How to Calculate Midparental Height

Used by pediatricians to spot potential problems concerning growth, the midparental height formula predicts a child's eventual adult height based on the heights of his parents. Modeled on decades of statistical data, the midparental height formula is not intended to be 100-percent reliable; rather, healthcare providers can use it to gauge whether an adolescent is exhibiting early signs of stunted or hyperactive growth.

Instructions

For Males

• 1

  Convert the father's height to inches. For example, if the father is 5'10", write his height as 70 inches.

• 2

  Convert the mother's height to inches. For example, if she is 5'4", write her height as 64 inches.

• 3

  Add the mother's and father's heights together.

• 4

  Add 5 inches to this total.

• 5

  Divide the result from Step 4 by 2. The result is the boy's midparental height (in inches).

For Females

• 6

  Convert the father's height to inches. For example, if the father is 6'3", write his height as 75 inches.

• 7

  Convert the mother's height to inches. For example, if she is 5'6", write her height as 66 inches.

• 8

  Add the mother's and father's heights together.

• 9

  Subtract 5 from this total.

• 10

  Divide by 2. This is the girl's midparental height (in inches).