Methodology — U.S. Height Percentiles

How we compute height percentiles using CDC/NHANES data and weighted empirical CDFs.

Data Source

We use the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted by the CDC/NCHS.

Weighting

NHANES exam weights are applied. When pooling cycles, weights are normalized per-cycle.

Groups

We provide male, female, and combined groups. Optional age bands: 20–39, 40–59, 60+.

Computation

Heights are binned on a regular grid (e.g., 0.5 cm). For a user input, we interpolate the percentile between grid points. Inputs below/above the grid are softly clamped with a note.

Source: CDC/NHANES. This tool is informational only.