Used in hospitals, doctor’s offices or even schools, the height chart is a measuring instrument that allows you to determine the height of infants, children or adults. There are different models of height gauges such as transportable, electronic or even wall gauges. The measuring rod is chosen according to various criteria which include ease of use, speed of measurement or even the person for whom it is intended.

The height chart formerly corresponded to a unit of measurement which represented 1,949 meters. Today it is a measuring instrument, vertical or horizontal, graduated which can have a cursor.

Very handy and compact, the measuring rod is used to determine, with greater or lesser precision, ranging from centimeter to millimeter, the size of an individual and / or to follow the evolution of the size of a child, with a measuring capacity of up to 220 centimeters.

The height rod makes it possible to determine the exact height of an individual in order to:

• measure the size of a baby at birth, then follow its evolution;
• monitor and establish growth charts;
• estimate the general condition of a patient;
• calculate the body mass index (BMI);
• carry out a nutritional assessment as part of a diet;
• diagnose possible health problems.

Whatever their shape, the measuring boards are easy to use. Their handling varies according to age.

To measure the height of a child under 2 years old

The height of a child under 2 years old is measured:

• using a horizontal measuring rod placed on a stable and flat surface such as a table;
• cover the board with a thin blanket for the comfort of the child;
• place the child in a lying position, spine not arched, shoulders properly flattened against the board, flat;
• the baby’s head should be held against the fixed part by compressing his hair;
• the child must look up;
• keep her legs straight;
• if the baby is fidgety and unable to keep still, measure his waist with one straight leg;
• quickly move the movable part of the measuring board until it touches the soles of the feet.

To measure the height of an individual over 2 years old

From 2 years old, the height of an individual is measured:

• using a wall chart;
• while standing on a flat surface;
• without shoes or socks;
• remove all accessories in the hair to avoid falsifying the measurement;
• the individual must be in a standing position against the vertical part of the board, the back well flattened against the wall and the feet slightly apart;
• the back of the head, buttocks and calves must be in contact with the vertical part;
• the individual must look straight ahead with the chin straight in order to be able to take a correct measurement.

There are many models of measuring boards, of different shapes adapted to specific needs, to be placed on the ground or to be hung on the wall.

The electronic height chart

Thanks to its precise graduation down to the millimeter, the electronic measuring rod enables reliable digital measurement. Some of them are equipped with ultrasonic measurement techniques and an LCD display with backlighting, offering great reading comfort. Its handling is quick and easy. It can also have the advantage of being foldable and therefore easily transportable. To use it, you just need to position yourself correctly, standing upright, thanks to the stop heel. Then, all that remains is to lower the stopper until it touches the head. An audible signal sounds when the measurement is carried out. On some electronic gauges, it is possible to transfer the data wirelessly or using a USB port for subsequent analysis.

The wooden measuring board

Very strong, wooden measuring boards are useful over time. In a standing position for children and adults or in a lying position for infants, the wooden measuring boards can measure all sizes.

The wall chart

Most often used for high precision measurement, thanks to its millimeter graduation, this height rod needs to be hung on a wall. Whether fixed or fitted with an unwinder, they are compact and very practical. They are available in models for adults and for children, and allow a quick reading of the measured size thanks to a cursor which moves along their ribbon.

The portable height chart

Very useful for example for health professionals making home visits, it is easily transported thanks to its small size. No wall mounting is required and it can be dismantled for ease of transport. Easy to use, light, it can be disassembled and reassembled extremely easily.

The tape measure

It is one of the simplest measuring boards. The tape measure has the advantage of being very compact, light and practical. Just attach it to the wall and unroll it to take the size of the individual. It has precise graduations, to the millimeter, as well as a wide measuring range which can reach up to 220 centimeters. Most often, it rewinds automatically for better handling. Some so-called “mechanical” models can be hung on the wall using a screw.

The height chart for babies

Designed to measure babies while lying down, they can come in the form of:

• adjustable ruler in wood or aluminum;
• soft mattress;
• adaptable to mechanical or electronic baby scales.

They are equipped with a stopper which allows the infant’s head to be blocked and positioned correctly for a more precise measurement, often graduated to the millimeter.