Here's how growth rates highlight important trends in a child's development.
Growth rate shows how quickly a child is growing over time, rather than just how tall they are today. Looking at year-on-year or month-to-month patterns helps identify whether growth is:
Short-term jumps or dips are normal. What matters most is the overall pattern, not a single measurement.
A sudden increase in growth rate often signals the approach of PHV (Peak Height Velocity) — the growth spurt. Conversely, a gradual slowing indicates the child is moving toward their adult height and physical maturity.
These patterns help explain temporary changes in:
Viewing growth as a trend line rather than isolated data points reduces unnecessary worry about day-to-day variation.
MatCalc growth rate charts make these patterns easy to visualise over time. Error bands are included to help parents understand normal biological variability, rather than interpreting small changes as problems.
By tracking measurements every 3-4 months, MatCalc builds a clearer picture of:
This longitudinal view transforms raw numbers into actionable insight, helping parents feel more informed and less anxious about their child's development.
Keep a simple log of height and date every few months. When viewed over 6-12 months, the pattern becomes clear: accelerating toward PHV, stable through it, or slowing as maturity approaches. This historical view is far more valuable than any single measurement.
MatCalc is designed to help parents better understand patterns of growth and development. It does not diagnose medical conditions or replace advice from qualified healthcare professionals. If you ever have concerns about your child's health or wellbeing, a medical professional should always be consulted.