Child Weight Calculator
Assess if your child's weight is healthy for their age and height. This calculator provides BMI-for-age percentile based on WHO growth standards for children and teens.
Your Child's Results
Healthy Weight
Your child's weight is within a healthy range for their age and height.
| BMI | 0 |
|---|---|
| BMI-for-age Percentile | 0th percentile |
| Weight Status | - |
BMI-for-age Categories:
| Percentile Range | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Less than 5th percentile | Underweight |
| 5th to less than 85th percentile | Healthy weight |
| 85th to less than 95th percentile | Overweight |
| 95th percentile or greater | Obese |
About Child Weight Calculator
This calculator assesses whether a child's weight is appropriate for their age and height by calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) and comparing it to growth charts developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). BMI-for-age is the most commonly used indicator to measure the size and growth patterns of children and teens.
How BMI-for-age is Calculated
BMI is calculated using the same formula for children as for adults, but the results are interpreted differently. The formula is:
BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))²
For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. The percentile indicates the relative position of the child's BMI among children of the same sex and age.
Understanding the Results
The calculator provides the following information:
- BMI: The calculated Body Mass Index value
- BMI-for-age Percentile: How your child's BMI compares to other children of the same age and sex
- Weight Status: Classification based on the percentile range
BMI-for-age Categories
Weight status categories for children and teens are based on the following percentile ranges:
- Underweight: Less than the 5th percentile
- Healthy weight: 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile
- Overweight: 85th to less than the 95th percentile
- Obese: Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile
Importance of Healthy Weight in Children
Maintaining a healthy weight in childhood is important for physical health, social and emotional well-being, and self-esteem. Children who are overweight or obese are more likely to remain overweight as adults and have a higher risk of developing health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
What to Do If You're Concerned
If your child falls into the underweight, overweight, or obese categories, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider. They can assess your child's growth history and overall health to determine if further evaluation or intervention is needed.