The formula
- Boys: (father's height + mother's height + 13 cm) ÷ 2
- Girls: (father's height + mother's height − 13 cm) ÷ 2
The 13 cm adjusts for the average height difference between adult men and women. Our calculator shows a target range of ±8.5 cm around the result.
Worked examples
| Father | Mother | Boy's predicted height | Girl's predicted height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 165 cm | 152 cm | 165.0 cm | 152.0 cm |
| 170 cm | 155 cm | 169.0 cm | 156.0 cm |
| 175 cm | 160 cm | 174.0 cm | 161.0 cm |
| 180 cm | 165 cm | 179.0 cm | 166.0 cm |
What it can and cannot tell you
The formula gives a family-based target, not a guarantee. Nutrition, sleep, illness and the timing of puberty all affect final height. Paediatricians in India compare a child's actual growth with the IAP 2015 charts (5 to 18 years) or the WHO standards (under 5); a child who keeps dropping across percentile lines should be checked by a doctor.
Try it yourself. Get your own result in seconds with the free Height Calculator.
Open the Height CalculatorFrequently asked questions
How accurate is the mid-parental height formula?
It is a statistical estimate; most children end up within a few centimetres of the target, but some fall outside the range.
Does the formula work for adopted children?
No. It relies on the biological parents' heights.
Sources
- Revised IAP growth charts for 5–18 year old Indian children (Indian Pediatrics, 2015)
- WHO Child Growth Standards
More guides
Written and reviewed by the editorial team at Evavel Private Limited. Found an error? Email care@calculations.one.