1. What is Height Percentile?

A height percentile shows how a child's height compares to others of the same age and gender. For example, being in the 75th percentile means the child is taller than 75% of children their age and gender.

2. How Percentile Calculation Works

Percentiles are calculated using growth charts developed by the CDC that show the distribution of heights for children at each age:

Growth charts are based on measurements from thousands of children and represent:

• 5th percentile - 5% of children are shorter
• 50th percentile - Average height
• 95th percentile - Only 5% of children are taller

3. Importance of Growth Tracking

Details: Tracking height percentiles over time helps identify growth patterns. Significant changes in percentile may indicate health issues that need medical attention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: For most accurate results:

• Measure height without shoes
• Use exact age in years (or years + months for young children)
• Compare to CDC growth charts for most accurate assessment

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a "normal" percentile?
A: Typically 5th-95th percentile is considered normal range, but growth patterns over time matter more than a single measurement.

Q2: When should I be concerned about my child's height?
A: If your child is below 5th percentile, above 95th percentile, or has crossed two major percentile lines (e.g., from 50th to 10th).

Q3: Can you predict adult height from percentiles?
A: While percentiles give some indication, many factors affect final height including genetics, nutrition, and health.

Q4: Do percentiles change with age?
A: Yes, it's normal for children to shift percentiles slightly, especially during puberty growth spurts.

Q5: How often should height be measured?
A: Every 6-12 months for school-age children, more frequently if growth concerns exist.