1. What is BMI Percentile?

BMI percentile is a measure that compares a child's BMI to other children of the same age and gender. The CDC growth charts are used to determine how a child's BMI compares to the reference population.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

The resulting BMI is then compared to CDC growth charts to determine the percentile based on the child's age and gender.

3. Importance of BMI Percentile

Details: BMI percentile is the preferred measure for assessing weight status in children and teens because it accounts for normal differences in body fat between boys and girls and differences in body fat at various ages.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in kilograms, height in meters, and age in years (2-19 years). The calculator will compute BMI and estimate the percentile based on CDC growth standards.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What do the percentile ranges mean?
A: Underweight (<5th percentile), Healthy weight (5th-85th percentile), Overweight (85th-95th percentile), Obese (≥95th percentile).

Q2: Why use percentiles for children?
A: Children's body fat changes with age and differs between boys and girls, so percentiles account for these normal variations.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: The BMI calculation is precise, but the percentile is an estimate. For clinical use, consult official CDC growth charts.

Q4: Can this be used for adults?
A: No, this calculator is specifically for children ages 2-19. Adults should use standard BMI categories.

Q5: What if my child is above the 95th percentile?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance on healthy growth.