(For males and females aged 8 to 16)

The objective of this growth utility program is to predict a child's adult stature at full maturity from measurements taken during adolescence (8 to 16 years of age). There has long been an interest and curiosity in being able to predict the likely adult height of a child. However one of the hurdles in the prediction of adult height is accounting for an individual's biological maturity at the time of measurement. We know that early maturing individuals are closer to their adult height than average and late maturing individuals of the same chronological age. We also know that at peak height velocity (PHV) a child has reached 92% of their adult stature. Our prediction of adult height is based on both the assessment of the child's current biological maturity and the amount of growth remaining until full maturity.1

To predict adult height the following variables are required: gender, date of birth, date of measurement, height, sitting height and weight. The first step in the prediction is to predict the child's years from age at PHV. Using APHV the child is classified as an early, average or late maturer. Finally an estimate of the amount of growth remaining until adult height is calculated (the cumulative height value). Adult height is predicted by adding the child's height at test to their predicted cumulative height value. Accuracy of the measurements is of paramount importance, as any errors especially in sitting height will dramatically alter the precision of the prediction. Detailed description of the measurement protocols can be found here

1 Sherar, L.B., Mirwald, R.L., Baxter-Jones, A.D.G., Thomis, M. 2005. Prediction of adult height using maturity based cumulative height velocity curves. Journal of Pediatrics. 14:508-514

(mm/dd/yyyy)
(mm/dd/yyyy)
(e.g. 170.5 cm or 67.1 inches)
(e.g. 82.3 cm or 32.4 inches)
(e.g. 60.3 kg or 132.7 lbs)

Disclaimers:

  • This utility is designed for use in pediatric populations between the chronological age range of 8 to 16 in females and 9 to 18 in males and a maturity age range of -4 to + 4 years from peak height velocity. Any predictions outside these age ranges will be associated with a degree of error in the prediction and therefore will not be calculated.
  • Accuracy of the measurements input into the predictions is of paramount importance, especially for the variable sitting height. Large measurement error will be associated with a degree of error in the prediction. (For a description of measurements methods, please see the Measurements Protocol page.)
  • Prediction of age at peak height velocity is only appropriate prior to the event and two years after the event. In boys this is roughly between 12 and 16 years and for girls 9 to 13 years. The further away from the event the greater the error in the prediction.
  • Predictive equations for age at peak height velocity and adult height are based on a normal, white Caucasian population. Predictions in other races may be associated with a degree of error in the prediction.
  • Prediction of Bone Mineral Content (BMC) at the four bone sites provides specific racial equations (Caucasian, Asian, Black and Hispanic) for a Hologic QDR-4500 instrument only.
  • This utility will only work if the 'Date of Test' is earlier than the current date and time in the Central/Mountain time zone. The current date and time is 12-Mar-15, 09:53 AM