Interpretation of the plotted BMI-for-age is based on the established cutoff values previously shown.

	> 95th percentile   Overweight   85th to < 95th percentile   Risk of overweight   < 5th percentile   Underweight

These percentiles indicate the rank of BMI in a group of 100 children of the same gender and age. For example, in a group of 100 children:

	5 children will have a BMI-for-age that is at or above the 95th percentile
	10 will have a BMI-for-age that is between the 85th and 95th percentiles
	5 will have a BMI-for-age less than the 5 percentile, and
	80 children will have a BMI-for-age that is within the normal range.

When assessing physical growth, it is desirable to have a series of accurate measurements to establish an observed growth pattern. Having a series of measurements takes into consideration short- and longer-term conditions and provides a context for individual measurements in interpretation. To obtain a clear understanding of the growth pattern observed on the BMI-for-age chart, plot the weight-for-age and stature-for-age charts to determine the pattern of weight and stature separately.

Growth patterns that fall outside the established parameters, the 5th and 95th percentile for any given anthropometric indices, suggest the need to recheck measurements, plots, and calculations and make any necessary corrections or adjustments. If measurements are correct, further evaluation is needed to determine the cause.