Monitor development and estimate adult height based on genetics
Male
Female
Metric (cm/kg)
Imperial (in/lb)
Mid-Parental Height Parameters
Calculated Results
Understanding Childhood Growth Charts
A childhood growth chart is an essential tool used by pediatricians to monitor how a child is developing compared to other children of the same age and gender. While every child grows at their own pace, these charts help identify trends in height, weight, and BMI (Body Mass Index).
The Mid-Parental Height Method
One of the most common ways to predict a child's eventual adult height is the "Mid-Parental Height" method. This calculation uses the biological parents' heights to determine a "target height."
If his current BMI is calculated as 15.5, he would typically fall within the healthy range for his age group, though specific percentiles are determined by standard CDC or WHO growth curves.
Why Growth Consistency Matters
Pediatricians look for "steady growth." If a child suddenly jumps from the 50th percentile to the 95th, or drops significantly, it may warrant further investigation. Genetic potential, nutrition, and physical activity all play crucial roles in reaching these projected milestones.
function toggleUnits() {
var units = document.getElementById("unitSystem").value;
var heightTexts = document.getElementsByClassName("heightUnitText");
var weightTexts = document.getElementsByClassName("weightUnitText");
for (var i = 0; i < heightTexts.length; i++) {
heightTexts[i].innerText = (units === "metric") ? "cm" : "in";
}
for (var j = 0; j < weightTexts.length; j++) {
weightTexts[j].innerText = (units === "metric") ? "kg" : "lb";
}
}
function calculateGrowth() {
var gender = document.getElementById("childGender").value;
var unit = document.getElementById("unitSystem").value;
var cHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("childHeight").value);
var cWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("childWeight").value);
var fHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("fatherHeight").value);
var mHeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById("motherHeight").value);
if (isNaN(cHeight) || isNaN(cWeight) || isNaN(fHeight) || isNaN(mHeight)) {
alert("Please enter valid numbers for all fields.");
return;
}
var bmi, targetHeight, displayHeight, hUnit, wUnit;
if (unit === "metric") {
// BMI = kg / m^2
bmi = cWeight / ((cHeight / 100) * (cHeight / 100));
hUnit = "cm";
wUnit = "kg";
if (gender === "male") {
targetHeight = (fHeight + mHeight + 13) / 2;
} else {
targetHeight = (fHeight + mHeight – 13) / 2;
}
displayHeight = targetHeight.toFixed(1);
} else {
// Imperial BMI = (lb / in^2) * 703
bmi = (cWeight / (cHeight * cHeight)) * 703;
hUnit = "in";
wUnit = "lb";
if (gender === "male") {
targetHeight = (fHeight + mHeight + 5) / 2;
} else {
targetHeight = (fHeight + mHeight – 5) / 2;
}
displayHeight = targetHeight.toFixed(1);
}
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("growthResults");
var contentDiv = document.getElementById("resultContent");
var bmiStatus = "";
if (bmi < 18.5) bmiStatus = "Underweight Range";
else if (bmi < 25) bmiStatus = "Healthy Weight Range";
else if (bmi < 30) bmiStatus = "Overweight Range";
else bmiStatus = "Obese Range";
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
contentDiv.innerHTML = '
Note: The BMI classification for children is age-dependent and should be interpreted by a professional using CDC/WHO percentile charts. This calculator provides the standard adult calculation as a reference.