How to Calculate BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used screening tool that estimates whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in metres. While BMI is a useful quick screening tool, it does not directly measure body fat and should be interpreted alongside other health indicators.
Google ad
Formula
BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index and find your healthy weight category.
Google ad
Worked Example
Given:
Related Calculators
FAQs
What are the BMI categories?
Underweight: below 18.5. Normal weight: 18.5–24.9. Overweight: 25–29.9. Obese: 30 and above. These categories apply to most adults but may not be accurate for athletes, elderly people, or those with high muscle mass.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
BMI has limitations. Athletes may have a high BMI due to muscle mass rather than fat. Older adults may have a normal BMI but high body fat percentage. BMI also does not indicate where fat is stored, which significantly affects health risk.
What is a healthy BMI for children?
For children and teenagers, BMI is age and sex specific. It is expressed as a percentile compared to children of the same age and sex, rather than the fixed cut-off points used for adults.