BMI CALCULATOR

What is BMI and Why Does It Matter?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a simple way to check if your weight is healthy for your height. It’s widely used by doctors and fitness experts as a basic health indicator.

It helps determine whether you’re:

• Underweight
• Healthy weight
• Overweight
• Obese

Maintaining a healthy BMI can lower the risk of serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and more. Now you might be wondering, what is my BMI? Scroll up and use our free BMI calculator to find out now!

How to Use This BMI Calculator

Using our BMI calculator is simple and fast. Just follow these steps:

1. Enter your age.
2. Select your gender (male or female).
3. Input your height (in feet/inches or centimeters).
4. Add your weight (in kilograms or pounds).
5. Hit Submit to calculate your BMI.

Your result will include:

• Your BMI value (e.g., 22.0)
• A category (e.g., underweight, normal weight, overweight)
• A healthy weight range for your height

🛠️ Pro Tip: Keep track of your BMI regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Bookmark this page for quick access!

Why Use This BMI Calculator?

• Accurate Results: Calculates BMI using proven formulas.
• Universal Application: Suitable for men, women, and children.
• Convenient Metrics: Displays BMI categories with clear explanations.

How to Calculate BMI Manually?

If you’re curious about how BMI is calculated, here’s the formula:

Metric Formula:

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²

Imperial Formula:

BMI = [weight (lbs) ÷ height (in)²] × 703

Example Calculation

• A person weighing 70 kg with a height of 1.75 m:
  BMI = 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.86 (Healthy weight range).

Want a faster way? Use our BMI calculator above! It saves time and avoids any math errors.

What Your BMI Results Mean

Your BMI falls into one of these categories:

Category	BMI Range
Underweight	< 18.5
Healthy Weight	18.5 – 24.9
Overweight	25 – 29.9
Obese (Class I)	30 – 34.9
Obese (Class II)	35 – 39.9
Severe Obesity	40+

Not sure how your BMI impacts your health? Check out our guide on what a healthy BMI looks like.

Why Maintaining a Healthy BMI is Important

Keeping your BMI within the healthy range has long-term benefits for both physical and mental well-being.

Health Benefits of a Healthy BMI

• Lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Reduced chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Improved joint health and reduced strain on knees and hips.
• Increased energy levels and better sleep quality.

Risks of High BMI

• High blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Greater chance of chronic illnesses like cancer and arthritis.
• Breathing issues like sleep apnea.

Risks of Low BMI

• Nutritional deficiencies and weakened immunity.
• Increased risk of osteoporosis and fertility issues.
• Fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

Want to know how to improve your BMI? Check out our Healthy BMI Tips.

Limitations of BMI: Is It Accurate?

BMI is a useful health tool, but it’s not perfect. Here’s why:

Factors BMI Doesn’t Consider

• Muscle vs. Fat: BMI can’t differentiate between muscle and fat. Athletes may have high BMI but low-fat levels.
• Fat Distribution: BMI doesn’t indicate where fat is stored (e.g., abdominal fat vs. overall fat).
• Ethnicity: Health risks may vary at different BMI thresholds for certain groups, like Asians or African Americans.
• Age and Gender: BMI doesn’t account for body composition changes over time.

BMI for Men, Women, and Children

BMI for Men

Men often have more muscle mass, which can result in higher BMI values even when body fat is low. Combine BMI with waist-to-height ratio for more accurate results.

BMI for Women

Women generally have higher body fat percentages, making BMI a reliable health measure. Use our calculator to ensure your BMI stays within the healthy range.

BMI for Children

For children and teens, BMI is age- and gender-specific. It’s measured using percentiles:

• Underweight: Below the 5th percentile.
• Healthy Weight: 5th to 85th percentile.
• Overweight: 85th to 95th percentile.
• Obese: Above the 95th percentile.

Tips to Improve Your BMI

For Overweight Individuals

• Healthy Eating: Choose whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables.
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly.
• Hydration: Replace sugary drinks with water.

For Underweight Individuals

• Nutrient-Dense Foods: Add nuts, seeds, and avocados to your diet.
• Strength Training: Build muscle for healthy weight gain.
• Frequent Meals: Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Ready to start? Check out our Complete Weight Management Guide.

FAQs About BMI

What Is a Healthy BMI for Adults?

A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 for most adults. This range minimizes risks for chronic health issues.

Can BMI Be Inaccurate?

Yes, especially for athletes, pregnant women, or people with high muscle mass. Use it alongside other tools like waist circumference for better insights.

How to Reduce BMI?

• Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes/week).
• Stay consistent with small, healthy lifestyle changes.

Read our step-by-step weight-loss guide.

What Should My BMI Be?

It depends on your age, gender, and overall health. Use our calculator above to check your range.

Is BMI Different for Men and Women?

BMI categories are the same for both men and women. However, women tend to have higher body fat percentages.

Can BMI Predict Health Risks?

While BMI is a good starting point, it should be used alongside other metrics like waist circumference and body fat percentage.