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. It's used to assess whether a child has a healthy weight for their height, age and sex.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator first calculates BMI using the standard formula:

Then compares this value to CDC/WHO 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, age in years (2-20), and select gender. For accurate results, measurements should be taken with proper technique.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Why use percentiles for children but not adults?
A: Children's body composition changes with growth, so percentiles account for normal developmental changes.

Q3: How accurate is this calculator?
A: The BMI calculation is exact, but percentile accuracy depends on using the most recent growth charts.

Q4: What if my child is above the 99th percentile?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and possible intervention.

Q5: Can this be used for infants?
A: No, this calculator is for children aged 2-20 years. Different charts are used for infants.