BMI Calculator for Teens
Calculate BMI for teenagers with age-specific percentiles and WHO health categories
Calculate Your Teen BMI
Ages 10-20 years for accurate teen percentiles
Gender affects BMI percentile calculations for teens
Your Teen BMI Results
Example Calculation
Example: Female teen, age 16, height 165 cm (5'5"), weight 55 kg (121 lbs)
Calculation: 55 kg ÷ (1.65 m)² = 20.2 BMI
Result: Normal Weight (50th-75th percentile for 16-year-old females)
Teen BMI Categories (WHO)
* Percentiles are age and gender-specific for teens aged 10-20 years
Teen Health Tips
Aim for 60+ minutes of physical activity daily
Eat balanced meals with fruits and vegetables
Limit sugary drinks and processed foods
Get 8-10 hours of sleep per night
Stay hydrated with water throughout the day
Manage stress with healthy coping strategies
Understanding BMI for Teenagers
Why Teen BMI is Different
Teen BMI calculation uses the same formula as adults (weight ÷ height²), but the interpretation is completely different. Instead of fixed categories, teen BMI is compared to other teens of the same age and gender using percentiles from growth charts. This accounts for natural growth and development during adolescence.
Percentiles vs Categories
- •Percentiles: Compare your BMI to other teens your age and gender
- •50th percentile: Average BMI for your age and gender
- •85th percentile: Higher than 85% of teens your age
- •BMI changes naturally: As teens grow and develop
Important Considerations for Teens
Growth Spurts
Teens experience rapid growth spurts that can temporarily affect BMI. A teen might appear "underweight" before a growth spurt or "overweight" while gaining weight before growing taller.
Muscle Development
Athletic teens, especially those involved in strength training, may have higher BMI due to increased muscle mass, which is healthy.
Body Changes
Puberty brings significant body composition changes. BMI should be tracked over time rather than focusing on single measurements.
Medical Disclaimer
This BMI calculator for teens is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Teen BMI interpretation requires specialized knowledge of adolescent growth and development. BMI percentiles are based on population averages and may not reflect individual health status. Factors such as growth spurts, muscle development, bone density, and pubertal stage significantly affect body composition in teenagers. Always consult with pediatricians, school nurses, or qualified healthcare professionals for comprehensive health assessments and personalized guidance regarding teen health and development.