BMI Calculator

The BMI (Body Mass Index) Calculator estimates whether your weight falls in a healthy range for your height, using the same formula doctors and health organizations use as a quick screening tool.

How BMI is calculated

Body Mass Index is calculated by dividing weight by the square of height. In metric units:

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)2

In US (imperial) units, the formula includes a conversion factor of 703:

BMI = 703 × weight (lb) / height (in)2
Example: A person who is 5'9" (69 inches) and weighs 160 lb has a BMI of 703 × 160 / 69² ≈ 23.6, which falls in the "Healthy Weight" category.

BMI categories

The World Health Organization defines four standard adult BMI categories: below 18.5 is Underweight, 18.5–24.9 is Healthy Weight, 25–29.9 is Overweight, and 30 or above is Obesity.

Limitations of BMI

BMI is a fast screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so very muscular people can show a high BMI despite low body fat, and it may not account for age, sex, or body composition differences. For a more detailed picture, try our Body Fat Calculator alongside this one.

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