Weight in kids is measured differently than in grown-ups. For kids, to determine “weight status,” or to basically determine what “weight category” you fall into, you must use a BMI-for-age percentile chart. What’s that? Well, we will get to that in a second.

 

Just like grownups, the first step is to, well, STEP on a scale. You’ll probably find a scale in your home, but if your family doesn’t have one, try asking the school or PE teacher if you can use theirs or maybe you even know how much you weigh already. Either way, you’re just trying to get a number to help you with the next step.

 

Once you have your number, you’ll need to find your body mass index or BMI. Wait, what’s BMI? BMI is a number calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by his or her height in meters squared. This number is used to help determine your weight status category in the next few steps. This probably sounds a little confusing right now, but don’t worry - we’re not going to make you do the math in your head. We have a BMI calculator for you to use to help you. Now that you stepped on your scale and know how much you weigh, you’re ready to get your BMI!

 

In the calculator below, enter in your height and your weight and click “calculate.” Once you’ve entered your information, a number will pop up in the window. That’s your BMI to use when calculating your BMI-for-age Percentile.  See, it's easy!

 

Because only BMI is used for grownups, you may get this message pop up when you click "Calculate." This BMI falls below the range for most people. You may want to recheck your entries, or, for an individualized assessment, see your physician. If you get this message, don't worry. Simply click "ok" and find your BMI.

 

Calculate Your BMI

Enter Your Weight:

(pounds)

Enter Your Height:

(feet)
(inches)

Your BMI:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we have to take your BMI and your age and place it on a chart called the “BMI-for-Age Percentile Chart.” Now, because boys and girls grow at different rates, the boys have their own chart and so do the girls.

 

To see the boys chart, click here.

 

To see the girls chart, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Measuring Weight in Kids