POSHAN TRACKER
Proper nutrition during early childhood is critical for physical and cognitive development. The POSHAN Calculator / Poshan Tracker is an innovative digital tool that helps parents, caregivers, and health workers monitor a child's growth using WHO-approved standards. This comprehensive guide explains how it works, why it matters, and provides guidance on using it effectively.
What is the POSHAN Calculator / Poshan Tracker?
The POSHAN Calculator / Poshan Tracker is a free online tool that evaluates a child's nutritional status by comparing their:
Weight-for-Age (Underweight screening)
Height-for-Age (Stunting detection)
Weight-for-Height (Wasting assessment)
It follows guidelines from:
- WHO Growth Standards
- India's POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission)
- ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services)
Who Should Use It?
- Parents monitoring their child's growth
- Anganwadi workers tracking malnutrition
- Paediatricians for quick assessments
- Nutritionists designing diet plans
How Does the POSHAN Calculator / Poshan Tracker Work?
Step 1: Enter Basic Details
- Gender (Male/Female)
- Date of Birth (For accurate age calculation)
Step 2: Input Measurements
- Weight (kg) – Use a digital scale
- Height (cm) – Measure without shoes
Step 3: Get Instant Results
The calculator provides:
Nutrition Status (Normal/MAM/SAM)
Z-Score (How far from the WHO median)
Expected Weight for Age
Printable PDF Report
Example:
- A 2-year-old girl weighing 9.5kg and 82cm tall would be classified as:
- Moderately Underweight (MAM) if expected weight is 10.5kg
Why is This Calculator Important?
1. Early Malnutrition Detection
- Identifies stunting, wasting, and underweight issues before they become severe.
- Helps prevent long-term developmental delays.
2. Supports POSHAN Abhiyaan Goals
Aligns with India's mission to reduce:
- Stunting (Low height-for-age)
- Anemia (Iron deficiency)
- Low Birth Weight
3. No Medical Expertise Needed
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- No registration or fees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How accurate is the Tracker?
It utilises WHO's global growth standards, ensuring accuracy of 95% or higher for children under 5. However, always confirm with a doctor.
Can I use this for newborns?
Yes! It works for 0-5 years. For infants, measure:
Weight (Weekly for first 3 months)
Height (Monthly)
How often should I check my child’s growth?
0-6 months: Monthly
6-12 months: Every 2 months
1-5 years: Quarterly
How to use the Poshan Calculator?
1. How do I access the POSHAN Calculator?
Online: Visit the ToolOnWeb, where the calculator is embedded
Mobile-Friendly: Works on smartphones, tablets, and computers
No Download Needed: No app installation required
2. What details do I need to enter?
Child’s Gender (Male/Female) – Growth standards differ by sex
Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY) – Ensures accurate age calculation
Weight (kg) – Use a digital scale for precision
Height (cm) – Measure without shoes, standing straight
Scientific Backing
The calculator uses:
WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS)
Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS) Data
Limitations & Disclaimer
Not a diagnostic tool – Always consult a doctor.
For children 0-5 years only – Use BMI-for-age for older kids.
Measurements must be precise – Small errors affect results.
"This tool is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice."
How to Improve Your Child’s Nutrition
If the calculator flags concerns:
- Breastfeed (For infants under 6 months)
- Add protein-rich foods (Eggs, lentils, dairy)
- Include iron & vitamins (Leafy greens, fruits)
- Visit an Anganwadi centre for supplements
Also Read: "10 High-Calorie Indian Foods for Underweight Kids"
Final Thoughts
The POSHAN Tracker is a must-use tool for every parent and health worker in India. It’s free, easy, and backed by WHO science—helping fight malnutrition one child at a time.
Try the calculator now and share your feedback!
Pro Tip
Bookmark this page and check your child’s growth every 3 months for best results!
Would you like a Hindi/Tamil version? Comment below!