Child Height Percentile Calculator
Track and assess your child's height growth using CDC growth charts. This calculator helps determine height percentiles for children aged 2-20 years, providing insights into their growth patterns.
Height Percentile Results
Understanding Child Height Percentiles
Height percentiles help healthcare providers and parents monitor a child's growth by comparing their height to other children of the same age and gender. These measurements are plotted on CDC growth charts to track growth patterns over time.
Height Percentile Ranges
Percentile Range | Interpretation |
---|---|
Below 3rd percentile | Significantly shorter than average |
3rd to 97th percentile | Normal range |
Above 97th percentile | Significantly taller than average |
Factors Affecting Child Height
Several factors influence a child's height growth:
- Genetics: Parental heights are strong predictors of a child's potential adult height
- Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for optimal growth
- Sleep: Growth hormone is primarily released during sleep
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise supports healthy growth
- Medical Conditions: Various conditions can affect growth patterns
- Hormones: Growth hormone and thyroid hormone levels impact height
Growth Velocity
Children grow at different rates during various stages of development:
- Infancy (0-2 years): Rapid growth period
- Early Childhood (2-5 years): Steady growth of 5-7 cm per year
- Middle Childhood (5-10 years): Consistent growth of 4-6 cm per year
- Puberty: Growth spurt with peak velocity
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Consider medical evaluation if:
- Height is below the 3rd or above the 97th percentile
- Growth rate is unusually slow or fast
- Growth pattern shows sudden changes
- Height percentile differs significantly from weight percentile
- Child's height percentile differs markedly from family pattern
Predicting Adult Height
Adult height can be estimated using:
- Mid-parental height calculation
- Current height percentile
- Bone age assessment (if available)
- Growth pattern analysis
Using This Calculator
For accurate results:
- Measure height at the same time of day (preferably morning)
- Use proper measuring technique and equipment
- Enter age precisely (use decimals if needed)
- Include parent heights if available for additional analysis
- Track measurements over time
Note: This calculator uses CDC Growth Charts for children aged 2-20 years. For children under 2 years, please use the Baby Growth Percentile Calculator.