Can this calculator diagnose obesity or other health conditions?

No, the CDC calculator provides a screening tool based on growth percentiles. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not replace professional medical advice.

What do the BMI percentile ranges mean for my child?

Percentiles compare the child's BMI to reference data of same-age, same-sex peers. The 5th percentile indicates underweight, 85th indicates overweight, and 95th indicates obesity, with categories in between.

Is the result affected by how I enter height and weight units?

Yes, the calculator requires consistent units; selecting metric or imperial before entering data ensures the BMI and percentile are calculated correctly.

Can I use this tool for a child younger than 2 years old?

No, the CDC Child and Teen BMI Calculator is designed for ages 2 through 19. Infants and toddlers under 2 require different growth assessment tools.

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BMI Percentile Calculator

Provided byCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)cdc.gov

CDC’s Child and Teen BMI Calculator provides BMI, BMI percentile, and weight category for ages 2 to 19. It uses sex- ...

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Screenshot of BMI Percentile Calculator on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — cdc.govOpen the live tool →

About this tool

What BMI Percentile Calculator does

The CDC Child and Teen BMI Calculator determines body mass index and weight category for youth ages 2 to 19. It outputs BMI, BMI percentile, and a weight category (underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese) based on sex- and age-specific growth charts. The tool also plots results on CDC growth charts and provides explanations for the categories. Users enter age, sex, height, and weight to receive an interpretation of where the child falls relative to peers of the same sex and age. Because the tool is maintained by a U.S. government health agency, the percentile calculations are based on established CDC growth chart methodology. The calculator is free to use with no subscription or account required, and results can be reset for new entries.

Step by step

How to use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) BMI Percentile Calculator

1
Select the child's age and sex from the dropdown menus
2
Enter the child's height and weight using the provided units
3
Click the calculate button to generate BMI, percentile, and weight category
4
Review the plotted position on the CDC growth chart and the category explanation
5
Reset the form for a new calculation if needed

Is it right for you

Best for

Parents, caregivers, and pediatric providers who need a free, government-backed assessment of a child's growth pattern relative to same-age, same-sex peers.

Limitations

Results are based on CDC growth charts and may differ from other programs due to rounding
Designed for children and teens ages 2 to 19 only; adults must use a separate tool
No unit conversion within the form; users must select appropriate units (metric or imperial) before entering data

Questions

BMI Percentile Calculator FAQ

Can this calculator diagnose obesity or other health conditions?: No, the CDC calculator provides a screening tool based on growth percentiles. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not replace professional medical advice.
What do the BMI percentile ranges mean for my child?: Percentiles compare the child's BMI to reference data of same-age, same-sex peers. The 5th percentile indicates underweight, 85th indicates overweight, and 95th indicates obesity, with categories in between.
Is the result affected by how I enter height and weight units?: Yes, the calculator requires consistent units; selecting metric or imperial before entering data ensures the BMI and percentile are calculated correctly.
Can I use this tool for a child younger than 2 years old?: No, the CDC Child and Teen BMI Calculator is designed for ages 2 through 19. Infants and toddlers under 2 require different growth assessment tools.

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