Body Mass Index (BMI) – For Men and Women

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure to determine if a person has a healthy body weight for a given height. It is a simple numerical value calculated from an individual’s weight and height, offering a useful indicator of whether one is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI stands for body mass index, a method of measuring a whether a person is at a healthy weight or not. It is entirely based upon the simple ration of height to weight. This BMI calculator is intended to be for adults, 18 and older.

• Both women and men use the exact same measurement equation.
• For adolescents and children, click here.

Steps to Use

1. Select either the “standard” or “metric” tab on top
2. Enter Your Weight: Input your weight in kilograms or pounds.
3. Enter Your Height: Input your height in meters or inches.
4. Calculate Your BMI: Click the ‘Calculate’ button.
5. Interpret Your Results: The calculator will provide your BMI value along with the corresponding weight category.

Height in Inches Chart

Height	Inches
5 feet	60
5 ft 1 inch	61
5 ft 2 inches	62
5 ft 3 inches	63
5 ft 4 inches	64
5 ft 5 inches	65
5 ft 6 inches	66
5 ft 7 inches	67
5 ft 8 inches	68
5 ft 9 inches	69
5 ft 10 inches	70
5 ft 11 inches	71
6 ft	72
6 ft 1 inch	73
6 ft 2 inches	74
6 ft 3 inches	75
6 ft 4 inches	76
6 ft 5 inches	77
6 ft 6 inches	78
6 ft 7 inches	79
6 ft 8 inches	80
6 ft 9 inches	81

Result’s Chart – Standard (U.S.)

BMI	Category
under 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Normal
25 – 29.9	Overweight
30 and up	Obesity

Result’s Chart – Metric

Metric BMI	Category	Classifications	Risk
< 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Normal
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight		Increased
30.0 – 34.9	Obese	Obesity Class I	High
35.0 – 39.9	Obese	Obesity Class II	Very high
≥ 40.0	Extremely obese	Obesity Class III	Extremely high

The Importance of BMI

BMI is an important tool because it helps to identify potential health risks associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese. These conditions can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. By maintaining a BMI within the recommended range, individuals can reduce their risk of developing these health problems.

How to Calculate BMI

The BMI is calculated using the following formula:

BMI=Weight (kg)Height (m)2\text{BMI} = \frac{\text{Weight (kg)}}{\text{Height (m)}^2}BMI=Height (m)2Weight (kg)​

For those using imperial units (pounds and inches), the formula is:

BMI=Weight (lbs)×703Height (in)2\text{BMI} = \frac{\text{Weight (lbs)} \times 703}{\text{Height (in)}^2}BMI=Height (in)2Weight (lbs)×703​

Example Calculation

If a person weighs 70 kg and is 1.75 meters tall, their BMI would be:

BMI=701.752≈22.86\text{BMI} = \frac{70}{1.75^2} \approx 22.86BMI=1.75270​≈22.86

BMI Categories

BMI is categorized into several ranges, each representing different weight statuses:

• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 – 29.9
• Obesity: BMI 30 or greater

These categories are standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are used globally to assess and monitor weight status.

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a useful screening tool, it is not without limitations:

1. Does Not Measure Body Fat Directly: BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Therefore, a muscular individual might have a high BMI but a low body fat percentage.
2. Varies by Age, Gender, and Ethnicity: BMI ranges may not accurately reflect healthy weight for all populations, especially for children, elderly, and certain ethnic groups.
3. Not a Diagnostic Tool: BMI alone cannot diagnose health issues. It should be used alongside other assessments such as waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and other health screenings.

Benefits of Using a BMI Calculator

Using a BMI calculator is a quick and easy way to determine your BMI. Our calculator provides:

• Accuracy: Based on the standardized formula.
• Simplicity: User-friendly interface requiring only weight and height inputs.
• Instant Results: Immediate calculation and interpretation of your BMI.

Maintaining a Healthy BMI

To maintain or achieve a healthy BMI, consider the following tips:

• Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Regular Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise each week.
• Monitor Weight: Regularly check your weight and BMI to stay within the healthy range.
• Consult Healthcare Professionals: Seek advice from doctors or dietitians for personalized health and fitness plans.

Conclusion

BMI is a valuable tool for assessing weight status and potential health risks. While it has its limitations, it provides a quick and accessible way to gauge whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Our BMI calculator offers a simple and accurate method to determine your BMI, helping you to stay informed about your health and take necessary actions to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Feel free to use our BMI calculator and start your journey towards better health today!