Updated · Methodology: named formula library
BMI Calculator for Children
Calculate BMI for children and teens (ages 2-20) using CDC growth charts and age-based percentiles.
Your BMI is 25.8, which falls in the "Overweight" category. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.
Why This Calculation Matters
The BMI Calculator for Children turns a well-known health formula into an instant lookup. It's most useful when you're tracking a number over time or comparing yourself against published reference ranges from bodies like the CDC, NIH, or WHO. Use it as one data point among many, not a diagnosis.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your values in the input fields, each one has a label and help text explaining what to type.
- Results appear instantly as you type; there's no "calculate" button to press.
- Change any input to compare scenarios side by side.
All math happens in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server, saved, or shared.
Reading Your Result
A single number tells you less than a trend. Track this value over weeks or months rather than obsessing over day-to-day variation. Hydration, sleep, and timing can all shift short-term readings without reflecting any real change.
BMI for Children and Teens
For children ages 2-20, BMI is age- and sex-specific because body composition varies as children grow. Results are expressed as percentiles relative to other children of the same age and sex.
Weight Status Categories
- Underweight: Below 5th percentile
- Healthy weight: 5th to 85th percentile
- Overweight: 85th to 95th percentile
- Obesity: 95th percentile or above
Worked Example
175 cm, 70 kg adult
- height
- 175
- weight
- 70
- Result
- BMI 22.9 (normal)
70 / (1.75²) = 22.9. WHO normal range: 18.5–24.9.
When to Use This Calculator
- Track personal health metrics over time alongside guidance from your clinician.
- Understand how lifestyle changes may influence a given health number.
- Compare values against recognized reference ranges from CDC, NIH, or WHO.
Limitations & Common Mistakes
- Not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for anything that affects your care.
- Population-level formulas don't account for individual medical history, medications, or body composition nuances.
- Reference ranges evolve, use current CDC/NIH/WHO values when accuracy matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the BMI Calculator for Children work?
Enter your weight (default: 170) and any other inputs; the calculator instantly applies its bmi children formula and shows the result with details. All math runs in your browser; nothing is sent to a server.
Is the BMI Calculator for Children accurate for body metrics decisions?
It uses standard, documented formulas that match published references. For high-stakes body metrics decisions, verify the result against an authoritative source (industry calculator, professional advisor, or government data). The calculator is a planning estimate, not a substitute for professional judgment.
What inputs does the BMI Calculator for Children require?
3 inputs: Unit System, Weight, Height. Each has a sensible default; replace with your own values to get a result tailored to your situation.
Can I bookmark or share the BMI Calculator for Children?
Yes — the URL is stable: https://www.calcintel.com/calculator/bmi-children. Inputs reset to defaults on each visit (no input is stored), so screenshot or copy the result if you want to preserve a specific scenario.
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Related guides
- TDEE: The Only Calorie Number That Actually Drives Weight ChangeBMR tells you the baseline. Calorie intake tells you the input. TDEE is the number that decides whether you lose, maintain, or gain, and it is the one most people miscalculate.
- BMI vs. Body Fat Percentage: Which Number Actually Measures HealthBMI is free and fast. Body fat percentage is more accurate. Waist-to-hip ratio predicts cardiovascular risk better than either. Here is when to use which, and what the CDC and WHO actually recommend.
Source: BLS Consumer Price Index, 2026.