Body mass index (BMI) is one way to estimate a person's body fat that takes into consideration the person's height. BMI is calculated using a person's weight
and height. In children and teens, BMI is used to find out if a child or teen is underweight, of a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. A child's body fat
changes with age. Also, girls and boys differ in their amount of body fat as they mature. This is why BMI for children, also known as BMI-for-age, includes gender and age.
This calculator gives an approximate BMI for children from ages 5 to 19. It will tell you if a child is underweight, at an ideal weight, at risk of being overweight,
or is now overweight.
Enter child's information
Your results
The information you provided gives a BMI of
This puts your child percentile, which means your child is underweight. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and .
Your child may be naturally thin. Or it's possible a health problem could be causing your child to be underweight. Talk with your child's healthcare provider.
This puts your child percentile, which means your child is at an ideal weight. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and .
Having an ideal weight means the calories your child is getting from food are balanced out with their level of physical activity. Keep in mind, though, that some calories are nutritious and others aren't. Your child may eat the right amount of food for a healthy weight, but still not get all the nutrients needed for good overall health. That's why it's still important to encourage your child to eat nutritious foods and get plenty of exercise. Good habits learned now will last a lifetime.
This puts your child percentile, which means your child is overweight. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and .
Overweight is a point at which your child's weight is no longer healthy. This is serious. Although your child isn't yet overweight, work with your healthcare provider—and your child—to keep this from becoming a future problem. An overweight child may develop problems with self-esteem. And healthcare providers have found that overweight children are developing serious health problems such as diabetes early in life that do not develop in children of normal weight.
Overweight children tend to become overweight adults. Being overweight as an adult increases the risk for serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, arthritis, and some forms of cancer. So now is the time to teach your child healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
This puts your child percentile, which means your child is obese. An ideal BMI for your child's gender and age is between and .
Obesity is a point at which your child's weight is no longer healthy. A child who is obese may develop problems with self-esteem and other health problems. And healthcare provider have found that obese children are developing health problems such as diabetes early in life that do not develop in children of normal weight.
Children who are obese tend to become adults who are obese. And the obesity in adulthood appears to be more severe. Obesity as an adult increases the risk for serious diseases such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, arthritis, and some forms of cancer. Now is the time to work with your healthcare provider—and your child—to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional health care. Always consult a healthcare provider for advice concerning your health. Only your healthcare provider can advise you about your child's health.
This calculator is not intended to replace the evaluation of a healthcare professional.
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Author: Lambert, J.G. M.D.
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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