BMI Calculator
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of a person's weight with respect to their height. It's a screening tool that can indicate whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to check if your weight is healthy for your height
Note: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It does not account for factors like muscle mass, bone density, or overall body composition. Consult with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive health assessment.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a value derived from the mass (weight) and height of a person. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, and is expressed in units of kg/m², resulting from mass in kilograms and height in meters.
How is BMI calculated?
The formula for BMI is:
- Metric units: BMI = weight(kg) / height(m)²
- Imperial units: BMI = 703 × weight(lb) / height(in)²
BMI Categories
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies BMI into the following categories:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
- Obesity: BMI 30 or higher
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has several limitations:
- It doesn't distinguish between fat, muscle, and bone mass
- It doesn't account for where fat is stored in the body
- It may not be accurate for athletes, elderly people, or pregnant women
- Different ethnic groups may have different associations between BMI and health risks
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
BMI is just one factor in determining health risks. If you're concerned about your weight or BMI, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider who can perform a more comprehensive assessment of your health status.