Calculate BMI for children 2-20 years old using CDC growth charts. Find percentile and healthy weight range. Free pediatric BMI calculator.
Child BMI is interpreted differently than adult BMI — for children ages 2-20 the CDC uses age and sex-specific percentiles rather than fixed categories. A child at the 85th percentile is considered overweight, while an adult at the same absolute BMI might be normal. Our calculator uses CDC growth charts to show your child's percentile and what it means for their health.
Child BMI categories by percentile: Under 5th percentile: Underweight — may need evaluation. 5th-84th percentile: Healthy weight range. 85th-94th percentile: Overweight — lifestyle guidance recommended. 95th percentile and above: Obese — medical evaluation recommended. Critical difference from adults: the same BMI number means different things at different ages. A BMI of 17 could be healthy for a 10-year-old but underweight for a 14-year-old.
Evidence-based approach for childhood weight concerns: Focus on health behaviors not weight or appearance. Increase fruit and vegetable variety not quantity. Reduce sugary beverages — single biggest dietary change. Increase physical activity (minimum 60 minutes moderate activity daily). Limit screen time to 2 hours per day (excludes school work). Family-based approach works best — children's habits mirror parents' habits. Never put a child on a calorie-restrictive diet without medical supervision.
For a 10-year-old: healthy BMI range is between the 5th and 84th percentile for their age and sex. Boys: approximately BMI 14.0-20.5 is typical healthy range at 10. Girls: approximately BMI 13.9-21.0 is typical healthy range at 10. Exact healthy range varies month to month as children grow. Our calculator uses CDC age-sex-specific percentiles for accurate results at any child's exact age.
CDC recommends: BMI screening at annual well-child checkups starting at age 2. Healthcare providers track BMI on growth charts over time — trends matter more than single measurements. A child consistently at 70th percentile is not concerning. A child jumping from 60th to 90th percentile over 2 years warrants discussion with pediatrician.
Yes — childhood obesity has significant health consequences: Physical: early onset type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, orthopedic problems, sleep apnea. Psychological: higher rates of depression and anxiety, social difficulties. Long-term: obese children are more likely to be obese adults. However approach matters — focusing on healthy behaviors rather than weight produces better outcomes than weight-focused interventions which can cause harm.
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