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BMI Calculator for Children - Body Mass Index Chart for children
BMI is used differently for children and teens (under 20 years old). It is
calculated the same way as for adults, but then compared to typical values for
other children of the same age. For children and teens, the interpretation of
BMI is both age- and sex-specific. Use our BMI Calculators. The USA/Imperial calculator uses pounds and inches and
our Metric BMI calculator can be used with kilograms (kg) and centimeters (m) or
use our International BMI table! After calculating BMI, use Growth Charts for
the correct children and teens interpretation.
Step 1- Calculate Child or Teen BMI below:
Step 2 - Cross BMI with Age on Growth Charts:
Select Boy (top) or Girl (bottom) chart below, select point
where BMI and Age crosses.
Step 3 - Interpret the color below:
Interpretation of BMI for
children
BMI is calculated using your child’s weight and height and is then used to find
the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile for your child’s age and sex.
BMI-for-age percentile shows how your child’s weight compares to that of other
children of the same age and sex. For example, a BMI-for-age percentile of 65%
means that the child’s weight is greater than that of 65% of other children of
the same age and sex.
If, based on the height and weight entered, the BMI is 18.8, then the BMI for a
girl aged 8 years and 2 months is at at the 87th percentile for girls. For a boy
with same age and BMI he is at the 89th percentile for boys. Both are at risk of
becoming overweight.
Although not overweight right now, both has the potential for becoming
overweight so prevention of excess weight gain is important. Children and teens
should NOT be placed on a weight reduction diet without the consultation of a
healthcare provider.
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underweight, less than the 5th percentile
healthy weight, 5th percentile up to the 85thpercentile
at risk of overweight, 85th to less than the
95th percentile
overweight, equal to or greater than the 95th
percentile
