BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index and understand your weight category
Your weight in kilograms
Your height in centimeters
About This Calculator
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight relative to their height. Our free BMI calculator instantly computes your BMI score and tells you which weight category you fall into, helping you understand where you stand in terms of body weight health indicators. BMI is used by healthcare professionals around the world as a quick screening tool. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates reasonably well with more direct measures of body fat for most people. Understanding your BMI can be the first step toward making informed decisions about your health and fitness goals. The BMI categories recognized by the World Health Organization are: - Underweight: BMI less than 18.5 - Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9 - Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9 - Obese: BMI 30 or greater This calculator provides your BMI score, category, and the healthy weight range for your height, giving you actionable information for your wellness journey.
How to Use
- 1Enter your current weight in kilograms
- 2Enter your height in centimeters
- 3View your BMI score and weight category instantly
- 4Check the healthy weight range for your height
- 5Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice
Formula
BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²)BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness.
FAQ
A healthy BMI is generally considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. This range is associated with the lowest health risks for most adults. However, optimal BMI can vary based on factors like age, sex, ethnicity, and muscle mass.
BMI has limitations. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and muscular individuals, and underestimate it in older persons who have lost muscle mass. It also doesn't account for fat distribution. It's best used as one of several health indicators.
Higher BMI categories are associated with increased risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. However, BMI alone doesn't determine health - factors like fitness level, diet quality, and genetics also play important roles.
If you're actively managing your weight, checking monthly can help track progress. Otherwise, checking a few times per year or at annual checkups is usually sufficient. Daily fluctuations in weight are normal and not meaningful.
For children and teens (ages 2-19), BMI is calculated the same way but interpreted differently using age and sex-specific percentiles. This calculator is designed for adults (20+). Consult a pediatrician for children's BMI assessment.
Muscle weighs more than fat. If you have significant muscle mass from regular exercise, your BMI may be higher than expected. This is why BMI can be misleading for athletes. Consider body fat percentage for a more accurate picture.
If your BMI indicates underweight, overweight, or obesity, consider consulting a healthcare provider. They can assess your overall health, consider factors BMI doesn't capture, and recommend appropriate steps if needed.