Knowing the height of a child's parents can help us to estimate what this child’s height would be as an adult. Specifically considering the heights of both parents becomes essential because height variation on the basis of gender is well documented, with adult males often being taller than their female counterparts.

It must however be borne in mind that a child can grow as per its genetic height only if it is healthy. Congenital diseases, chronic tonsillitis, recurrent infections, poor nutrition, and hormonal imbalances, especially of the pituitary or thyroid glands can stunt growth and prevent the child from growing to his or her estimated height. Studies have also shown that proper nutritional care along with stretching exercises in childhood and as the child grows into teenage and adolescence can help to gain a few additional centimeters. Thus, dietary factors and lifestyle are of paramount importance.