WHO Growth Charts
International standard for children 0-18 years. Describes optimal growth under ideal conditions.
CDC Growth Charts
US reference for children 2-20 years. Based on national survey data representing how children grew at a specific time.
Growth percentiles indicate how a child's size compares to other children of the same age and sex. A percentile rank of 50th means the child is right in the middle - 50% of children are larger and 50% are smaller. These measurements help healthcare providers track a child's growth pattern over time and identify potential nutritional or health concerns early.
Growth charts were developed from measurements of thousands of children and represent the range of normal growth patterns. The WHO charts (2006) describe how children should grow under optimal conditions with breastfeeding and healthy environments, while CDC charts (2000) describe how US children actually grew during a specific time period.
Normal Growth Pattern
Most healthy children fall between the 15th and 85th percentiles. What's most important is that a child follows their own growth curve consistently over time, not necessarily being at a specific percentile.
Tracking Over Time
A child's percentile may naturally shift during growth spurts or periods of slower growth. Sudden large changes in percentile rank (crossing two or more major percentile lines) may warrant evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Genetic Factors
A child's growth is influenced by genetics. Children of taller parents tend to be taller than average, while children of shorter parents may be shorter. This is normal variation and not necessarily a concern.
Child growth percentiles are estimates based on standard growth charts and should not replace professional medical assessment. Individual children grow at different rates, and a single measurement provides limited information. Growth should be tracked over time by a healthcare provider who can consider the full clinical picture. If you have concerns about your child's growth, please consult a pediatrician or qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.