Height Calculator

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Height Calculator
Mid-Parental Height MethodHeight Doubling Method (Age 2)
Predicted Height:

Enter values to calculate

function calculateResult(){var fH=parseFloat(document.getElementById('input1').value);var mH=parseFloat(document.getElementById('input2').value);var sex=parseInt(document.getElementById('input3').value);var method=document.getElementById('given_data').value;var showSteps=document.getElementById('steps').checked;var ansDiv=document.getElementById('resultValue');var stepsDiv=document.getElementById('solutionSteps');if(isNaN(fH)||isNaN(mH)||(sex!==1&&sex!==2)){alert('Please enter valid heights (inches) and Sex (1 for Boy, 2 for Girl)');return;}var predicted=0;var stepsText="";if(method==="midparental"){if(sex===1){predicted=(fH+mH+5)/2;stepsText="Formula for Boy: (Father + Mother + 5) / 2
("+fH+" + "+mH+" + 5) / 2 = "+predicted+" inches";}else{predicted=(fH+mH-5)/2;stepsText="Formula for Girl: (Father + Mother – 5) / 2
("+fH+" + "+mH+" – 5) / 2 = "+predicted+" inches";}}else{predicted=(fH+mH)/2;stepsText="Height Doubling is best used with toddler measurements, but based on mid-parental average: "+predicted+" inches";}var feet=Math.floor(predicted/12);var inches=(predicted%12).toFixed(1);var cm=(predicted*2.54).toFixed(1);ansDiv.innerHTML=feet+"' "+inches+"\" ("+cm+" cm)";if(showSteps){stepsDiv.innerHTML="Steps:
"+stepsText;stepsDiv.style.display='block';}else{stepsDiv.style.display='none';}}

Calculator Use

The height calculator is designed to provide an estimate of a child's adult height based on the biological parents' heights. This tool is frequently used by parents and pediatricians to track growth trends and set realistic expectations for a child's physical development.

By entering the father's height, mother's height, and the child's biological sex, you can quickly see a statistical prediction of how tall the child might grow to be. Note that environmental factors, nutrition, and overall health also play significant roles in determining final height.

Father's Height
The height of the biological father in total inches. (To convert: Multiply feet by 12 and add the remaining inches).
Mother's Height
The height of the biological mother in total inches.
Child's Sex
Enter '1' for a Boy or '2' for a Girl. This adjusts the calculation to account for the average 5-inch (13cm) height difference between men and women.

How It Works

This height calculator utilizes the Mid-Parental Height Method, also known as the Tanner Method. This formula is a standard clinical tool used to predict a child's "target height." It assumes that a child will likely grow to a height that is the average of their parents, adjusted for their biological sex.

Boys: [(Father's Height + Mother's Height + 5 inches) / 2]
Girls: [(Father's Height + Mother's Height – 5 inches) / 2]

  • Genetics: About 60% to 80% of height is determined by DNA inherited from parents.
  • Adjustment: The 5-inch addition or subtraction accounts for the sexual dimorphism in human height.
  • Margin of Error: Most children will reach a height within 2 to 4 inches of this calculated target.

Calculation Example

Example: Suppose a biological father is 5'10" and the biological mother is 5'4″. We want to predict the height of their son.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Father's Height: 5'10" = (5 × 12) + 10 = 70 inches
  2. Mother's Height: 5'4″ = (5 × 12) + 4 = 64 inches
  3. Apply Boy Formula: (70 + 64 + 5) / 2
  4. 139 / 2 = 69.5 inches
  5. Result: The predicted height is 5′ 9.5″ (approx. 176.5 cm).

Common Questions

How accurate is the height calculator?

While the Mid-Parental height calculator is based on sound statistical averages, it is not 100% accurate. Environmental factors like nutrition, childhood illnesses, and physical activity levels can influence whether a child reaches, exceeds, or falls short of their genetic potential. Most pediatricians consider a range of plus or minus 2-3 inches from the result to be the "normal" target range.

What is the "Height Doubling" method?

Another common way to use a height calculator logic is to double the height of a child at age 2. For boys, you double their height at 24 months. For girls, some experts suggest doubling the height at 18 months. This method is surprisingly accurate for many children because growth patterns stabilize significantly after the toddler years.

Can nutrition change the predicted height?

Yes. While genetics provide the blueprint, nutrition provides the building blocks. A diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins (especially Vitamin D) is essential for bone growth. Chronic malnutrition or severe illness during growth spurts can lead to a child ending up shorter than their predicted height.

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