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BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) using WHO standards. See your category and ideal weight range, and switch between metric or imperial units.

BMI Calculator

Your BMI
22.9
Normal weight
Ideal Weight Range
56.7 kg - 76.3 kg kg

BMI Categories

World Health Organization classification

  • •Underweight: BMI < 18.5
  • •Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
  • •Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
  • •Obese: BMI ≥ 30

About BMI

Understanding Body Mass Index

  • •BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure
  • •Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat
  • •Most reliable for average adults (18-65 years)
  • •Should be combined with other health assessments

How to Calculate BMI

BMI Formula

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²

For Imperial units: BMI = (weight in pounds × 703) ÷ (height in inches)²

Calculation Steps:

  1. 1Convert weight to kilograms (if in pounds: weight × 0.453592)
  2. 2Convert height to meters (if in cm: height ÷ 100; if in ft: height × 0.3048)
  3. 3Square the height in meters (height × height)
  4. 4Divide weight by squared height to get BMI value

Important Considerations

BMI Limitations

BMI is a screening tool and may not accurately reflect body composition for athletes, elderly, or individuals with high muscle mass.

Not Suitable For

  • • Children under 18 years
  • • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • • Athletes with high muscle mass
  • • Elderly adults (over 65)

Best Used For

  • • General population screening
  • • Adults 18-65 years
  • • Population health studies
  • • Initial health assessments

Additional Factors

  • • Waist circumference
  • • Body fat percentage
  • • Muscle mass distribution
  • • Overall health markers

Expert Recommendations

  • • Combine with other assessments
  • • Consider ethnic differences
  • • Monitor trends over time
  • • Consult healthcare providers

Example Cases

Example 1: Average Adult

Input: 70kg, 175cm
Application: Health checkup
Result: BMI 22.9 (Normal)
Status: Healthy weight range

Common Use: Regular health monitoring and fitness tracking for adults in the normal weight range.

Example 2: Weight Management

Input: 85kg, 170cm
Application: Weight loss planning
Result: BMI 29.4 (Overweight)
Goal: Reduce to 22-24 BMI range

Common Use: Setting weight loss goals and tracking progress with healthcare providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BMI and how is it calculated?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It's calculated using the formula: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)². BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
What are the BMI categories?
According to WHO standards: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), Overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and Obese (BMI ≥ 30). These categories help assess health risks associated with different weight ranges.
What are the limitations of BMI?
BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes or muscular individuals may have high BMI despite low body fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution, age, sex, or ethnicity differences. BMI should be used alongside other health assessments.
How do you determine ideal weight using BMI?
Ideal weight corresponds to a BMI between 18.5-24.9. The calculator shows your ideal weight range based on your height. This range represents weights associated with the lowest health risks for most people.
How accurate is the BMI calculator?
Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula and is mathematically accurate. However, BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. For comprehensive health assessment, consult healthcare professionals who can consider additional factors.

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