BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index to understand your weight category.
Your BMI
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
How to Use the BMI Calculator
- Select Your Units: Choose between Metric (kilograms, centimeters) or Imperial (pounds, inches) units using the toggle buttons.
- Enter Your Measurements: Input your current weight and height into the appropriate fields.
- View Your BMI Instantly: The calculator updates in real-time to show your BMI score and the corresponding weight category (e.g., Normal, Overweight), which is color-coded for easy interpretation.
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure for categorizing weight status in adults. It's a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m²). While it's a useful screening tool, it's important to understand its limitations. BMI does not directly measure body fat and does not account for factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, or muscle mass. For example, a very muscular athlete might have a high BMI that classifies them as 'overweight' even with very low body fat. Similarly, older adults may have a healthy BMI but still have excess body fat. Therefore, BMI should be considered a general guide and not a definitive diagnostic tool. It's best used in conjunction with other health assessments, such as waist circumference, to get a more complete picture of an individual's health status and potential risks associated with their weight.
BMI Formulas
- Metric Formula: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²
- Imperial Formula: BMI = [weight (lbs) / [height (in)]²] × 703