What's the best way to predict a child's adult height?

Answer

from Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.

There's no proven way to predict a child's adult height. However, various formulas can provide a reasonable guess for child growth. Here's a popular example:

• Add the mother's height and the father's height in either inches or centimeters.
• Add 5 inches (13 centimeters) for boys or subtract 5 inches (13 centimeters) for girls.
• Divide by two.

Most children will reach an adult height within 4 inches (10 centimeters) of this estimation.

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