What is Genetic Height Prediction?
A child's adult height is about 70% determined by genetics. In medicine, "Target Height" is commonly used to estimate a child's genetic potential. One classic method is the Mid-Parental Height method based on the parents' heights. Our calculator uses this widely referenced formula in pediatric clinics:
For Boys: Predicted Height ≈ (Father's Height + Mother's Height + 13) ÷ 2 ± 5 cm
For Girls: Predicted Height ≈ (Father's Height + Mother's Height − 13) ÷ 2 ± 5 cm
The addition or subtraction of 13 cm reflects the systematic difference in average height between men and women, while the ±5 cm provides a fluctuation range of approximately one standard deviation, representing the interval where most children's adult height will fall.
Typical Calculation Examples
Boy Example: Assume the father is 178 cm and the mother is 165 cm. Substitute into the boy's formula: (178 + 165 + 13) ÷ 2 = 178 cm. Adding the fluctuation range of ±5 cm gives a range of approx. 173 ~ 183 cm.
Girl Example: With the same parents, if the child is a girl, the formula becomes (178 + 165 − 13) ÷ 2 = 165 cm, giving a range of approx. 160 ~ 170 cm.
Shorter Parents: If the father is 160 cm and the mother is 150 cm, a boy's predicted center value is 161.5 cm, with a range of approx. 156.5 ~ 166.5 cm. Even so, postnatal nutrition and exercise can still allow children to exceed their genetic upper limit.
Interpreting Results & Usage Scenarios
The prediction provides a centimeter range, not an absolute prophecy. If a child's current height is consistently well below the predicted lower limit (e.g., more than 5 cm below), it may indicate growth retardation and warrants consultation with a pediatrician or endocrinologist.
Common Misuses: Never use the range as a strict target to pressure the child, which can cause anxiety and backfire. Also, ensure you use the parents' "stable adult height" for calculation, and entering non-centimeter units (like feet or inches) will render the results meaningless.