1. What is BMI Percentile?

BMI percentile is the comparison of a child's BMI with other children of the same age and sex. The CDC growth charts are used to determine the percentile ranking, which helps assess whether a child has a healthy weight.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:

Then compares the result to CDC growth charts for children of the same age and gender to determine the percentile.

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 exact age (including decimal for months). For children under 2 years, use WHO growth standards instead.

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 instead of BMI categories?
A: Children's body fat changes with age, so percentiles account for normal growth patterns.

Q3: How often should BMI be checked in children?
A: The AAP recommends annual BMI screening starting at age 2.

Q4: What if my child is above the 85th percentile?
A: Consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance on healthy growth.

Q5: Are there limitations to BMI percentiles?
A: BMI doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass, so athletic children may have higher BMIs without excess fat.