BMI Calculator
Calculate Your Body Mass Index
Understanding BMI & Your Health
What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple numerical calculation of body fat based on height and weight. It is widely used by doctors and health professionals to screen for underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity. While BMI does not measure body fat directly, it is a highly useful screening tool to assess general health risks.
The Formula
In metric units, the formula is: weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). In imperial units, the formula is: weight (lbs) divided by height squared (inches²) multiplied by 703.
What Your Score Means
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Underweight (Below 18.5)
Being underweight suggests you may not be getting enough nutrients or could have an underlying condition. It is recommended to increase calorie intake with nutrient-dense foods and focus on strength-building exercise. Consult a physician to check for vitamin deficiencies or other health issues.
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Normal Weight (18.5 - 24.9)
A healthy BMI suggests you are at a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Maintain your weight by keeping active with at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly and eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins.
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Overweight (25.0 - 29.9)
An overweight BMI indicates you carry excess weight, which increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. Focus on making gradual lifestyle adjustments: reduce refined carbohydrates, control portion sizes, and aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily.
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Obese (30.0 and above)
An obese BMI significantly raises the risk of severe health conditions, including heart disease, fatty liver, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea. It is highly recommended to speak with a healthcare provider or a dietitian to create a structured weight management, nutritional, and fitness plan.
Take Control of Your Health
To get a complete view of your body metrics and build an effective fitness plan, use our specialized health calculators:
Daily Calorie Calculator
Calculate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) and find out exactly how many calories you should eat to lose, maintain, or gain weight.
Calculate CaloriesBody Fat Calculator
BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Estimate your actual body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy Method.
Estimate Body FatIdeal Weight Calculator
Calculate your ideal healthy target weight based on historical medical formulas including Devine, Robinson, and Miller.
Calculate Ideal WeightFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a normal BMI for adults?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy/normal BMI for adults aged 20 and over ranges between 18.5 and 24.9. Scores below 18.5 are classified as underweight, 25 to 29.9 as overweight, and 30 or higher as obese.
How is Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated?
In metric units, the formula is weight (kg) / height (m)². In imperial units, the formula is [weight (lbs) / height (in)²] × 703.
Is BMI accurate for athletes and bodybuilders?
BMI measures total body mass relative to height, so it cannot distinguish between lean muscle mass and fat mass. Muscular individuals may be categorized as overweight or obese despite having very low body fat. For bodybuilders and athletes, estimating body fat percentage via our Body Fat Calculator is recommended.
Is BMI calculated differently for men and women?
The standard BMI calculation formula is identical for adult men and women. However, body composition differs between sexes: women naturally carry a higher percentage of body fat than men at the same BMI score.