Child Anemia Calculator (Hemoglobin by Age, WHO 2024)
Check a child’s hemoglobin result against the WHO 2024 anemia cutoffs for 6 months to 14 years, with mild, moderate and severe bands and the adjustment for living at high altitude.
How it works
Adjusted Hb = measured Hb − altitude adjustment (0.4 g/dL at 500–999 m … 3.3 g/dL at 4,500 m or more) · anemia if adjusted Hb is below 10.5 (6–23 months), 11.0 (24–59 months), 11.5 (5–11 years) or 12.0 g/dL (12–14 years)
The WHO 2024 guideline lowered the anemia cutoff for children aged 6–23 months to 105 g/L (10.5 g/dL), kept 110 g/L for 24–59 months, 115 g/L for 5–11 years and 120 g/L for 12–14 years, and defines mild, moderate and severe bands below each cutoff. Because hemoglobin rises with altitude, the measured value is first reduced by an altitude adjustment in 500 m steps — essential for children living in the Andes or the Mexican highlands. The WHO gives no cutoffs for babies under 6 months, whose hemoglobin changes quickly after birth.
Worked example
A child aged 6–23 months with hemoglobin 10.0 g/dL at sea level (altitude adjustment 0): the cutoff is 10.5 g/dL and the mild band is 9.5–10.4 g/dL, so the result is Mild anemia — talk to your pediatrician about iron treatment.
Sources: WHO (2024) Guideline on haemoglobin cutoffs to define anaemia in individuals and populations · WHO — Anaemia fact sheet
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal hemoglobin for a 1-year-old?
For children aged 6–23 months the WHO (2024) considers 10.5 g/dL or more as not anemic. From 2 to 5 years the cutoff is 11.0 g/dL, from 5 to 11 years 11.5 g/dL and from 12 to 14 years 12.0 g/dL.
Why is altitude important?
Children who live high above sea level have higher hemoglobin to carry enough oxygen. Without the adjustment, anemia would be missed in cities such as La Paz, Cusco, Quito or Bogotá.
What causes anemia in young children?
Iron deficiency is the most common cause, often from a diet low in iron after 6 months, too much cow’s milk or intestinal parasites. Infections and inherited blood conditions can also cause anemia.
How can I prevent anemia in my child?
Offer iron-rich foods from 6 months (meat, liver, beans, fortified cereals) with vitamin C, limit cow’s milk to about 500 ml a day after 12 months, follow local deworming and supplementation programs and keep up with health checks.
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This calculator gives general guidance and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. If you are worried about your child, or they seem unwell, contact your pediatrician, a health center or emergency services.