How to Calculate BMI for Children

BMI (body mass index) is a weight standard that attempts to calculate body fat percentages by taking into account both height and weight. BMI can be useful for helping to determine whether a child has a healthy body weight in proportion to the child's height. Knowing how to calculate BMI for children can be a useful health measurement to understand.

Things You'll Need

• Bathroom scale Ruler

Instructions

1. Weigh your child using the bathroom scale. Record the number. Ensure the recorded weight is accurate by removing any heavy articles of clothing and shoes before weighing your child.

2. Measure your child's height using the ruler. Record the number in inches. Ensure the height is accurate by measuring your child in the morning.

3. Divide the weight of your child by the squared height of your child.

4. Multiply the product of the equation in Step 3 by 703. The resulting number is your child's body mass index (BMI).

Tips & Warnings

• If your child is less than the fifth percentile or greater than the 85th percentile, your child is underweight or overweight, respectively. A healthy BMI for children is between the fifth and 85th percentile.

• Consult your child's pediatrician if you're worried about the weight of your child.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Calculate Children's BMI