Mid-Parental Height Calculator
This mid-parental height calculator finds your child's target adult height from the mother's and father's heights. Most children end up within about 4 inches (10 cm) of this target, taller or shorter.
How to Use the Mid-Parental Height Calculator
- Choose Boy or Girl.
- Enter the biological mother's height.
- Enter the biological father's height.
- Click Calculate to see the target height and the range.
Use real measured heights if you can. A guessed parent height is the most common reason a result is off.
Mid-Parental Height Formula
The mid-parental height formula averages both parents' heights, then adjusts for sex. Boys get about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) added; girls get the same taken away.
- Boys (inches): (father's height + mother's height + 5) ÷ 2
- Girls (inches): (father's height + mother's height − 5) ÷ 2
- Boys (cm): (father's height + mother's height + 13) ÷ 2
- Girls (cm): (father's height + mother's height − 13) ÷ 2
- Target range: the result plus or minus 4 inches (10 cm)
The 5 inches (13 cm) is the average height gap between men and women.
How to Calculate Mid-Parental Height: Worked Example
Say the father is 5'10" (70 in) and the mother is 5'4" (64 in). Here's how to calculate mid-parental height by hand:
- For a boy: (70 + 64 + 5) ÷ 2 = 69.5 in, about 5'9½". Likely range: 5'5½" to 6'1½".
- For a girl: (70 + 64 − 5) ÷ 2 = 64.5 in, about 5'4½". Likely range: 5'0½" to 5'8½".
Mid-Parental Height Chart (Common Parent Heights)
Find the father's and mother's heights below to see the target height for a son or daughter.
| Father | Mother | Boy target | Girl target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 165 cm (5'5") | 155 cm (5'1") | 166.5 cm (5'5½") | 153.5 cm (5'0½") |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 160 cm (5'3") | 171.5 cm (5'7½") | 158.5 cm (5'2½") |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 160 cm (5'3") | 174 cm (5'8½") | 161 cm (5'3½") |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 165 cm (5'5") | 176.5 cm (5'9½") | 163.5 cm (5'4½") |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 165 cm (5'5") | 179 cm (5'10½") | 166 cm (5'5½") |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 170 cm (5'7") | 184 cm (6'0½") | 171 cm (5'7½") |
Mid-Parental Height vs Mean Parental Height
Mean parental height is just the plain average of the two parents, with no adjustment for sex. Mid-parental (or target) height adds the boy/girl adjustment, so it's the number doctors use.
- Mean parental height: (father + mother) ÷ 2
- Mid-parental height for a boy: mean + about 2.5 in
- Mid-parental height for a girl: mean − about 2.5 in
How Accurate Is the Mid-Parental Height Calculator?
About 95% of children end up within 4 inches of their mid-parental target. It's a good guide to genetic height potential, but it ignores how your child is actually growing.
- It's less accurate when a parent is very tall or very short; kids tend to land closer to average.
- It can't account for nutrition, health or the timing of puberty.
- For kids aged 4 to 17, our height calculator is more precise, because it adds the child's current height and weight.
When Doctors Use Mid-Parental Height
Pediatricians use the target height to check if a child is growing in line with their family. A child far below or above their parental target range may need a closer look.
- If your child's growth chart is heading well outside the target range, mention it at the next checkup.
- A child who is short like both parents is usually growing exactly as expected.
Mid-Parental Height Calculator FAQ
What is mid-parental height?
It's a child's predicted adult height based only on the parents' heights, adjusted for whether the child is a boy or a girl. It's also called target height.
Does it work for babies?
Yes. Because it only needs the parents' heights, it works at any age, even before birth.
Can I use it for adopted children?
No. It only works with the biological parents' heights.
Why is my child taller than their mid-parental height?
Better nutrition than the parents had growing up, plus normal genetic variation, can push a child above the target.
Mid-Parental Height References
- American Academy of Pediatrics. Mid-parental height calculations.
- Tanner JM, Goldstein H, Whitehouse RH. Standards for children's height at ages 2–9 years allowing for heights of parents. Arch Dis Child. 1970;45:755–762.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Growth Charts, 2000.
Disclaimer: This calculator gives an estimate for general information only. It is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.