Child Growth Percentile Calculator

Estimate where your child's measurements fall on standard growth charts (WHO/CDC).

Enter details and calculate to see estimated percentiles.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides ESTIMATES based on standard data sets. It is NOT a substitute for professional medical assessment. Growth patterns are individual. Always consult your pediatrician regarding your child's growth and health.

Uses WHO standards for children 0-2 years and CDC standards for children 2 years and older.

Understanding Child Growth Percentiles

Tracking a child's growth is a key part of monitoring their overall health and development. Pediatricians use standardized growth charts to compare a child's height (or length for infants), weight, and head circumference to other children of the same age and gender. Percentiles indicate where a child's measurements rank compared to this reference population.

For example, if a child is in the 75th percentile for weight, it means they weigh more than 75% of children their age and gender in the reference group.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Select Metric or Imperial units.
  2. Enter the child's Date of Birth.
  3. Enter the Date the measurements were taken.
  4. Select the child's Gender.
  5. Enter the Weight measurement in the chosen unit.
  6. Enter the Length (for under 2s, measured lying down) or Height (for 2+, measured standing) in the chosen unit.
  7. (Optional) Enter the Head Circumference if measured.
  8. Click "Calculate Percentiles".

The calculator will determine the child's age at measurement and provide the estimated percentiles for weight-for-age, height/length-for-age, and head circumference-for-age based on the appropriate WHO or CDC data set.

Which Charts Are Used?

  • WHO Standards (0-2 years): The World Health Organization (WHO) charts are generally recommended for infants and children up to 2 years old, as they reflect growth patterns for breastfed infants under optimal conditions.
  • CDC References (2+ years): The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth references are typically used for children aged 2 years and older in the US.

This calculator automatically attempts to select the appropriate standard based on the calculated age.

Interpreting Percentiles - What's "Normal"?

There isn't one "ideal" percentile. Healthy children come in all shapes and sizes! What pediatricians look for is:

  • Consistent Growth Pattern: A child generally following along a specific percentile curve over time is usually a good sign, whether it's the 10th or 90th percentile.
  • Significant Changes: Large jumps up or drops down across multiple percentile lines can warrant further investigation.
  • Proportionality: How weight-for-height compares (BMI-for-age percentile, not calculated here, is also used by pediatricians).
  • Extremes: Consistently below the 3rd-5th percentile or above the 95th-97th percentile may prompt closer monitoring or evaluation.

Crucially, percentile results from this or any online calculator MUST be interpreted by a healthcare professional. They consider the child's individual health history, genetics, nutrition, and overall well-being. Never make health decisions based solely on an online calculator.