BMI Chart
BMI Ranges for Men and Women by Height
BMI Categories
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obesity Class I |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obesity Class II |
| 40.0+ | Obesity Class III |
BMI by Height and Weight
Find your height on the left column and trace across to your weight to see your color-coded BMI score. Use the toggle at the top of the page to switch between Imperial (ft/lbs) and Metric (cm/kg).
Healthy Weight Range by Height Reference Table
The table below indicates the medically recommended healthy weight range (BMI 18.5 to 24.9) according to World Health Organization standards for adults of varying heights:
| Height (Imperial) | Height (Metric) | Healthy Weight Range (lbs) | Healthy Weight Range (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4' 10" | 147 cm | 89 – 119 lbs | 40.0 – 53.8 kg |
| 5' 0" | 152 cm | 95 – 128 lbs | 42.7 – 57.5 kg |
| 5' 2" | 157 cm | 101 – 136 lbs | 45.6 – 61.4 kg |
| 5' 4" | 163 cm | 108 – 145 lbs | 49.1 – 66.2 kg |
| 5' 6" | 168 cm | 115 – 154 lbs | 52.2 – 70.3 kg |
| 5' 8" | 173 cm | 122 – 164 lbs | 55.4 – 74.5 kg |
| 5' 10" | 178 cm | 129 – 174 lbs | 58.6 – 78.9 kg |
| 6' 0" | 183 cm | 136 – 184 lbs | 61.9 – 83.4 kg |
| 6' 2" | 188 cm | 144 – 194 lbs | 65.4 – 88.0 kg |
| 6' 4" | 193 cm | 152 – 205 lbs | 68.9 – 92.8 kg |
How to Read and Apply the BMI Chart
Gender & Physiological Differences
Standard BMI charts do not differentiate between male and female physiology. However, when interpreting your health status, consider:
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Men's Body Composition
Men naturally have approximately 10–15% more skeletal muscle and denser bone structures than women of identical height. As a result, fit men may hover near or slightly above a 25.0 BMI without having excess body fat. Men should also evaluate abdominal visceral fat: a waist circumference over 40 inches (102 cm) indicates increased cardiovascular risk.
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Women's Body Composition
Women have higher biologically essential body fat (needed for hormonal regulation, estrogen production, and fertility). A woman with a BMI of 22 typically has around 22–25% body fat, whereas a man with the same BMI usually carries 14–17% body fat.
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Older Adults & Seniors (Ages 65+)
Gerontological research demonstrates that for seniors, a BMI between 23.0 and 27.0 offers protective benefits against osteoporosis, falls, and recovery from sudden illnesses.
WHO Asian Population Specific Thresholds
The World Health Organization recognizes that individuals of Asian descent often possess higher percentages of body fat at lower BMI values and experience elevated cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risks at lower weights. The revised consultation thresholds for Asian adults are:
| Asian BMI Range | Classification | Cardiovascular Risk |
|---|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight | Low to Moderate (nutritional deficiency) |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal / Healthy Weight | Optimal |
| 23.0 – 27.4 | Overweight (Increased Risk) | Moderate to High |
| ≥ 27.5 | Obesity | Very High |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the healthy weight range on the BMI chart?
A healthy weight on the standard BMI chart corresponds to a Body Mass Index between 18.5 and 24.9. For example, for an adult of 5'9" (175 cm), the healthy weight span is 125 to 168 lbs (57 to 76 kg).
Does the BMI chart apply equally to men and women?
Yes, standard WHO BMI charts use the same numerical cutoffs for both adult men and adult women. However, men typically carry more lean muscle mass and women have naturally higher essential body fat percentages.
What are the Asian population BMI cutoffs?
Due to higher body fat percentages at lower BMI levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, the WHO recommends lower cutoffs for Asian populations: Overweight begins at BMI 23.0 to 27.4, and Obesity is defined as BMI 27.5 and above.
What is considered a healthy BMI chart score for seniors (65+)?
For older adults aged 65 and over, clinical research recommends a slightly higher BMI range of 23.0 to 27.0. This protects against sarcopenia (muscle loss), bone fractures, and nutritional decline.
Can muscular athletes rely on the BMI chart?
No. The BMI chart calculates overall body mass relative to height without differentiating between muscle, bone, and fat. Highly muscular individuals and athletes will often register as overweight or obese despite having healthy body fat levels. For athletes, calculating body fat percentage via our Body Fat Calculator is strongly advised.