BMI Calculator for Teens
Calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) specifically tailored for teenagers (ages 10-19). Understand healthy growth and percentiles.
Why Use Our Teen BMI Calculator?
Age-Specific
Tailored for adolescents aged 10-19, considering the rapid growth and hormonal changes during these years.
Privacy First
Your data is processed instantly in your browser. We do not store any personal health information.
Educational
Learn about BMI percentiles and what they mean for healthy development during teenage years.
Understanding BMI for Teens
Body Mass Index (BMI) for children and teens is calculated differently than for adults. While the formula (weight divided by height squared) is the same, the interpretation depends on age and gender.
This is because:
- The amount of body fat changes with age.
- The amount of body fat differs between girls and boys.
Therefore, for teens, BMI is often expressed as a percentile relative to other teens of the same age and sex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy BMI for a teenager?
For teenagers, a healthy BMI is typically between the 5th and 85th percentile on growth charts. This varies by age and gender. Unlike adults, a single number (like 25) doesn't apply to all teens.
How is teen BMI different from adult BMI?
Adult BMI uses fixed cutoffs (e.g., 25 for overweight). Teen BMI is interpreted relative to other teens of the same age and gender using percentiles, because body composition changes rapidly during adolescence.
Is BMI accurate for athletic teens?
BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes who have high muscle mass. It is a screening tool, not a diagnostic of body fatness or health.