Calculate your BMI using height and weight with metric or imperial units.
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Your BMI:
BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (BMI = kg / m²). In imperial units, BMI equals weight in pounds multiplied by 703, divided by height in inches squared.
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and above | Obese |
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening metric that divides body mass by the square of height. It categorizes individuals into underweight, normal, overweight, or obese classifications based on population health data.
Common uses: Screening for weight-related health risks during physical exams, setting fitness targets, tracking body composition changes, providing baseline data for nutritionist consultations, and evaluating athletic readiness.
BMI does not distinguish between muscle, bone, and fat mass. It can misclassify muscular people as overweight and underestimate risk in those with low muscle mass. It also doesn't account for fat distribution, frame size, pregnancy, or ethnicity-specific thresholds.
When BMI may be inaccurate: Athletes with high muscle mass, elderly adults with muscle loss, pregnant women, and certain ethnic populations (such as Asian groups who may face higher health risks at lower BMI values).
Women vs Men: The standard BMI formula and category thresholds are identical for adult women and men. However, women naturally carry more body fat than men at the same BMI, so clinicians often pair BMI with waist circumference or body fat percentage measurements.
Children & Teens: Standard adult categories do not apply. Pediatric BMI uses age- and sex-specific growth charts plotted as percentiles compared to other children of the same age.
BMI vs Body Fat Percentage: BMI is easy to calculate but doesn't directly measure fat. Body fat percentage (via skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance, or DEXA scans) more accurately reflects body composition and complements BMI for detailed assessment.