Child Height Predictor
Predict a child's adult height using the Mid-Parental Height (MPH) method, the clinical standard for pediatric height estimation.
Results
What is it?
The Mid-Parental Height (MPH) method, established by James Tanner in 1970, is the clinical gold standard for estimating a child's adult height based purely on genetics. It averages both parents' heights and applies a +/-13 cm sex correction to account for the typical height difference between men and women. The 95% confidence interval is +/-8.5 cm, meaning 95% of children will fall within that range.
How to use
1. Enter the father's height and mother's height (both in cm or inches — select the unit). 2. Select the child's biological sex. 3. The predicted adult height and +/-8.5 cm confidence range are displayed.
Example scenario
Father: 178 cm, Mother: 165 cm, Boy. MPH = (178 + 165 + 13) / 2 = 178 cm. Range: 169.5-186.5 cm. For a girl from the same parents: (178 + 165 - 13) / 2 = 165 cm. Range: 156.5-173.5 cm.
Pro tip
Genetics accounts for roughly 60-80% of height variation. Non-genetic factors — especially nutrition, sleep (growth hormone is released during deep sleep), and childhood health — can add or subtract several centimetres from the genetic potential. Children with good nutrition and adequate sleep tend to reach the upper range of their MPH estimate.