BMI Calculator for Teens
Find a teenager's BMI and see where it sits on the CDC growth charts for ages 10–19. Enter sex, age, weight, and height, and this calculator returns the BMI plus the underweight, healthy, overweight, and obese ranges for that age and sex.
Rates and fees change frequently. Always confirm the current figures
with the official authority before relying on this result.
- Percentile cutoffs are approximate values from CDC 2000 growth charts.
- Valid for ages 10–19 only. Use the adult BMI calculator for those 20 and older.
- Not a substitute for professional medical assessment.
Formula
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
Category determined by CDC age- and sex-specific BMI percentile tables (ages 10–19)
- A teen's BMI uses the same weight ÷ height² formula as adults, but the result is read against growth charts.
- For ages 10–19, BMI is compared to CDC percentiles for the same age and sex rather than fixed adult cut-offs.
- Below the 5th percentile is underweight, 5th–85th is healthy, 85th–95th is overweight, and at or above the 95th is obese.
- Because teens grow quickly, a healthy BMI rises noticeably between ages 10 and 19.
- This is a screening estimate — a doctor should interpret an adolescent's growth in context.
15-year-old girl, 55 kg, 163 cm
Inputs
- Sex: female
- Age: 15 years
- Weight: 55 kg
- Height: 163 cm
BMI = 55 ÷ 1.63² ≈ 20.7, which falls in the healthy range for a 15-year-old girl (about 16.2–24.6).
Frequently asked questions
How is a teen's BMI interpreted?
It is compared to CDC age- and sex-specific percentile charts for ages 10–19, not the fixed adult BMI categories.
What percentile is a healthy weight?
The 5th to 85th percentile for the teen's age and sex is considered healthy under CDC guidelines.
Why use percentiles instead of fixed numbers?
Teenagers grow and mature at different rates, so a healthy BMI depends heavily on age and sex during these years.
My teen is above the 85th percentile — should I worry?
Check with a doctor. They can confirm the reading, review growth trends, and advise on healthy habits if needed.
What ages does this cover?
It is built for ages 10 to 19. Use the kids' calculator for younger children and the adult BMI calculator for ages 20 and up.
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