Child Height Percentile (0–5 years)
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Note: This calculator is a WHO-based percentiles for ages 0–59 months; in U.S. clinical practice, CDC commonly uses WHO charts through 24 months and CDC charts from age 2 onward.
Use this Child Height Percentile Calculator to estimate a child’s length- or height-for-age percentile and z-score from age, sex, and measured length or height.
The calculator uses WHO growth standards for children from birth to 5 years.
Calculation Method
The calculator uses age- and sex-specific WHO LMS values:
- L = Box-Cox power
- M = median
- S = coefficient of variation
When L is not zero:
Z = [((X ÷ M)L) − 1] ÷ (L × S)
Where X is the child’s measured length or height.
The resulting z-score is converted into a percentile.
Example
Suppose an 18-month-old girl has a measured length of 80 cm.
The calculator selects the WHO LMS values for an 18-month-old girl, compares 80 cm with the reference distribution, calculates the z-score, and converts it into a percentile.
A z-score near 0 corresponds approximately to the 50th percentile.
Important Note
For children younger than 24 months, recumbent length is generally used. From about 24 months onward, standing height is used.
A single percentile does not determine whether a child is growing normally. Growth patterns over time and accurate measurements are more important. Discuss significant growth concerns or major percentile changes with a pediatric healthcare professional.