CDC REFERENCE · AGES 2–18

Child height percentile calculator: ages 2–18

The calculator switches to CDC 2000 growth references on a child’s second birthday. These are US reference charts, distinct from the WHO standards used for infants.

What to enter

Use the date of birth and the date the measurement was taken. Enter standing height without shoes, in centimetres or decimal inches. Head circumference is not required and is not calculated in this age range.

How to read the result

The percentile compares the measurement with the CDC reference for the same age and sex. A higher percentile means a larger measurement relative to that reference; it does not establish better health. A weight-for-age result does not account for height and cannot classify weight status.

When the reference changes

At age two, both the reference and the length measurement method change. Infant lying-down length and child standing height are shown on separate charts so an apparent change across the boundary is not presented as a continuous growth trend.

Source and coverage

CDC publishes these tables for ages 2–20; this calculator supports up to the 18th birthday. Values between table rows use linear interpolation of the LMS parameters. CDC original reference data · Full methodology.

Review status: Maintained by Baby Growth and technically reviewed on 29 September 2026. Calculations and product ranges are checked against the cited WHO, CDC and manufacturer sources. This independent tool has not received clinical review and does not replace professional care.