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WHO Weight-for-Age Growth Chart (0-5 Years)

Plot your child's weight against WHO growth standards for ages 0-5 years. Extended range covering infancy through the preschool years with standard percentile curves.

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

How It Works

This calculator uses WHO growth standards for monitoring weight in children from birth to 5 years (60 months). The WHO standards are prescriptive, based on the Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) of healthy breastfed children from six countries under optimal conditions. This extended range covers both infancy and the toddler/preschool period. The LMS method computes Z-scores and percentiles using daily LMS data.

Example Problem

A 3-year-old girl weighs 14.1 kg. What is her weight-for-age percentile?

  1. Enter the child's date of birth and measurement date (36 months apart).
  2. Select 'Girl' for gender.
  3. Enter 14.1 kg for weight.
  4. The calculator finds the LMS parameters for girls at 36 months and computes the Z-score.
  5. Result: approximately the 50th percentile, as 14.1 kg is near the WHO median weight for girls at 3 years.

Key Concepts

The WHO 0-5 year weight-for-age chart extends the 0-24 month chart through the preschool years. Both use the same WHO growth standards data set. Weight-for-age is a composite indicator influenced by both height and body composition. For assessing body proportionality, weight-for-length/height or BMI-for-age may be more informative. The CDC recommends WHO standards for children under 2 in the US, and CDC charts for ages 2-20.

Applications

  • Extended weight monitoring from birth through preschool
  • Well-child visits during the toddler and preschool years
  • Monitoring catch-up growth after illness or nutritional intervention
  • International growth comparison using WHO standards
  • Complementary assessment alongside weight-for-height or BMI-for-age

Common Mistakes

  • Using weight-for-age alone to assess obesity — BMI-for-age or weight-for-height is better for body proportionality
  • Confusing the 0-5 year chart with the 0-24 month chart — both use the same WHO data, but this one extends to 60 months
  • Not considering that toddler growth naturally slows compared to infancy
  • Comparing a child's weight to adult expectations rather than age-appropriate percentiles
  • Not accounting for illness or recent changes that may temporarily affect weight

Frequently Asked Questions

What age range does this calculator cover?

This calculator uses WHO growth standards for children from birth to 5 years (60 months). For infants under 24 months, you may also use our 0-24 month weight-for-age calculator for more specific analysis.

Should I use my child’s weight in kg or pounds?

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

How is this different from the 0-24 month calculator?

Both use WHO growth standards and the same LMS data for the 0-24 month overlap period. This calculator extends the range to 60 months (5 years), making it suitable for toddlers and preschoolers.

Are these the same charts my doctor uses?

The WHO growth standards used here are recommended by major health organizations worldwide. In the United States, the CDC recommends WHO standards for children under 2 and CDC growth charts for ages 2-20. This calculator provides the WHO standard for the full 0-5 year range.

Reference: WHO Child Growth Standards. World Health Organization, 2006. https://www.who.int/tools/child-growth-standards

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