BMI Calculator

Q: Is BMI accurate for everyone?

BMI is a general screening tool, but it's not perfect. It doesn't distinguish between muscle mass and fat, so athletes may have high BMI despite being healthy. It may also not be suitable for elderly people, children, or pregnant women.

Q: Does a high BMI always mean I'm overweight?

Not necessarily. BMI doesn't differentiate muscle mass from fat. Very muscular people may have high BMI but low body fat. It's important to consider other factors like body composition, waist circumference, and overall health.

Q: How can I improve my BMI?

If your BMI is outside the healthy range, combine balanced nutrition with regular exercise. Consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist for a personalized plan. Gradual, sustainable changes are more effective than extreme diets.

Q: What is the ideal BMI?

The ideal BMI is generally between 18.5 and 24.9. However, the "ideal" can vary depending on age, gender, body composition, and other health factors. Consult a doctor for a personalized assessment.

Q: How often should I calculate my BMI?

For general health monitoring, calculating BMI every 3-6 months is sufficient. If you're in a weight loss or gain program, you can track it monthly along with other metrics.

Calculate your Body Mass Index and health category

Formula Explanation

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that relates your weight to your height to assess whether you are in a healthy weight range.

Formula

BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m))²

Where:
• Weight is measured in kilograms (kg)
• Height is measured in meters (m)

BMI Categories

BMI	Category
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 - 24.9	Normal weight
25.0 - 29.9	Overweight
30.0 and above	Obese

Step-by-Step Guide

Practical Example

Data:

Weight: 70 kg
Height: 175 cm (1.75 m)

Step 1: Convert height to meters

175 cm ÷ 100 = 1.75 m

Step 2: Calculate height squared

1.75 × 1.75 = 3.0625 m²

Step 3: Divide weight by height squared

BMI = 70 ÷ 3.0625 = 22.9

Step 4: Interpret the result

BMI of 22.9 falls in the Normal weight range (18.5 - 24.9) ✓

This indicates the person is at a healthy weight for their height.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BMI accurate for everyone?

Does a high BMI always mean I'm overweight?

How can I improve my BMI?

What is the ideal BMI?

How often should I calculate my BMI?