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How Weight-for-Stature Percentiles Work (CDC)

This calculator uses CDC growth reference data for children and adolescents ages 2 to 20 years. Weight-for-stature percentiles assess whether a child’s weight is proportionate to their standing height, regardless of age. This is especially useful for identifying children who may be underweight or overweight relative to their body size.

The CDC uses the LMS method to model the distribution of weight at each stature value. This chart covers statures from 77 cm to 121.5 cm.

When to Use Weight-for-Stature

  • Children measured standing up with heights between 77-121.5 cm
  • Useful when exact age is unknown
  • Better than weight-for-age for assessing proportionality
  • For children under 2 measured lying down, use our weight-for-length calculator

Example Calculation

A boy who is 95 cm tall and weighs approximately 14.29 kg would be near the 50th percentile for weight-for-stature, since the CDC median weight for boys at 95 cm is about 14.29 kg.

Frequently Asked Questions

What stature range does this calculator cover?

This calculator uses CDC data covering statures from 77 cm to 121.5 cm. Statures outside this range are not covered by the CDC weight-for-stature growth charts.

How is weight-for-stature different from weight-for-length?

Weight-for-length uses recumbent length (measured lying down) for children under 2. Weight-for-stature uses standing height for older children. Standing height is typically about 0.7 cm shorter than recumbent length, and the CDC provides separate reference data for each.

When should I use weight-for-stature vs. BMI?

Weight-for-stature is designed for younger children within the 77-121.5 cm height range. For older children and adolescents, BMI-for-age is more commonly used. Both assess whether weight is proportionate to body size.

What do the percentile ranges mean?

Below the 5th percentile may indicate underweight. Between the 5th and 85th percentiles is generally considered healthy weight. The 85th to 95th percentile range may indicate overweight, and above the 95th percentile may indicate obesity.

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