What are WHO Growth Charts?
The World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts are international standards published in 2006, based on a study of healthy children from 6 different countries. They are the most widely used reference worldwide for evaluating child growth.
What Does This Calculator Measure?
- Weight-for-age: Compares the child's weight with the WHO reference
- Height-for-age: Compares the child's height with the reference
- BMI-for-age: Evaluates the weight/height ratio according to age
How to Interpret Percentiles
| Percentile | Interpretation | |---|---| | Below 3 | Underweight or short stature - consult pediatrician | | 3 to 15 | Low normal range | | 15 to 85 | Normal range | | 85 to 97 | High normal range | | Above 97 | Possible overweight or tall stature |
This calculator is a guidance tool. It does not replace professional medical evaluation. Always consult your pediatrician for a complete interpretation of your child's growth.
What is the Z-Score?
The Z-score indicates how many standard deviations a value is from the median. A Z of 0 is exactly the median (50th percentile). A Z between -2 and +2 is considered normal.
Pediatric checkups are typically monthly in the first year, quarterly in the second year, and biannually afterward. Your pediatrician will indicate the ideal frequency.
Not necessarily. What matters is the growth trend. A child who is always at the 15th percentile but grows consistently is normal. Sudden changes are more concerning.
Yes, WHO charts are considered a universal standard for children 0-5 years, regardless of ethnic origin, as they were based on children from diverse countries.
Standard WHO charts cover ages 0 to 5 years. For older children (5-19 years), the WHO has different reference charts.
Yes, taller parents tend to have children in higher percentiles and vice versa. The pediatrician considers these factors in the evaluation.