The Mid-Parental Height (MPH) method is used by NHS paediatricians to estimate a child's adult height. For boys: (father's height + mother's height + 13) ÷ 2. For girls: (father's height + mother's height − 13) ÷ 2. The result is the mid-parental centile, with a range of ±8–10 cm covering approximately 95% of children.
This method accounts for genetic inheritance but cannot account for nutrition, health conditions, or other environmental factors that influence final height. It is an estimate with significant uncertainty, not a precise prediction.
FAQs
The ±10 cm range covers about 95% of children. Individual height is influenced by many factors beyond genetics — nutrition, health in childhood, sleep quality (growth hormone is released during sleep) and general wellbeing all play roles. For most children, final height falls within the predicted range, but outliers exist.
Within genetic potential, yes: adequate nutrition (especially protein, zinc, calcium and vitamin D), quality sleep, regular physical activity, and good overall health all support children reaching their genetic potential. You cannot exceed genetic ceiling, but poor nutrition and chronic illness can prevent a child reaching it.
Girls typically stop growing by 16–17 years; boys by 18–19 years, though some continue slightly later. Growth plates (epiphyseal plates) close after puberty is complete. An X-ray of the wrist can determine bone age and predict remaining growth potential — sometimes used when there are growth concerns.