Happy new year, everyone.  It’s the time of year to be thinking about the future.  Given the nature of this website, I thought it would be interesting to look at how tall your children are likely to become as adults.

A quick survey of the internet shows that this is not an exact science.  But, there are different tools and “best-guess” mathematical formulas you can use to predict your child’s adult height.

Dr. Jay L. Hoecker, M.D of the Mayo Clinic* says that there are two simple formulas that parents can use to estimate adult height:

Formula # 1:

• Add the mother’s height and the father’s height in inches.
• Add 5 inches for boys or subtract 5 inches for girls.
• Divide by two.

Note: Most children will reach an adult height that is within 4 inches of the number you find.

Formula #2:

• Take your child’s height at age 2.
• Multiply by 2.

Note: This formula is considered to be less accurate than the first.

If you are looking for a adult height prediction calculator, WebMD offers a Kid’s Height Predictor and BabyCenter.com offers a Child Height Predictor, both of which are based on Formula #1 above.

The University of Saskatchewan** published an article a few years ago that uses a different formula to predict a child’s adult height, apparently with greater accuracy.  They use a child’s gender, date of birth, date of measurement (also shown as “date of test”), height, sitting height and weight to calculate the height.  Their website offers a calculator, as well, but you can only use the calculator if your child is between the ages of 8 and 16.

IMPORTANT:  Keep in mind that children’s growth patterns and heights over time will vary.  Given that, the answer you come up with will not be very accurate and should only be used as a very rough estimate.  If you have concerns about your child’s growth, be sure to talk to your Pediatrician.

Sources:

*”What’s the best way to predict a child’s adult height?” by Jay L. Hoecker, M.D., Mayo Clinic.

**Sherar, L.B., Mirwald, R.L., Baxter-Jones, A.D.G., Thomas, M. 2005. Prediction of adult height using maturity based cumulative height velocity curves. Journal of Pediatrics. 14:508-514

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