is also typical for females to gain weight during puberty. Usually, females reach adult height around age 14 or 15.
How to grow taller? ›
What can I do to become taller? Taking good care of yourself — eating well, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest — is the best way to stay healthy and help your body reach its natural potential. There's no magic pill for increasing height. In fact, your genes are the major determinant of how tall you'll be.Do boys stop growing at 21? ›
However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more. This variation is normal, but the average boy will stop growing around age 18.How tall should a boy be at 14 in feet? ›
What is the average height of a 14-year-old boy? The average 14-year-old boy measures 66.7 inches, or 5 feet 7 inches. 14-year-old males in the 5th percentile of the average measure 5 feet tall. 14-year-old males in the 90th percentile measure 5 feet 9 inches.What age does puberty end? ›
It can start as early as age 9. Puberty is a process that takes place for several years. Most girls finish puberty by age 14. Most boys finish puberty by age 15 or 16.What is the average male height? ›
Average height for men in the United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the average age-adjusted height for American men 20 years old and up is 69.1 inches (175.4 centimeters) during the years 2015 to 2016. That's about 5 feet 9 inches tall.
Height by age.
|Age (years)||50th percentile height for boys (inches and centimeters)|
|15||66.9 in. (170 cm)|
|16||68.3 in. (173.5 cm)|
|17||69.1 in. (175.5 cm)|
|18||69.3 in. (176 cm)|
Changes in your child's height and weight caused by increases in bone, muscle and fat are the most immediate signs that your child is experiencing a growth spurt. Other signs of a growth spurt include: Decrease or increase in appetite. Fussiness or emotional outbursts.Why is my growth spurt so late? ›
Some medical problems can cause delays in puberty: Some kids and teens with chronic illnesses like diabetes, cystic fibrosis, kidney disease, or even asthma may go through puberty at an older age. That's because their illnesses can make it harder for their bodies to grow and develop.How long does a growth spurt last? ›
Growth spurts can happen at any time, and every baby is different. Growth spurts usually last a few days. Many babies are fussier during growth spurts and will want to nurse longer and more often, as much as every 30 minutes.How tall was Jesus? ›
He may have stood about 5-ft.-5-in. (166 cm) tall, the average man's height at the time.
What ethnicity is the tallest? ›
Dutch people are the world's tallest, with an average height of 175.62cm (5 feet 7.96 inches.) Dutch men are an average 182.53cm (5 feet 11.86 inches) tall. Dutch women are an average 168.72cm (5 feet 6.42 inches) tall.What gender is usually taller? ›
Globally, the ratio is 1.07, meaning that on average, men are about 7% taller than women. Across the world, this relative difference between the sexes can vary from only 2-3% to over 12%.What things can stunt your growth? ›
Stunted growth: what actually causes it? The most direct causes are inadequate nutrition (not eating enough or eating foods that lack growth-promoting nutrients) and recurrent infections or chronic or diseases which cause poor nutrient intake, absorption or utilization.What causes height to stop? ›
If the pituitary gland doesn't make enough hormones, normal growth slows down or stops. Kids and teens with GH deficiency grow less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) a year. GH deficiency happens if the pituitary gland or hypothalamus is damaged or doesn't work as it should.How to increase height naturally? ›
- Eat a balanced diet. During your growing years, it's crucial that you get all of the nutrients your body needs. ...
- Use supplements with caution. ...
- Get the right amount of sleep. ...
- Stay active. ...
- Practice good posture. ...
- Use yoga to maximize your height.
This analysis shows that there is a linear correlation between foot size and height. We can expect people with large feet to be taller than people with small feet.Is size 9 shoe small for a guy? ›
The most common shoe size for men around the world is typically between 9 and 12.Will kids with big feet be tall? ›
Some people say that big feet indicate a child will be tall. But people of the same height often have different size feet. But feet size can tell you one thing: When you notice your kiddo's feet grow larger, it's a sign they're about to get taller. According to one study, foot growth happens before spinal growth.Can stretching make you taller? ›
“Stretching does not make you taller, but it can help in improving flexibility and posture, which can make someone seem taller,” Hashish said. “For instance, if someone slouches, they may appear shorter than when they stand upright with more extension.”What foods help with height? ›
- Beans. Beans are a fantastic source of protein and are quite nutrient-dense. ...
- Chicken. Chicken is a great food to increase height because it is high in protein and several other crucial components. ...
- Almonds. ...
- Leafy Greens. ...
- Yoghurt. ...
- Sweet Potatoes. ...
- Quinoa. ...
How much taller do boys get after 15? ›
If they started at a average time they probably have 2 - 4 more inches left. But it depends on the person. How much do you grow between 16 and 18? Between 16 and 18, a normal male will most likely grow 11 - 12 centimeters in height, which is about 4.5 inches…Who hasn t hit puberty at 27? ›
Actor Max Casella is opening up about his journey with pituitary dwarfism or growth hormone deficiency. The actor told Page Six Wednesday he didn't reach puberty until he was 27 due to the condition.What are signs of a late bloomer? ›
- Small testicles.
- No facial hair.
- Shorter than other boys their age.
Most late bloomers start off as an average or even above average height as infants and toddlers. But around their third or fourth birthday, they start to slow down on their growth. While they still grow a normal amount each year, it's often not as much as their peers.How tall should I be at 13? ›
What is the average height for a 13 year old? The average height of a 13-year-old girl is 155.4 cm (5 ft 1), and for a 13-year-old boy, it is 154.9 (5 ft 0).How accurate is the 2 year old height predictor? ›
The average height at age 2 is, in fact, about half of the average adult height, and the correlation between height at 2 and height in adulthood is about 0.75 for boys and 0.65 for girls—about what the chart would yield at that age.How tall should I be at 16? ›
This becomes more apparent as a child nears the end of puberty, usually 15 years old or older. Overall, the average height for 16 year olds girls is 64.0 inches or 162.5 centimeters. Teen boys at the age of 16, on the flip side, have a much higher average height, which is 68.3 inches or 173.4 centimeters. What is this?How tall should a 12 year old be? ›
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).What age do boys grow fastest? ›
Boys tend to show the first physical changes of puberty between the ages of 10 and 16. They tend to grow most quickly between ages 12 and 15. The growth spurt of boys is, on average, about 2 years later than that of girls. By age 16, most boys have stopped growing, but their muscles will continue to develop.Is 4 10 short for a 13 year old? ›
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, short stature means an estimated final height below 5 feet 3 inches for boys or 4 feet 11 inches for girls.
Is it true that a child is half your height at 2? ›
Did you know the earliest growth spurt, from baby to toddler, actually accounts for roughly half of a child's adult height? A simple method to predict adult height is to double the child's height at age 2.How tall is the 99th percentile male? ›
|Percentile||Male Height||Female Height|