HEALTH CALCULATOR
BMI Calculator
Calculate your body mass index using your height and weight. Choose metric or US units to see your BMI, BMI category, and estimated healthy weight range.
BMI is a screening measure and does not directly measure body fat or overall health. Factors such as muscle mass, age, and other individual characteristics can affect how BMI should be interpreted.
What Is BMI?
Body mass index, commonly called BMI, is a calculation that compares a person's weight with their height. It is commonly used as a screening measure to classify weight status in adults.
BMI does not directly measure body fat and should not be considered a complete measure of an individual's health.
How to Calculate BMI
For metric measurements, BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.
For US measurements, BMI is calculated by dividing weight in pounds by height in inches squared and multiplying the result by 703.
BMI Categories for Adults
For adults, BMI is commonly grouped into four categories:
- Underweight: BMI below 18.5
- Healthy weight: BMI from 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI from 25.0 to 29.9
- Obesity: BMI of 30.0 or higher
These categories are general screening ranges and do not account for every individual factor that can affect health or body composition.
Example BMI Calculation
Suppose an adult weighs 70 kilograms and is 175 centimeters tall. Converting the height to meters gives 1.75 meters.
The BMI calculation is 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75), which gives a BMI of approximately 22.9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy BMI?
For adults, a BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 is commonly classified as the healthy-weight range. BMI is a screening measure and should be interpreted in context.
Can I calculate BMI using pounds and feet?
Yes. Select US Units and enter your height in feet and inches and your weight in pounds.
Does BMI measure body fat?
No. BMI uses height and weight and does not directly measure body fat. Muscle mass and other factors can affect how BMI relates to an individual's body composition.
Is this BMI calculator for children?
This calculator is designed around the standard adult BMI categories. BMI for children and teenagers is interpreted differently and generally requires age and sex-specific growth charts.