How do I calculate my BMI?
- Convert your height to meters (m) and weight to kilograms (kg).
- Calculate BMI = weight / (height × height). For example, if you weigh 70 kg and are 1.75 m tall: BMI = 70 / (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.9.
What is a healthy BMI range?
For adults (20+), BMI categories are:
- Underweight: < 18.5
- Normal (healthy): 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: 25.0 – 29.9
- Obese: 30.0 or higher. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is generally considered healthy.
What do BMI numbers mean?
- Underweight (<18.5): May indicate malnutrition or health risk.
- Normal (18.5–24.9): Healthy weight range.
- Overweight (25.0–29.9): May increase risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
- Obese (30.0+): Higher risk for serious health issues.
Can children and teens use this BMI calculator?
BMI ranges for adults do not apply to children or teens. For ages 2–19, BMI is interpreted using percentiles. For example:
- Healthy weight: 5th–85th percentile
- Overweight: 85th–95th percentile
- Obese: >95th percentile. Use a pediatric BMI calculator for kids.
How do I calculate BMI using metric or imperial units?
- Metric: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]².
- Imperial: BMI = (weight (lb) / [height (in)]²) × 703. Example: 150 lb and 65 in: BMI = (150 / 65²) × 703 ≈ 24.96.
What factors affect the accuracy of BMI?
BMI is only an estimate and has limitations:
- It does not distinguish muscle from fat (muscular individuals may have high BMI).
- Factors like age, sex, and ethnicity affect BMI interpretation. Consider additional measurements (waist circumference, body fat) for a fuller assessment.
Why is BMI important for my health?
BMI provides a quick indication of weight-related health risk. A high BMI suggests overweight or obesity, which is linked to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Health professionals use BMI as an initial screening tool to identify potential issues early and recommend lifestyle changes if needed.