Pediatric basics
How to read child growth percentiles
Use WHO percentiles to interpret weight, length/height and head circumference and know when to call the pediatrician.
Percentiles in context
Percentiles compare your child with thousands of peers of the same age and sex. Sitting on the 60th percentile means 60 % weigh less and 40 % weigh more. It is a reference, not a grade.
Quick interpretation
Between 3 and 97
Expected
Usually fine as long as the curve remains parallel.
Below 3 or above 97
Alert
Needs medical assessment to rule out nutritional or medical causes.
Working with the calculator
- Pick sex, age and the measures you have (weight, length/height, head circumference).
- The tool returns the exact percentile and the WHO category.
- Watch the trend: jumping more than two percentile channels in a short time requires follow-up.
- Share the report with your pediatrician to combine it with clinical history.
Recent illnesses, feeding changes or growth spurts can temporarily change the curve. Measure with the same technique every time to compare apples to apples.
See the doctor sooner
Unintentional weight loss, persistent vomiting or a lethargic baby warrant an earlier appointment.
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