Child and Teen BMI Calculator
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of weight relative to height. For children and teens, BMI is interpreted using sex-specific BMI-for-age percentiles. This calculator reports BMI, BMI percentile, and BMI category for children and teens 2 through 19.
👶 Child & Teen BMI Calculator
For ages 2-19 years | Calculate Basic BMI (For percentile results, use CDC calculator)
📈 Child BMI Results
Basic BMI Calculation
📊 Understanding Child BMI
For children and teens, BMI is interpreted differently than for adults. Instead of using fixed BMI categories, pediatricians use CDC growth chart percentiles that compare your child to others of the same age and sex.
Why percentiles matter:
- Children's body composition changes with age
- Boys and girls develop at different rates
- Percentiles show where your child falls compared to peers
- Growth patterns over time are more important than single measurements
🎯 For Accurate Percentile Results
This calculator provides only basic BMI. Accurate percentile calculation requires:
- CDC's official growth chart data
- Complex statistical modeling (LMS method)
- Age- and sex-specific comparisons
- Professional interpretation tools
🏥 Use Official CDC Calculator
For accurate BMI percentile results based on CDC growth charts:
↗️ Go to CDC Child & Teen BMI CalculatorOpens in new tab | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
👶 Why Child BMI is Different
Unlike adult BMI which uses fixed categories, child and teen BMI is age- and sex-specific. Here's why:
1. Growth Patterns Vary:
- Children grow at different rates
- BMI naturally changes with age
- Puberty affects body composition differently in boys and girls
2. Percentile-Based Assessment:
- Compares child to national reference population
- Shows relative position (e.g., 75th percentile means heavier than 75% of peers)
- Allows tracking growth patterns over time
3. CDC Growth Charts:
- Based on nationally representative data
- Updated in 2000 to reflect current population
- Used by healthcare professionals nationwide
📋 CDC Percentile Categories
Healthcare providers use these percentile ranges:
- Underweight: Below 5th percentile
- Healthy weight: 5th to 84th percentile
- Overweight: 85th to 94th percentile
- Obese: 95th percentile and above
🏥 When to Seek Professional Advice
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- You're concerned about your child's growth
- Your child has rapid weight changes
- You want accurate growth assessment
- Your child has special health considerations
Disclaimer: This calculator provides basic BMI for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for growth assessment and health concerns.
For accurate percentile results: Use the official CDC Child & Teen BMI Calculator
People 20 and older should use the Adult BMI Calculator.
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