Limb Lengthening Height Calculator
Short answer
Enter your current height and your target height to see how many centimetres and inches you want to gain and which plan usually fits. In one programme, the tibia can gain up to 6 cm, the femur up to 8 cm, and femur and tibia together (quadrilateral) 12–14 cm. The surgeon confirms your safe maximum after examining you.
How the plans compare
• Up to 6 cm (2.4 in): tibia (shin) or femur (thigh) lengthening.
• Up to 8 cm (3.1 in): femur lengthening.
• 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in): quadrilateral lengthening of femur and tibia, as separate surgeries (we recommend a 1-year gap) or, if you are suitable, at the same time.
• Between 8 and 12 cm: usually a femur stage followed by a tibia stage, with the final target set by the surgeon.
• More than 14 cm: not offered in one programme, because the risks to muscles, nerves and joints rise sharply beyond safe limits.
Centimetres and inches
• 2 cm = 0.8 in
• 4 cm = 1.6 in
• 5 cm = 2.0 in
• 6 cm = 2.4 in
• 8 cm = 3.1 in
• 10 cm = 3.9 in
• 12 cm = 4.7 in
• 14 cm = 5.5 in
Why there is a limit for each bone
Bone can grow back well, but muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels have to stretch with it. Beyond about 15 to 20% of a bone’s length, the risk of joint stiffness, nerve problems and poor bone healing rises sharply. That is why the surgeon sets a safe maximum for each bone. Read How much taller can limb lengthening make you? and Femur vs tibia lengthening.
How long it takes
After a latency phase of 5 to 10 days, the bone is lengthened by about 1 mm a day: about 50 days for 5 cm and about 80 days for 8 cm. The new bone then needs several months to consolidate. The average stay in Istanbul is about 3 months. See the recovery timeline.
The price does not depend on the centimetres
The package price depends on the method and is the same whether you gain 1 cm or 8 cm. See the cost calculator.
Examples
• You are 165 cm and want 171 cm: a 6 cm gain, which fits a tibia or femur lengthening.
• You are 170 cm and want 178 cm: an 8 cm gain, which fits a femur lengthening.
• You are 160 cm and want 173 cm: a 13 cm gain, which fits a quadrilateral lengthening of femur and tibia.
• You are 168 cm and want 186 cm: an 18 cm gain, which is more than we offer in one programme.
Femur or tibia: which is better for you?
The femur can gain more (up to 8 cm) and many patients find its recovery easier. The tibia is limited to about 6 cm and is more demanding on the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Your body proportions also matter: the surgeon looks at the ratio between your thighs and shins so the result looks natural. Read Femur vs tibia lengthening.
Getting to 12–14 cm
To gain more than 8 cm, both the femur and the tibia are lengthened. We recommend a gap of 1 year between the two stages. If you are suitable, both can be lengthened at the same time, or in a staged quadrilateral with 2 surgeries about 3 weeks apart. See second limb lengthening and quadrilateral surgery.
What the calculator cannot tell you
Your personal maximum depends on your bone length and quality, muscle flexibility, existing tightness such as a short Achilles tendon, your general health, smoking, and how well you follow the physiotherapy programme. The surgeon may recommend a more conservative target for these reasons. See Am I a candidate?.
How to measure your height correctly
Measure in the morning, barefoot, standing straight against a wall with your heels, back and head touching it. Place a flat object on top of your head, mark the wall and measure from the floor. Repeat twice and use the average. Your height is slightly greater in the morning than in the evening, so measure at the same time of day if you compare.
Get your personal plan
The calculator is a guide only. Send us your height, target height and health history on WhatsApp (+90 533 016 45 62) for a free assessment with our surgeon.
FAQ
Is the calculator result a medical recommendation?
No. It only shows common limits. Your safe target is set by the surgeon after examining you.
Can I gain 10 cm from the femur alone?
No. The femur is usually limited to about 8 cm in one stage.
How many inches is 8 cm?
About 3.1 inches.
What if I want more than 14 cm?
More than 14 cm is not offered in one programme, because the risks rise sharply beyond safe limits.
Does a bigger gain cost more?
No. The package price is the same whether you gain 1 cm or 8 cm.
Is there a minimum gain?
No. You can plan a small gain such as 2 or 3 cm; the package price is the same whether you gain 1 cm or 8 cm.
Can I combine femur and tibia to reach 10 cm?
Yes. Gains above 8 cm usually combine a femur and a tibia stage.
Related pages
How Much Taller Can Limb Lengthening Make You?