BMI for Children vs Adults

Adult BMI uses fixed cutoffs. For children and teens, BMI is interpreted using age- and sex-specific percentiles.

Adults

For adults 20+, BMI categories are fixed (e.g., normal is 18.5–24.9). Use the BMI Calculator.

Children’s BMI is compared to standardized growth charts by age and sex.
Percentiles categorize weight status (e.g., 5th–85th percentile is considered healthy weight).
Discuss results with a pediatric clinician for appropriate context.