The first and easiest estimation method is to use parents' height:

📐 calculation formula:

For boys:

[(father's height + mother's height) + 13 cm] ÷ 2

for Girls: [(father's height + mother's height) − 13 cm] ÷ 2

📊 Normal range = ±8.5 cm compared to the genetic target height

✅ Accuracy: good but limited, because environmental and hormonal factors are taken into account

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2. Bone Age assessment method

The gold standard for predicting final height

🔍 How is it done?

X-ray of left hand & wrist

Comparison with Greulich & Pyle or Tans and Whitehouse atlas (Tanner-Whitehouse, TW3)

🧠 Expert tip: Bone age if delayed → child still has growth potential

Bone age if same chronological age or ahead → final growth is close or limited

📈 Using Bayley-Pinneau or Tanner-Whitehouse diagrams, the estimated final height can be more accurately predicted

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3. Child's growth curve (Growth Velocity Tracking)

Checking growth over time using WHO or CDC charts

If the child remains in a certain percentage → normal

If it falls off the curve or the growth speed slows down → need to check growth disorder (endocrine, chronic disease, etc.) 4. Use of specialized more accurate formulas

In certain situations, more accurate formulas are used that combine bone age, current height, and other factors. Example:

📌 Bayley-Pinneau formula (for children of a certain bone age):

> Final height = current height × prediction coefficient (based on sex, bone age, and maturity)

📚 Reference:

Bayley N, Pinneau SR. Prediction of final stature in girls. J Pediatr. 1952. 5. Factors affecting final height (based on UpToDate and ESPE)

Factors involved in height growth

Major determinant genetics (60–80%)

Nutrition deficient in energy, protein, iron and zinc → stunted growth

Long-term hypothyroid thyroid function → stunted growth

Precocious or delayed puberty Precocious puberty = faster closure of plates Growth

Chronic diseases Celiac disease, kidney disease, chronic gastrointestinal diseases

Growth hormone (GH) level GH deficiency → short stature, need treatment

Bone age is a diagnostic tool to estimate remaining growth time

✅ When should you see a specialist?

🧠 Growth warnings:

Sudden drop in the curve Growth

Growth rate <4-5 cm per year after 4 years of age

Difference of more than 10 cm with the genetic target height

Delay or acceleration in puberty (sign of hormonal disorder)

Written by Dr. Pante A Tajik

Specialist in Gastroenterology, Liver Nutrition Growth