Girls BMI chart in inches and lbs for Children 5 years old

BMI chart for 5-Year-Old girls

How to interpret a BMI reading for girls at 5-Year-Old.

BMI percentiles for 5-Year-Old girls

Using CDC reference standards, the BMI percentiles for girls at 5-Year-Old are:

• 5th percentile (underweight threshold): 13.5

• 25th percentile: 14.4

• 50th percentile (median): 15.2

• 75th percentile: 16.1

• 85th percentile (overweight threshold): 16.8

• 95th percentile (obesity threshold): 18.2

The percentile values on this page are displayed in inches and lbs.

The CDC classifies BMI-for-age percentiles for girls as follows: underweight below the 5th percentile, healthy weight between the 5th and 85th percentiles, overweight between the 85th and 95th percentiles, and obese above the 95th percentile.

A percentile shows how your child's measurement compares with girls of the same age and sex. Being at the 50th percentile means exactly half of girls measure more and half measure less.

What to expect at 5-Year-Old

Ages 5-8 are when the adiposity rebound typically occurs - the natural increase in BMI following the low point of early childhood. An earlier rebound (before age 5) is associated with higher BMI in adolescence, while a later rebound (after age 6) is associated with lower adult BMI. At 5 years, the healthy BMI range (5th-85th percentile) sits between approximately 15.0 and 21.0 for most children.

What the healthy BMI range means

A healthy BMI for school-age children falls between the 5th and 85th percentile on the CDC BMI-for-age chart. Unlike adults, where a fixed range is used, children's healthy BMI values change with age and sex - which is why the age-specific percentile chart is essential.

Healthy lifestyle habits for school-age children

At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, nine to eleven hours of sleep, regular family meals, and limited ultra-processed food intake are the most evidence-based supports for healthy BMI. Small, consistent habits over years matter far more than any short-term intervention.

Communicating about weight with children

BMI-for-age should not be discussed directly with children in terms of fat or weight. If a healthcare review reveals a concern, framing any lifestyle changes in terms of energy, strength, and overall wellbeing is more effective and less likely to contribute to body image concerns or disordered eating in later adolescence.

Frequently asked questions

What BMI percentile is considered healthy for children?

For children and teenagers, the healthy BMI range is between the 5th and 85th percentile on the CDC BMI-for-age chart. Below the 5th percentile is classified as underweight; between the 85th and 95th percentile is overweight; above the 95th percentile is obese. These classifications are screening categories used to guide further assessment, not diagnoses in themselves.

How is BMI calculated for children?

BMI is calculated using the same formula as for adults: weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. However, for children and teenagers, the resulting number is not interpreted using adult categories. Instead, it is plotted on a sex- and age-specific percentile chart, because normal BMI values vary significantly with age during childhood and puberty.

Is a high BMI percentile always a problem for a child?

Not necessarily. A single BMI percentile reading above the 85th threshold should trigger further assessment, not alarm. Clinical evaluation considers the full growth history, body composition, diet, activity levels, and family history. Many children who screen in the overweight range on BMI have normal fat levels when properly assessed. A GP or paediatric dietitian can provide appropriate context.

Data sources and methodology

The percentile ranges on this page are drawn from CDC growth chart data from the National Center for Health Statistics and WHO Child Growth Standards (for children under 5). CDC data published May 30, 2000, with 2022 extended BMI tables. Percentiles are modelled using the LMS method (Box-Cox transformation), which accounts for the skewed distribution of measurements at each age. All measurements are given in metric units with imperial equivalents.

These percentile ranges provide a population-level reference. A paediatrician or family doctor can give context specific to the individual's own growth trajectory.