Catch-Up Growth Calculator
Enter a child's age, sex, current measurements, and target percentile to get the required catch-up growth velocity in g/day and g/week.
Use the Catch-Up Growth Calculator
Child Parameters
Time allowed to reach target weight (1–104 weeks)
Educational reference only. These estimates do not constitute a feeding prescription. Always verify catch-up targets and feeding plans with a licensed pediatrician or registered dietitian. Individual clinical factors — diagnosis, appetite, comorbidities — must be assessed by a qualified provider.
Enter child parameters and click Calculate
Weight Status
Current Weight
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WHO Median (50th pct)
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Target IBW (at window end)
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Weight Deficit
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Required Catch-Up Velocity
g / day
—
g / week
—
g / kg / day
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Estimated Catch-Up Nutrition Requirements
Daily Energy
—
kcal / day
Energy Density
—
kcal / kg / day
Protein Target
—
g / day
Velocity = Weight Deficit ÷ Catch-Up Window
Summary
Enter a child's age, sex, current measurements, and target percentile to get the required catch-up growth velocity in g/day and g/week.
How it works
- Enter the child's age (0–60 months), sex, and current weight.
- Select a target percentile (typically 50th or the child's baseline tracking percentile).
- Enter the catch-up window in weeks (1–104 weeks).
- The tool projects the child's age at the end of the window (up to 60 months) to determine target Ideal Body Weight (IBW), ensuring normal baseline growth is included.
- Weight deficit is computed as window-end target IBW minus current weight.
- Catch-up velocity is calculated in g/day, g/week, and g/kg/day over the window.
- Daily catch-up energy and protein targets are computed via the pediatric standard formula: (RDA for age × target IBW) ÷ current weight.
Use cases
- Estimate catch-up nutrition targets for a child with moderate or severe acute malnutrition.
- Set weekly weight-gain goals during outpatient therapeutic feeding programs.
- Monitor whether a stunted infant is on track to reach the target weight after starting supplementation.
- Educate caregivers on the daily weight gain needed to close an existing deficit.
- Provide a quantitative catch-up target for pediatric dietitians writing nutrition care plans.
- Screen infants in growth faltering clinics by comparing required velocity to published feasible rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 2026-09-19 ·
Reviewed by Nham Vu