Child growth: Can I predict my child's adult height?

There are many "formulas" that are promoted as useful in predicting how tall your child will be as an adult. But most provide only a reasonable guess at best. Genetic factors — how tall the mother and father are — have the greatest influence on adult height. Here is one popular formula that takes genetics into consideration:

• Add the mother's and father's height together in either inches or centimeters.
• Divide this number by two.
• Then add 2.5 inches (or 6.4 centimeters) for boys or subtract 2.5 inches (or 6.4 centimeters) for girls.

Another formula some people use is to take the child's height at age 3 and multiply it by two. This may provide a rough estimate. Otherwise, if your child's height percentiles at well-child visits are consistent, you can project out that percentile at 18 years old and have a height estimate.

It is important to note that children grow at different rates. Some children begin their growth phases early on while others are "late bloomers." However, if you're concerned that your child isn't growing normally, consult your child's doctor.