Healthy Living

BMI Calculator for Children and Teens

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








This calculator is not intended to replace the evaluation of a healthcare professional.

Featured in

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.
stethoscope icon

Personalized care starts with the right provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

FIND A DOCTOR
Related Articles
Read article
Wellness
Obesity in Children and Teens

Obesity is when a teen has too much body fat. Obesity is a serious, long-term disease.

Read article
Wellness
Preventing Obesity in Children, Teens, and Adults

The longer a person is obese, the more they are at risk for problems. Many chronic diseases are linked with obesity. And obesity is hard to treat. Because of these reasons, prevention is very important.

Read article
Wellness
Guidelines for Raising Smoke-Free Kids

Read on for tips to help keep your children from smoking.

Read article
Wellness
Heart Disease Prevention Starts in Childhood

You may think of heart disease as a problem for adults, not your young children. But diet and exercise habits started in childhood can begin a lifetime of heart health, or a lifetime of heart damage.