Enter your Maximum Length of Head and Maximum Breadth of Head (in your preferred Measurement Unit), and the Cephalic Index Calculator will compute your Cephalic Index, Breadth to Length Ratio, and classify your skull shape — from dolichocephalic to brachycephalic — based on your Skull Classification result.
Cephalic Index
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Skull Classification
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Breadth to Length Ratio
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The cephalic index is a numerical value that describes the shape of the head by comparing the maximum breadth to the maximum length. It's calculated as (breadth/length) × 100 and used in anthropometry and medical assessments.
To calculate the cephalic index, divide the maximum breadth of the head by the maximum length, then multiply by 100. The formula is CI = (Breadth / Length) × 100.
Values below 75 indicate dolichocephalic (long head), 75-83 indicates mesocephalic (medium head), and above 83 indicates brachycephalic (broad head). These classifications help describe skull shape variations.
Use calipers or a measuring tape. For length, measure from the most prominent point of the forehead to the back of the head. For breadth, measure the widest part from side to side above the ears.
Yes, the cephalic index is used in medical fields including pediatrics, neurosurgery, and anthropology to assess skull shape and detect potential abnormalities like craniosynostosis.
A normal cephalic index typically ranges from 75 to 85 for most populations, though there can be natural variation based on ethnicity and individual genetics.
The cephalic index is relatively stable after early childhood. In infants, skull shape can change due to growth and positioning, but adult measurements remain fairly constant.
Any consistent unit works (millimeters, centimeters, or inches) since the cephalic index is a ratio. However, millimeters are commonly used in medical settings for precision.