⚖️ BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index instantly. Supports both metric (kg/cm) and imperial (lb/in) units. Includes BMI category, healthy weight range, and visual scale.

BMI Calculator
70 kg
170 cm
📈 Results
UnderweightNormalOverweightObese
< 18.5
18.5–25
25–30
> 30
Healthy Weight Range
Weight to Lose/Gain
BMI Prime
Ponderal Index
BMI Gauge
Weight Comparison
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Enter Details

Enter your weight and height to calculate BMI

Formula

Understanding BMI

BMI Formula
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m)²
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BMI Categories (WHO)

Underweight: below 18.5 | Normal weight: 18.5–24.9 | Overweight: 25–29.9 | Obese Class I: 30–34.9 | Class II: 35–39.9 | Class III: 40+

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Limitations of BMI

BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes may have high BMI despite low body fat. Elderly may have normal BMI but high fat percentage. Use BMI along with waist circumference and body fat % for a complete picture.

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Asian BMI Cutoffs

For South Asian and East Asian populations, health organizations recommend lower cutoffs: Overweight at BMI 23+, Obese at BMI 27.5+. This calculator uses standard WHO categories.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about BMI calculations

Is BMI an accurate measure of health?
BMI is a useful screening tool but not a diagnostic measure. It doesn't account for age, sex, muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. A person with high muscle mass may have a "overweight" BMI while being very fit. Always consult a doctor for a complete health assessment.
What is BMI Prime?
BMI Prime is your BMI divided by the upper threshold of normal BMI (25). A BMI Prime of 1.0 means you're at exactly the upper limit of normal. Values below 1.0 are normal weight or below; values above 1.0 indicate overweight or obese. It allows easy comparison regardless of the specific BMI value.
What is a healthy BMI for women vs men?
The WHO uses the same BMI categories for both men and women (18.5–24.9 for normal weight). However, women naturally have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI. Some health organizations suggest women may be healthy at slightly lower BMI values than men.
How can I reach a healthy BMI?
Sustainable approaches include: combining moderate caloric deficit with regular physical activity (150+ min/week cardio + strength training), focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods, adequate protein intake (1.2–1.6g per kg body weight), sufficient sleep (7-9 hours), and managing stress. Avoid extreme diets — gradual changes are more sustainable.

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