BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if you're at a healthy weight.
To use the calculator, select your preferred measurement system (metric or imperial), enter your height and weight, then click "Calculate BMI".
Note: BMI may not accurately reflect the health of individuals such as athletes, children, the elderly, or those with unique body compositions.
What is BMI?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories that are the same for all ages and for both men and women.
How to Calculate BMI
The formula for BMI is: BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) * height (m)) for the metric system, and BMI = (weight (pounds) / (height (in) * height (in))) * 703 for the imperial system. You can use our calculator above to quickly find your BMI by inputting your height and weight.
BMI Categories
The table below shows the different BMI categories and their associated health statuses. These categories are based on guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).
| BMI | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Being underweight can indicate malnutrition, eating disorders, or other health issues. It&qpos;s important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate interventions, which may include dietary changes and addressing underlying health conditions. |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight | This range is considered healthy. Maintaining a BMI in this range typically indicates a lower risk of health issues associated with underweight or overweight. Continue a balanced diet and regular physical activity to stay within this range. |
| 25 - 29.9 | Overweight | Being overweight can increase the risk of various health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. It may be beneficial to consult a healthcare provider to develop a plan for achieving a healthier weight through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. |
| 30 and above | Obesity | Obesity significantly increases the risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. It&qpos;s important to work with healthcare providers to create a comprehensive plan that includes dietary changes, physical activity, and possibly medical interventions to reduce health risks. |
Why You Should Measure Your BMI
Measuring BMI can help identify whether you are at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight, or obese. Knowing your BMI can be the first step in assessing various health conditions.
A high BMI can be an indicator of potential health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Measuring your BMI can help detect and manage these conditions early.
Understanding your BMI can help you set realistic weight management goals. Whether you need to lose weight, gain weight, or maintain your current weight, knowing your BMI can guide your efforts.
BMI measurement provides useful information to healthcare providers and nutritionists for offering personalized dietary and exercise recommendations. It helps in creating a tailored plan that suits your body composition and health goals.
Who Should Measure Their BMI
BMI is a useful screening tool for adults over the age of 18. It applies to both men and women and can be used to monitor changes in weight over time.
Individuals with a family history of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension should measure their BMI regularly as they might be at higher risk.
If you have experienced significant weight gain or loss, measuring your BMI can help determine if these changes are impacting your health.
While BMI may not be the most accurate indicator of health for athletes due to their higher muscle mass, it can still provide a general idea of whether their weight is within a healthy range.
Uses of BMI Values
BMI data is widely used in public health research to study obesity trends and their impact on population health. It helps in understanding the prevalence of obesity and associated health risks.
Healthcare providers use BMI as part of routine clinical assessments to screen for potential health issues related to weight. It is a standard measurement in health check-ups and physical exams.
BMI values are used to stratify health risks in patients. Those with higher BMI are often placed in higher-risk categories and may require more intensive monitoring and intervention.
Some insurance companies use BMI as a factor in determining coverage and premiums. A higher BMI might result in higher premiums due to the associated health risks.
Fitness trainers and programs often use BMI to assess the starting point of individuals and to track progress over time. It helps in designing effective workout and nutrition plans.
BMI is also used in educational settings to teach students about healthy weight and the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Additional Information on BMI
BMI is a useful measurement for most people over 18 years old. However, it is only an estimate and it doesn't take into account age, ethnicity, gender, and body composition. Because of this, it may overestimate or underestimate the true body fat percentage in some individuals.
- Underestimate body fat in older adults or people with low muscle mass
- Overestimate body fat in athletes or people with high muscle mass
Despite these limitations, BMI is a relatively easy and non-invasive way to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. For a more accurate assessment of your health, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider who can perform additional tests.