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Calculators

BMI Calculator

Calculate body mass index in metric or imperial units, with category and healthy weight range.

Body measurements

Results

BMI

23.5

Category

Normal weight

Healthy weight range

53.5 – 72 kg

WHO adult categories: under 18.5 underweight, 18.5–24.9 normal, 25–29.9 overweight, 30+ obesity. BMI is a screening number, not a diagnosis.

About this tool

Body mass index is a height-and-weight screening number. It is widely used, but it does not measure body fat, muscle or health on its own.

How to use

  1. Choose metric or imperial units.
  2. Enter height and weight.
  3. Read BMI, the WHO adult category and the healthy weight range for that height.

Formula and methodology

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². Imperial inputs are converted first: 1 inch = 0.0254 m and 1 lb = 0.45359237 kg. Categories follow WHO adult cut-offs. The healthy range is the weight that produces BMI 18.5 to 24.9 at the entered height.

Worked example

A person who is 170 cm and 68 kg has BMI 23.5, in the normal-weight range. The healthy weight band for that height is about 53.5–72.0 kg.

Frequently asked questions

Is BMI accurate for athletes?+

BMI can overestimate risk for people with high muscle mass and underestimate it for some others. Treat it as a screening figure, not a diagnosis.

Does this apply to children?+

No. Child and teen BMI uses age- and sex-specific percentiles, which this adult calculator does not apply.

Guides

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