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BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and determine your weight category using your height and weight.

Datos de entrada

Choose the unit system you want to use for height and weight.

Used when US is selected.

Used when US is selected.

Used when US is selected. Inches should be between 0–11.

Used when Metric is selected.

Used when Metric is selected.

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BMI

22,96

Your Body Mass Index calculated from height and weight.

Category

Normal weight

WHO/CDC BMI category based on your calculated BMI.

Qué significa este resultado

BMI: 22,96.

Your BMI is 23.0 — Normal weight. This is based on the WHO/CDC standard: BMI < 18.5 is Underweight, 18.5–24.9 is Normal weight, 25–29.9 is Overweight, and 30+ is Obese. BMI is a screening tool; consult a healthcare provider for personalized health advice.

Cómo se calcula

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is calculated as:

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²

BMI is a screening tool used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify potential weight-related health risks in populations.

BMI Categories (WHO/CDC)

  • Underweight: BMI < 18.5 — Associated with malnutrition, weakened immune system, and certain health risks.
  • Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9 — Generally considered a healthy weight range.
  • Overweight: BMI 25–29.9 — Associated with increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
  • Obese: BMI ≥ 30 — Associated with significantly increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality.

Is BMI a perfect measure?

No. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It has significant limitations:

1. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. A muscular athlete and an obese person can have the same BMI. Muscle is denser than fat, so athletes often appear "overweight" or "obese" by BMI despite being fit.

2. It doesn't account for body composition. Two people with the same BMI may have very different fat distributions and health outcomes.

3. It varies by ethnicity. Some research suggests that BMI cutoffs may not apply equally across all ethnic groups. For example, some Asian populations may have increased health risks at lower BMI values.

4. It doesn't measure visceral fat. The type of fat matters—visceral fat (around organs) is more harmful than subcutaneous fat (under skin).

5. It doesn't account for age or bone density. Older adults naturally lose bone density and muscle, which can skew BMI.

What should I use instead of BMI?

For a more comprehensive health assessment, consider:

  • Waist circumference: Measures abdominal fat, which is a strong predictor of health risk.
  • Waist-to-hip ratio: Compares abdominal fat to hip circumference.
  • Body composition analysis: Measures actual fat percentage using DEXA scans, bioelectrical impedance, or hydrostatic weighing.
  • Metabolic health markers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, triglycerides.
  • Overall fitness and lifestyle: Exercise, diet, sleep, stress, and family history.

Who should use BMI?

BMI is most useful for:

  • Population-level screening: Identifying weight-related health trends in large groups.
  • Adults aged 18–65 without significant muscle mass or medical conditions.
  • Initial health risk assessment as a conversation starter with a healthcare provider.

BMI is less useful for:

  • Athletes and very muscular individuals.
  • Elderly adults (BMI may underestimate health risk).
  • Children and teens (who have age-specific BMI cutoffs).
  • People with significant medical conditions affecting weight.

How to interpret your BMI

Your BMI is one piece of health information. It should not be used in isolation to judge your health or fitness. A healthy lifestyle includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider. Even people with a "normal" BMI can have poor health markers (high cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.), and some people with a higher BMI may be metabolically healthy.

Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized health advice.

Supuestos

  • BMI calculation uses the standard WHO formula: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)².
  • BMI categories follow WHO/CDC guidelines: Underweight (< 18.5), Normal (18.5–24.9), Overweight (25–29.9), Obese (≥ 30).
  • Unit conversions: 1 lb = 0.453592 kg; 1 inch = 2.54 cm; 1 ft = 12 inches.
  • BMI is a screening tool for adults and is less accurate for athletes, children, and elderly populations.
  • This calculator does not account for muscle mass, bone density, body composition, or overall fitness.
  • BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat; highly muscular individuals may have elevated BMI despite low body fat.
  • This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

Preguntas frecuentes

›What is a healthy BMI?

According to the WHO and CDC, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight. However, BMI is just one screening tool and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or overall fitness. A person with a 'normal' BMI can still have poor metabolic health, and an athlete with a 'high' BMI might be very fit. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

›Is BMI accurate for athletes and muscular people?

No, BMI is notoriously inaccurate for athletes and people with high muscle mass. Muscle is denser than fat, so very fit individuals often appear 'overweight' or even 'obese' on the BMI scale despite having low body fat. If you're athletic or strength-train regularly, a body composition test (DEXA scan, bioelectrical impedance) will give you a more accurate picture of your health.

›Does BMI differ by age, sex, or ethnicity?

The standard BMI categories apply to adults aged 18–65 regardless of sex. However, children and teens have age- and sex-specific BMI cutoffs. Some research suggests that BMI health risk thresholds may differ by ethnicity — for example, some Asian populations may experience increased health risks at lower BMI values. Additionally, older adults may have different health outcomes at the same BMI due to changes in bone density and muscle mass. Consult a healthcare provider about what BMI range is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

›What is the difference between overweight and obese?

According to the WHO/CDC, 'overweight' is defined as BMI 25–29.9, while 'obese' is BMI 30 or higher. Obesity is further subdivided into Class 1 (30–34.9), Class 2 (35–39.9), and Class 3 (40+). The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of weight-related health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. However, BMI alone does not determine health—metabolic factors, lifestyle, and overall fitness also matter significantly.

›I have a high BMI, but I feel healthy. Should I be concerned?

BMI is a population-level screening tool, not a diagnostic tool for individuals. Many factors contribute to health beyond BMI, including fitness level, metabolic health markers (cholesterol, blood pressure, blood glucose), diet, sleep, stress, and family history. If your BMI is high but you exercise regularly, eat well, sleep adequately, and have good metabolic health markers, you may be in better health than someone with a 'normal' BMI who is sedentary. That said, it's always wise to have regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor your health comprehensively.

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