Percentiles are measurements that show where a child is compared with other kids. On the growth charts, the percentiles are shown as lines drawn in curved patterns.
When you plot a child’s weight and height on the chart, you will see which percentile line those measurements land on:
– The higher the percentile number, the bigger a child is compared with other children of the same age and gender, whether it’s for height or weight.
– The lower the percentile number, the smaller the child is.
For example: A child on the 5th percentile weighs less than 95% of other children of that age. A child on the 90th percentile weights more than 90% of other children that age.