BMI Calculator

Check if you're underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese

Calculate Your BMI

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the weight and height of a person. It is widely used as a general indicator of whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
  • Obesity: BMI of 30 or greater

Remember that BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. Factors like muscle mass, age, sex, ethnicity, and body fat distribution aren't considered in BMI calculations.

Your BMI Result

kg/m²

What Your Result Means

Recommended Weight Range

Based on your height, a healthy weight range would be:

This range corresponds to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, which is considered normal.

BMI Categories

BMI Range Category Health Risk
Below 18.5 Underweight Increased risk for some health problems
18.5 – 24.9 Normal Weight Lowest risk for health problems
25.0 – 29.9 Overweight Increased risk for heart disease, diabetes
30.0 – 34.9 Obesity (Class I) High risk for health problems
35.0 – 39.9 Obesity (Class II) Very high risk for health problems
40.0 and above Severe Obesity (Class III) Extremely high risk for serious health problems

About BMI and Weight Management

Understanding BMI

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared.

While BMI is useful for most adults 20 years or older, it has some limitations:

  • It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build
  • It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle
  • Different ethnic groups may have different associations between BMI and health risks

Health Risks Associated with Being Overweight

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing various health conditions, including:

  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Certain types of cancer
  • Sleep apnea and breathing problems
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Mental illness such as clinical depression and anxiety

Tips for Healthy Weight Management

Diet
  • Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Choose lean proteins and low-fat dairy products
  • Limit added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium
  • Control portion sizes
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Physical Activity
  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly
  • Include strength training exercises at least twice a week
  • Reduce sitting time and increase daily movement
  • Find activities you enjoy to stay motivated
  • Start slowly and gradually increase intensity

Important: Before starting any weight loss program, consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any existing health conditions or concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, BMI has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle, so very muscular people might be classified as overweight despite being healthy. It also doesn't account for differences in body composition among different ethnicities, ages, and sexes. BMI is best used as a screening tool rather than a diagnostic tool.

For most adults, checking BMI once or twice a year during regular health check-ups is sufficient. However, if you're actively trying to lose or gain weight, you might want to track your BMI more frequently, perhaps monthly, to monitor your progress.

Both terms refer to body weight that's greater than what is considered healthy. The difference is in the degree. Overweight is defined as a BMI between 25 and 29.9, while obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher. Obesity is further categorized into classes: Class I (30-34.9), Class II (35-39.9), and Class III or severe obesity (40+).

Yes, it's possible. Some people with an "overweight" BMI may have excellent cardiovascular fitness, normal blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels, and good blood sugar control. This is sometimes called "metabolically healthy obesity." However, research suggests that many people in this category may develop health problems over time, so maintaining a healthy weight is still generally recommended.

Several alternatives provide more comprehensive assessments, including: waist circumference measurement, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage measurements, DEXA scans, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. For the most accurate assessment of your health status related to weight, it's best to use multiple measurements and consult with healthcare professionals.