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Introduction To quantify average angular measurements that define the soft tissue profiles of 12-year-old southern Chinese and to determine gender differences. Materials and methods A random population sample of 514 12-year-old children was recruited (about 10% of a Hong Kong Chinese birth cohort). Photographs were taken in natural head posture and 12 soft tissue landmarks were located on the photos to measure 12 angular measurements using ImageJ (V1.45s) for Windows. Approximately 10% of photographs were reanalyzed and method error was calculated. Angular norm values for the 12 parameters were determined and gender differences were assessed using 2 sample T-test with 95% confidence interval. Results The response rate was 54.1% (278/514). Norm values for the 12 angular measurements were generated. The greatest variability was found for the nasolabial (Cm-Sn-Ls) and labiomental (Li-Sm-Pg) angles. Gender differences were found in 4 angular parameters: vertical nasal angle (N-Prn/TV)(p < 0.05), cervicomental angle (G-Pg/C-Me)(p < 0.001), facial convexity angle (G-Sn-Pg)(p < 0.01) and total facial convexity angle (G-Prn-Pg)(p < 0.01). Conclusion Norm values for 12 angular measurements among 12-year-old southern Chinese children were provided and some variability noted. Gender differences were apparent in several angular measurements. This study has implications in developing norm values for southern Chinese and for comparison with other ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]