BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess your weight status. Supports both metric (kg, cm) and imperial (lbs, feet & inches) units. Get your BMI category, ideal weight range, and health recommendations.
BMI Calculator
Check your BMI, ideal weight range, and health category.
Instructions:
- Enter your weight in kg or lbs
- Enter your height in feet & inches or cm
- Formula: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
- Results include BMI value, health status, ideal weight range, and personalised tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the most widely used methods to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. Developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s, BMI provides a simple numerical measure of a person's thickness or thinness based on their mass and height.
How BMI Is Used Worldwide
The World Health Organization (WHO) uses BMI as the standard for recording obesity statistics worldwide. Healthcare professionals around the globe use BMI as an initial screening tool to identify potential weight-related health issues. While BMI doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat such as underwater weighing and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
BMI Reference Chart
| BMI Range | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 16 | Severely Underweight | High |
| 16.0 – 18.4 | Underweight | Moderate |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal Weight | Low |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Moderate |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obese (Class I) | High |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obese (Class II) | Very High |
| 40.0+ | Obese (Class III) | Extremely High |
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful population-level measure, it has some important limitations at the individual level. It does not account for muscle mass (athletes may have a high BMI but low body fat), bone density, age, sex, or ethnicity. For a more complete picture of your health, consider combining BMI with other measurements such as waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, and overall physical fitness assessment.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight involves a combination of balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress are also important factors in weight management.