Teen BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index with age-appropriate percentiles for teenagers

Age-Specific Percentiles
CDC Growth Chart Standards
Teen-Focused Recommendations

Enhanced BMI Calculator

Get personalized health insights based on your BMI, age, and gender

Adding age provides more accurate health insights

Gender helps provide targeted recommendations

How to Use the Teen BMI Calculator

Our teen-specific BMI calculator uses CDC growth charts to provide accurate percentile rankings for adolescents ages 13-19. Unlike adult BMI calculators, this tool accounts for the rapid growth and development during teenage years, providing age and gender-specific interpretations. The calculator uses the standard BMI formula but compares results against extensive growth data from thousands of teens to determine where your BMI falls on the percentile scale.

1

Select your preferred unit system (Metric or Imperial)

💡 Teen Health Tip

Teens are still growing, so focus on healthy habits rather than weight numbers. Proper nutrition supports growth, brain development, and energy levels.

What the Teen BMI Calculator Calculates

The Teen BMI Calculator determines your Body Mass Index and compares it against CDC growth charts for adolescents of the same age and gender. This provides a percentile ranking that shows how your BMI compares to other teens nationwide. The calculator accounts for the normal growth patterns and body composition changes that occur during adolescence. You'll receive a detailed interpretation of your results, including whether you're underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese based on pediatric standards. The tool also provides age-appropriate health recommendations, information about healthy growth patterns, and guidance on when to consult healthcare providers. This is particularly useful for tracking growth during the critical teenage years and understanding how your weight relates to your overall health development.

Example Calculations for Teens

14-Year-Old Female Example

Input Values

weight:52
height:160
age:14
gender:female
units:metric

BMI Percentile

62

BMI of 20.3 places at the 62nd percentile, which is within the healthy weight range for a 14-year-old girl.

16-Year-Old Male Athlete

Input Values

weight:68
height:175
age:16
gender:male
units:metric

BMI Percentile

78

BMI of 22.2 places at the 78th percentile. Athletic teens may have higher BMI due to muscle mass.

Growth Spurt Example

Input Values

weight:60
height:170
age:15.5
gender:male
units:metric

BMI Percentile

45

BMI of 20.8 places at the 45th percentile. During growth spurts, height often increases before weight catches up.

💡 Understanding Teen Results

These examples show how BMI percentiles work for teenagers. Your results may change as you grow and develop. Focus on building healthy habits rather than fixating on numbers. Always discuss concerns with a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Teen BMI uses percentiles instead of fixed categories because adolescents are still growing. The interpretation considers age and gender to account for normal growth patterns and puberty-related changes in body composition.

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Teen BMI Formulas & Growth Charts

Understanding how BMI is calculated and interpreted for teenagers

Metric:BMI ​=​ weight ​(​kg​)​ ​÷​ height² ​(​m²​)​

Formula

BMI ​=​ weight ​(​kg​)​ ​÷​ height² ​(​m²​)​

Scientific Background

Teen BMI interpretation uses CDC growth charts developed from national survey data collected between 1963-1994. These charts account for normal growth patterns during adolescence, where body composition changes rapidly. Unlike adult BMI categories, teen BMI is expressed as percentiles relative to same-age, same-gender peers. The 5th, 85th, and 95th percentiles correspond to underweight, overweight, and obesity categories respectively.

Important Note for Teens and Parents

This teen BMI calculator is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Adolescence involves rapid physical changes, and BMI percentiles can fluctuate during growth spurts. This tool does not account for muscle mass, bone structure, or individual growth patterns. Always consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider before making any decisions about a teen's health, nutrition, or exercise routine. For teens with concerns about body image or eating habits, seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals.