Tracking your child’s height is more than a number—it’s a window into their health and development. While minor variations are normal, consistently measuring your child’s height can help you catch early signs of growth delays or underlying medical issues.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the correct way to measure height, how to interpret the numbers using growth charts, and when it might be time to seek professional advice.
The Correct Way to Measure a Child’s Height
Core Principles for Accuracy
For reliable height measurement, consistency is key. Follow these four golden rules:
- Same time of day (preferably morning, due to daily variation*)
- Same place (flat, non-carpeted floor with a vertical wall)
- Same tool (stadiometer or measuring tape against the wall)
- Same person (to reduce technique variation)
*Height tends to fluctuate during the day due to spinal compression, so morning measurements are typically 1–2 cm taller and more reliable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Whether you're measuring at home or in a clinic, use these standardized steps:
| Step | Instruction |
| 1 | Have the child remove shoes, hats, and bulky clothing. |
| 2 | Ask them to stand straight against a wall, heels together, touching the wall. |
| 3 | Ensure their eyes are level with the horizon (Frankfort plane). |
| 4 | Use a flat object (e.g., ruler or book) perpendicular to the wall, pressing gently on the crown of the head. |
| 5 | Mark the wall and measure the distance from the floor. |
| 6 | Record to the nearest 0.1 cm or 1/8 inch. |
Converting Between Inches, Feet, and Centimeters
Switching between units can be tricky, but here’s a quick way to do it:
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- 1 foot = 12 inches = 30.48 cm
Example: If your kid is 120 cm tall, here’s how you figure out the feet and inches:
Divide 120 by 2.54 to get inches: 120 ÷ 2.54 ≈ 47.24 inches
Divide 47.24 by 12 to find out the feet: 47.24 ÷ 12 = 3 feet with a bit left over
Multiply the leftover decimal (0.94) by 12 to get the inches: 0.94 × 12 ≈ 11.3 inches So 120 cm is about 3 feet 11 inches.
Or hey, just let Google or your favorite AI do the math — because who really wants to crunch numbers these days?
Monitoring Height: Why It Matters
Using a CDC Growth Chart
Growth charts are essential tools for tracking your child’s height relative to others their age and sex. These charts show percentile curves based on a healthy population.
- 50th percentile means the child is taller than 50% of peers.
- 3rd percentile or lower may signal growth concerns.
You can access official charts here: CDC Growth Charts (English)
What Counts as Short Stature?
Short stature isn’t simply being “short”—it’s a clinical definition based on population statistics:
| Criteria | Description |
| Percentile-based | Below the 3rd percentile |
| Standard deviation (SD) | More than 2 SD below the mean height |
Children falling under either category should be monitored closely over time.
When to See a Pediatric Endocrinologist
If your child shows a noticeable slowdown in growth:
- Drops across height percentiles over time
- Grows significantly slower than expected
- Hasn’t gained height in more than 6 months
…it’s time to consult a specialist. They can help rule out growth hormone deficiency or other medical causes.
If your child’s growth is within the normal range but you’d like to support their full height potential during critical years, iKids-Growth may be a safe, science-backed option worth considering.
Average Height by Age (5-18 years)
Curious about the average height for a 12, 13, or 14-year-old boy or girl? Check the full age-by-age reference chart below to see where your child stands.
| Age | Boys (cm) | Girls (cm) |
| 5 | 112.4 | 111.8 |
| 6 | 118.7 | 117.9 |
| 7 | 125 | 123.9 |
| 8 | 130.1 | 129.9 |
| 9 | 135.8 | 135.6 |
| 10 | 141 | 141.4 |
| 11 | 146.3 | 148.3 |
| 12 | 153.1 | 154.7 |
| 13 | 159.7 | 159 |
| 14 | 167.3 | 161 |
| 15 | 171.5 | 163 |
| 16 | 174.5 | 162.6 |
| 17 | 175.9 | 163 |
| 18 | 177 | 163.5 |
Source: CDC 2000 Growth Data Set
How to Tell If Your Child’s Height Is Truly Improving
It’s easy to notice when your child looks taller—but growing up during childhood and adolescence is expected. The real question is: are your efforts making a difference? Whether you’ve improved their nutrition, optimized sleep, or started using iKids-Growth, how do you know if it’s actually helping?
The answer lies in consistent measurement and growth charts. By tracking height regularly and marking it on a CDC growth chart, you can clearly see if your child is moving up in percentile rankings or standard deviations over time. That upward shift is your best evidence that the support you’re providing is paying off.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency matters: Measure height the same way, at the same time, ideally in the morning.
- Use a growth chart: Track percentile changes over time using CDC growth charts.
- Know what’s normal: Short stature is defined as below the 3rd percentile or 2 SD under average.
- Don’t ignore red flags: A sudden slowdown in growth or dropping percentiles may need medical attention.
- See the payoff: If you're investing in better nutrition, sleep, or iKids-Growth, growth chart improvements help confirm it’s actually making a difference.
Still have questions about your child’s height growth?
We’re here to help—get a free consultation today.
