Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of weight relative to height. For children and teens, BMI is interpreted using sex-specific BMI-for-age percentiles. This calculator reports BMI, BMI percentile, and BMI category for children and teens 2 through 19.
This calculator generates the BMI, BMI percentile, and BMI category for children and teens 2 through 19. The calculator also plots the BMI percentile on a growth chart and explains the results. Because of possible differences in rounding for age, weight, and height, the results from this calculator may differ slightly from other program results.
BMI is one potential health indicator and should be considered with other factors when assessing an individual's health. These factors may include a patient's medical history, health behaviors, physical exam findings, and laboratory findings. Read more About BMI. Persons may consider seeking advice from their health care providers about their BMI. This calculator is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Based on the information entered, the body mass index (BMI) is 0. This child's BMI-for-age is ataboveless than the 0th percentile, which means that this child's BMI is lessgreater than the BMIs of 0% of 0-year-old s in the reference population used to create CDC's growth charts. This child's BMI falls into the category, defined as a BMI that is less than the 5th percentileat or above the 5th to less than the 85th percentileat or above the 85th to less than the 95th percentileat or above the 95th percentileat or above 120% of the 95th percentile for sex and age or a BMI that is at or above 35 kg/m2.
Body mass index-for-age percentiles:
s, 2 to 20 years
* This child's BMI of
can't
be displayed on this growth chart.
* This child's BMI of
can't
be displayed on this growth chart.
* This child's BMI of
can't
be displayed on this growth chart.
What does this mean?
BMI is a calculated measure
of weight relative to height. BMI is used to
assess a child's physical growth.
Because children and teens are growing, BMI
values must be expressed relative to other
children of the same sex and age.
BMI-for-age percentiles
indicate how your child's BMI compares
to BMIs of children of the same sex and age
in the reference population used to create
the CDC growth charts.
BMI Category Percentile Ranges Table
BMI Category
BMI Range
Underweight
Less than the 5th percentile
Healthy Weight
5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile
Overweight
85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile
Obesity
95th percentile or greater
Severe Obesity
120% of the 95th percentile or greater OR a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or greater
Having severe
obesity can increase a child or teen's risk for
physical health conditions, including type 2 diabetes
and high cholesterol, and mental health conditions,
including anxiety and depression. Children with
severe obesity
are also more likely to have obesity
or severe obesity
in adulthood, which is associated with additional
chronic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease,
joint problems, and many types of cancer.
Remember
Please keep in mind that BMI is a screening
measure and is not intended to diagnose disease
or illness. This BMI calculator is not meant to
serve as a source of clinical guidance and is
not intended to be a substitute for professional
medical advice.
What can healthcare providers do?
Healthcare providers can assess height, weight,
and BMI percentile at least annually for all
children to help monitor growth relative to
other children of the same age and sex.
Healthcare providers can also assess for social
and health risk factors, such as food insecurity
and family history, and work with the patient
and family on an individual plan to
maintain a healthy weight and help prevent chronic conditions.identify supports and treatment options.
Recommended treatment might include referral to a
Family Healthy Weight Program.
These are comprehensive, family-based lifestyle
change programs that help children and adolescents
with overweight or obesity make progress towards
a healthier weight through positive behavior changes.
The calculated BMI appears to be out of range. Please check the accuracy of the information you entered.
Information Entered
Age:
Sex:
Date of Birth:
Date of Measurement:
Height:
Weight:
Please wait while your BMI is calculated...
Embed this widget on your site
Privacy Policy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to maintaining your privacy and protecting your personal information when you visit CDC websites, use CDC's mobile applications, or receive public health information from CDC. With respect to the collection, use, and disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII), CDC complies with all applicable federal laws.
This calculator provides body mass index (BMI) and the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile based on CDC growth charts for children and teens ages 2 through 19 years. Because of possible rounding errors in age, weight, and height, the results from this calculator may differ slightly from BMI-for-age percentiles calculated by other programs.
This BMI calculator is not meant to serve as a source of clinical guidance. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
