How to Predict a Child's Adult Height

Many parents wonder exactly how tall their children will be. While predicting a child's adult height is not an exact science, there are many ways to get a rough estimate. The main contributing factor in height is genes. Children are usually around the same height as their parents, although there are some exceptions. Read on to learn how to predict a child's adult height.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess the height of both parents. In general, a healthy child's height will be around the parents height. If it is a girl, she will be closer to the height of the mother, and if it's a boy, he will be closer to the height of the father.

• 2

  Note the child's height at his second birthday. A child reaches approximately half their full height around their second birthday. By doubling the child's height at their second birthday, an estimate of their adult height can be calculated.

• 3

  Take into account anything that may have slowed growth. Prematurity, corticosteroid use, poor nutrition or poor health can all contribute to an adult height smaller than would otherwise be expected.

• 4

  Determine where the child is in terms of growth rate. Children go through a rapid rate of growth from birth to two years of age. From the age of two until puberty there is a slow growth rate, but a steady one, with roughly two and a half inches added per year. During puberty, growth of three to five inches per year is the norm.

• 5

  Get an X-ray of the child done. By taking an X-ray, a doctor can determine how much growing is left by examining bones such as the femur and analyzing them.