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Growth charts and percentiles

The CDC recommends the WHO growth standards from birth to age 2 and the CDC growth charts from 2 to 20. A percentile compares your child with other children of the same age and sex. The AAP says a child at the 10th percentile is no better or worse off than one at the 90th; the trend over time matters most.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What is a percentile?

It shows where a child's measurement falls among children of the same age and sex. At the 40th percentile, about 40 of every 100 children measure less and about 60 measure more. The AAP says it is a comparison, not a score.

What a percentile does not tell you

  • It does not say a child is healthy or unhealthy. The AAP says the 10th percentile is no better or worse than the 90th.
  • A single measurement says little. The AAP says what matters most is the trend over time, and about five measurements are more useful than one.
  • Genetics, environment, nutrition, activity and health can all affect growth (AAP). Your pediatrician reads the trend with you.

Which chart is used at which age?

The CDC recommends the WHO Child Growth Standards from birth to 2 years, for breastfed and formula-fed babies alike, and the CDC growth charts from 2 to 20 years. The WHO standards describe how children grow in well-supported conditions. The CDC charts are a national reference and, in the CDC's tables, have not changed since 2000.

Moving from one chart to the other at age 2 can change a child's percentile a little.

Use the calculator

The growth calculator finds a percentile for weight, length or height, and head circumference to 24 months, from the CDC's own tables. It runs in your browser; your child's details never leave it.

Born early?

Charts are for a child's age from birth. The calculator does not adjust for early birth. See adjusted age, and ask your pediatrician how they plot your child.

Call your pediatrician if…

Ask your pediatrician to read your child's growth trend with you. The AAP suggests asking your doctor or nurse practitioner to help you understand what the trend shows. More from the AAP and the CDC:

Peabody editors write these pages from the sources below. We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice for your child.

Sources