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Age 2–18 years
This tool uses the mid-parental height formula endorsed by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Results are estimates, not medical diagnoses.
(5′6″ – 6′0″) · 95% probability
Understanding Child Growth
The Mid-Parental Height Formula
The mid-parental height (MPH) method — also known as the Target Height formula — is the internationally accepted clinical standard for predicting a child's adult height. It is based on the biological principle that a child's height potential is primarily determined by the average of both parents' heights, adjusted for sex. For boys, 13 cm is added (reflecting the average height difference between adult men and women), and for girls, 13 cm is subtracted. The expected range spans ±8.5 cm around this midpoint, representing two standard deviations. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends this method in routine growth monitoring for Indian children aged 2 and above.
What Affects a Child's Height in India
While genetics accounts for about 60–80% of adult height, environmental factors play a critical role — particularly in India where nutritional deficiencies and early childhood illness remain common. Protein intake, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and adequate sleep (which triggers growth hormone release) are the most important modifiable factors. Children with optimal nutrition and sleep consistently reach or exceed their predicted genetic height. According to NFHS-5 data, about 35.5% of Indian children under 5 are stunted — a form of chronic under-nutrition — making regular height monitoring especially vital in our context.
When to Consult a Doctor
This tool is a screening aid, not a medical diagnosis. If your child's height falls below the 3rd percentile, if they are growing less than 4 cm per year during mid-childhood, or if there is a large discrepancy between predicted and current height trajectory, consult a paediatric endocrinologist. Conditions like growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, or Turner syndrome are treatable — but require early diagnosis. Early intervention, often before the growth plates close at puberty, can significantly improve final adult height outcomes.
Common Questions
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