Health

Predict Your Child's Adult Height Using Parental Height

Q: How accurate is the Tanner height prediction formula?

The Tanner formula has a margin of **±8.5 cm** (covering ~95% of cases). It's a genetic estimate; actual final height also depends on nutrition, health, and environmental factors.

Q: Do children usually end up the same height as their parents?

Height has a genetic component of **60–80%**. Most children fall within the target height range, but exceptions do occur due to environmental and epigenetic factors.

Q: Can nutrition affect a child's final height?

Yes. **Good nutrition** helps reach maximum genetic potential. Chronic malnutrition during childhood can significantly reduce final height.

Q: When do children stop growing?

Girls typically stop growing between ages **14–16** (about 2 years after first period). Boys usually stop between **16–18**, though some continue growing slowly until 21.

Q: What if my child is growing slower than expected?

Monitor growth velocity. If your child grows less than **4 cm per year** after age 4, or falls below the **3rd percentile**, consult a pediatric endocrinologist.

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Your child's target height (or genetic height potential) predicts adult stature based on both parents' heights. The Tanner method is the most widely used formula, calculating an average adjusted by sex with a margin of ±8.5 cm. This is a genetic estimate that doesn't account for nutrition, health, or physical activity.

Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Verified by Hacé Cuentas Team Source: Tanner JM — Standards for growth velocity (Arch Dis Child, 1970), American Academy of Pediatrics — Growth and Development Guidelines 100% private

When to use this calculator

You want to estimate how tall your child will be as an adult.
Your pediatrician mentioned 'target height' and you want to calculate it.
You want to compare the prediction to your child's current growth.
You're checking if your child is growing to match his or her genetic potential.
General family curiosity about your child's future height.

Example: Father 175 cm, Mother 163 cm, Boy

Father: 175 cm. Mother: 163 cm.
Formula for boys: (175 + 163 + 13) ÷ 2 = 175.5 cm.
Range: 175.5 ± 8.5 = 167 to 184 cm.

Result: Your son's predicted adult height is 175.5 cm (range: 167 to 184 cm).

How it works

1 min read

Tanner Formula (Target Height)

Boys

Target height = (father's height + mother's height + 13) ÷ 2

Girls

Target height = (father's height + mother's height − 13) ÷ 2

The ±8.5 cm (±2 SD) covers approximately 95% of cases.

How Accurate Is It?

Target height is a genetic estimate. Final adult height also depends on:

Nutrition (malnutrition can reduce final height)

Overall health (chronic illnesses)

Puberty timing (early puberty = shorter final height)

Physical activity and sleep

Epigenetic factors

Average Adult Heights in the US

Sex	Average adult height
Males	175 cm (5'9")
Females	163 cm (5'4")

When to Worry About Height

If your child is below the 3rd percentile on standard growth charts, or growing less than 4 cm per year after age 4, consult a pediatric endocrinologist.

Related Calculators

Child BMI Percentile — pediatric BMI calculation.

Ideal Weight for Children — weight by age and sex.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is the Tanner height prediction formula?

The Tanner formula has a margin of ±8.5 cm (covering ~95% of cases). It's a genetic estimate; actual final height also depends on nutrition, health, and environmental factors.

Do children usually end up the same height as their parents?

Height has a genetic component of 60–80%. Most children fall within the target height range, but exceptions do occur due to environmental and epigenetic factors.

Can nutrition affect a child's final height?

Yes. Good nutrition helps reach maximum genetic potential. Chronic malnutrition during childhood can significantly reduce final height.

Does early puberty affect final height?

Yes. Early puberty may make a child tall initially, but closes growth plates sooner, often resulting in a shorter final height than predicted.

When do children stop growing?

Girls typically stop growing between ages 14–16 (about 2 years after first period). Boys usually stop between 16–18, though some continue growing slowly until 21.

Can I use this calculator if my child is adopted?

If you don't know your child's biological parents' heights, this formula won't apply. Growth chart tracking and pediatric guidance are your best alternatives.

Does sports or exercise help children grow taller?

Exercise doesn't directly increase final height. However, physical activity and adequate sleep (when growth hormone is released) help children reach their genetic potential.

What if my child is growing slower than expected?

Monitor growth velocity. If your child grows less than 4 cm per year after age 4, or falls below the 3rd percentile, consult a pediatric endocrinologist.