Instructions for use:

First, download and print out the child height weight chart by clicking on the thumbnail picture above.

To calculate your child's BMI (Body Mass Index) you need to weigh your child in kilograms and measure their height in centimetres.

The formula for calculating BMI is weight divided by height, divided by height again, then times by 10,000.

So if your child is 125 cm high and weighs 25 kg, you do 25/125=0.2 then 0.2/125 = 0.0016, then 0.0016 x 10000 = 16 BMI

Interpreting the results:

Record your child's height, weight and BMI on the chart, then you can compare with the average and healthy range given for boys and girls.

The 'Healthy Range' is the important one to look at, as children differ enormously. Comparing your child just to an average figure could cause unnecessary alarm!

If a girl of 7 has a BMI of 16, she falls between the healthy range of 13.4 and 17.6, so she is perfectly healthy.

If, on the other hand, a boy of 16 had BMI of 16 he would be below his healthy range and could be slightly underweight.



Even so, these figures are not carved in stone, and your child might fall outside the 'healthy weight range' and yet be perfectly okay. Our younger son who is 7 has a BMI of 12.8 which falls below the healthy range for his age. He is, however, slightly short for his age and we can tell that he is neither too fat nor too thin, so we are not concerned.



This child height weight chart is only intended as a guide. If you have any concerns about your child's weight, consult your doctor.

If your child is overweight, check out our Fat Children page for tips on how to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

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