Growth Charts

A growth chart is a graph that shows how kids grow over time. Doctors use it to track your height, weight, and head size. It helps them make sure you are growing in a healthy way.

How Growth Charts Work

Every time you visit the doctor, they measure your height and weight. They plot these numbers on a chart. The chart shows lines called percentiles that compare you to other kids your age.

If you are in the 50th percentile for height, that means you are taller than about half the kids your age and shorter than the other half.

Everyone Grows Differently

Some kids are tall and some are short. Some grow fast and some grow slowly. All of that is normal. What doctors look for is a steady pattern of growth over time.

If your growth changes suddenly, the doctor might want to check on things. But most of the time, kids grow at their own healthy pace.

Fun Facts

• Kids grow the fastest during their first year of life.
• Teens often have a big growth spurt during puberty.
• Growth charts have been used by doctors for over 100 years.

Did You Know?

You grow most while you are sleeping, which is one reason why getting enough sleep is so important for kids!