Child Growth Percentile 2 to 20 Years (CDC Data)

Use this 2 to 20 years of age growth percentile calculator to get the percentiles for height, weight, BMI, and weight-for-height, indicating how your child compares to others of the same age and gender.

Calculator will also plot the graph for different percentiles like P3, P10, P50 (median), P90, and P97.

The red dot based on your input data indicate how your child’s measurements compare to other children of the same age and gender. For example, if your child’s height is in the 75th percentile, they are taller than 75% of children their age and gender and shorter than the remaining 25%.

This child percentile growth tool helps parents track their child’s growth by comparing their height, weight, BMI, and weight-for-height to a population of children of the same age and gender.

This calculator is designed specifically for children from 2 to 20 years of age based on CDC data, ensuring accurate and relevant growth assessments during this crucial development period.

How to Use the Growth Percentile Calculator:

Select Gender:

Choose the biological sex of your child by selecting either “Boy” or “Girl.”

Enter Age:

Input your child’s age by selecting there DOB on the input calender.

Input Measurements:

• Height: Enter your child’s height. The calculator allows you to input height in centimeters (cm) or inches (inch).
• Weight: Enter your child’s weight. The calculator allows you to input weight in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
• BMI: Enter your child’s BMI if you have it available. BMI can be calculated using weight and height.
• Weight for Height: If you want to calculate weight-for-height percentiles, enter both the height and weight of your child.

Calculate:

Click the “Calculate” button to see the results. The calculator will display the percentiles for height, weight, BMI, and weight-for-height.

Understanding the Measurements:

Height for Age:

Height for age is a measure that indicates how tall a child is compared to children of the same age and gender. Monitoring height for age helps in identifying growth patterns and potential issues such as stunted growth or tall stature. Consistent growth in height is a sign of good health and nutrition.

Medical Importance:

• Stunted Growth: Consistently low height percentiles may indicate stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition or underlying health conditions.
• Tall Stature: High height percentiles could be normal or indicate hormonal imbalances, such as excess growth hormone.

Weight for Age:

Weight for age measures a child’s weight compared to others of the same age and gender. This helps in assessing whether the child is underweight, average weight, or overweight. Regular monitoring ensures the child is gaining weight appropriately.

Medical Importance:

• Underweight: Low weight for age percentiles might suggest malnutrition, feeding problems, or chronic illnesses.
• Overweight: High weight percentiles can indicate overnutrition, which might lead to obesity-related health issues.

BMI for Age:

BMI for age is a measure that compares a child’s weight to their height, providing insights into their body proportionality and overall nutritional status. It is calculated using the formula: BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) * height (m)).

Medical Importance:

• Underweight: Low BMI percentiles may indicate undernutrition or chronic health issues.
• Overweight/Obesity: High BMI percentiles can indicate overweight or obesity, necessitating dietary and lifestyle interventions.

Weight for Height:

Weight for height compares a child’s weight with their height, providing insights into their body proportionality. This is particularly useful for identifying acute malnutrition or overnutrition.

Medical Importance:

• Wasting: Low weight for height percentiles can indicate wasting, a sign of acute malnutrition.
• Overweight/Obesity: High weight for height percentiles can indicate overweight or obesity, necessitating dietary and lifestyle interventions.

Measurement Tips for Small Kids:

Height:

1. Lay your child on a flat, firm surface.
2. Gently stretch out your child’s legs. You may need a second person to help hold your child’s head and legs straight.
3. Use a measuring tape to measure from the top of the head to the bottom of the heel. Ensure the measuring tape is flat and not twisted.
4. Record your child’s length to the nearest tenth of a centimeter for the most accurate result.

Weight:

1. Undress your child completely, including the diaper or to the bare minimum.
2. Weigh yourself first and record the weight.
3. Then, hold your child and weigh both of you together. Subtract your weight from the combined weight to get your child’s weight.

What are Percentiles?

Percentiles are used to compare your child’s growth to a reference population. For example, if your child is in the bottom 30th percentile for height, they are taller than 30% of children their age and sex and shorter than 70%.

Is a Low or High Percentile Bad?

Not necessarily. Children grow at different rates, and a wide range of percentiles can be normal. The key is consistent growth over time.

When Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Growth?

If your child’s growth percentile changes significantly or falls below the 5th percentile or above the 95th percentile, consult your pediatrician for advice.

Understanding Growth Data Sources:

This calculator uses data from the CDC growth charts, which provide accurate and reliable growth measurements for children from 2 to 20 years of age, ensuring that your child’s growth is compared against a robust and representative dataset.

Understanding height, weight, BMI, and weight-for-height percentiles and monitoring growth patterns are essential for ensuring your child’s healthy development. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper nutrition play crucial roles in supporting your child’s growth and overall well-being.

For any concerns about your child’s growth, always consult a healthcare provider for professional advice and comprehensive evaluations.