BMI Calculator
Enter your height and weight to see your body mass index, which category it falls in, and the healthy weight range for your height.
What Is BMI?
Body mass index, or BMI, is a quick screening number that compares your weight to your height. You find it by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. The pounds and inches version uses the same idea with a conversion factor built in. It gives you a fast snapshot, but it is only a starting point, not a full health check.
How to Use This Calculator
Pick your units, either feet and pounds or centimeters and kilos. Type in your height and your current weight. The tool shows your BMI number, the category it falls in, and the healthy weight range for someone your height. There is nothing to install and nothing to sign up for.
What the BMI Ranges Mean
These are the common ranges used for adults:
| Category | BMI range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5 to 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 to 29.9 |
| Obesity | 30 or higher |
Your number lands in one of these bands, but the band is a general guide, not a verdict on your health.
What BMI Does Not Tell You
BMI does not measure body fat directly. It can read high for people with a lot of muscle, such as athletes, and it does not account for age, sex, or where your weight sits on your body. It is built for adults, so it works differently for children, teens, and during pregnancy. For a fuller picture, talk with a doctor or another qualified health professional who can look at more than one number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate BMI by hand?
Take your weight in kilograms and divide it by your height in meters squared. In pounds and inches, divide your weight by your height in inches squared, then multiply by 703.
What is considered a healthy BMI?
For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is labeled healthy. The ranges can differ by age and background, so use it as a guide and check with a professional.
Is BMI accurate?
It is a useful quick screen, but it is not exact. It does not separate muscle from fat, so very fit people can score higher than expected. A doctor can add other measures for a clearer read.
Does BMI work the same for men and women?
The formula is the same for both. Body composition tends to differ between men and women, which is one reason BMI is a rough guide rather than a precise measure.
Why is my BMI high if I am fit and muscular?
Muscle weighs more than fat for the same size. Because BMI only sees total weight and height, a muscular build can push the number up even at a low body fat level.