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CDC Stature-for-Age Growth Chart (2-20 Years)

Plot your child's standing height against CDC reference data for ages 2-20 years. The chart displays standard percentile curves with your child's measurement highlighted.

LMS Method: Z = ((X/M)^L - 1) / (L x S)

How It Works

This calculator uses CDC growth reference data for monitoring stature (standing height) in children and adolescents aged 2 to 20 years. The CDC 2-20 charts are the standard recommended by the CDC for this age range in the United States. The LMS method computes Z-scores and percentiles by comparing your child's height to age- and sex-specific reference values derived from U.S. national health surveys.

Example Problem

A 10-year-old girl measures 138.6 cm in standing height. What is her stature-for-age percentile?

  1. Enter the child's date of birth and measurement date (10 years apart).
  2. Select 'Girl' for gender.
  3. Enter 138.6 cm for height.
  4. The calculator finds the LMS parameters for girls at age 10 and computes the Z-score.
  5. Result: approximately the 50th percentile, as 138.6 cm is near the CDC median height for girls at age 10.

Key Concepts

Stature-for-age tracks linear growth over time. Children typically follow a consistent percentile channel. Crossing percentile lines up or down may indicate a growth issue. Short stature (below 3rd percentile) may be familial or may indicate growth hormone deficiency, chronic illness, or other conditions. The pubertal growth spurt causes temporary acceleration, typically ages 10-14 for girls and 12-16 for boys.

Applications

  • Routine growth monitoring at annual check-ups
  • Evaluating short stature or tall stature concerns
  • Monitoring growth during puberty
  • Tracking growth in children with chronic conditions (e.g., celiac disease, Turner syndrome)
  • Assessing nutritional adequacy in school-age children

Common Mistakes

  • Measuring recumbent length instead of standing height for children over 2 — standing height is about 0.7 cm shorter
  • Using CDC 0-36 month length charts for children over 3 years
  • Not accounting for the pubertal growth spurt when interpreting percentile changes
  • Comparing a child's height to adult standards rather than age-appropriate percentiles
  • Measuring with shoes on or without proper positioning (heels, buttocks, and shoulders against the wall)

Frequently Asked Questions

What age range does this calculator cover?

This calculator uses CDC growth reference data for children and adolescents aged 2 to 20 years. For children under 2, use the CDC 0-36 month length-for-age chart with recumbent length.

Should I use my child’s height in cm or inches?

You can use either unit. The calculator converts inches to centimeters automatically. For the most accurate result, use the height recorded at your pediatrician’s office.

What is the difference between stature and length?

Stature refers to standing height (measured upright), used for children 2 years and older. Length refers to recumbent length (measured lying down), used for children under 2. Standing height is approximately 0.7 cm shorter than recumbent length.

When should I be concerned about my child’s height?

Consult your pediatrician if your child's height is consistently below the 3rd percentile, above the 97th percentile, or if they are crossing percentile lines significantly. A single measurement outside the normal range is less concerning than a persistent trend.

Reference: CDC Growth Charts: United States. National Center for Health Statistics, 2000. https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/

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