BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index from your height and weight using metric or imperial units.
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. It is commonly used as a general screening measure for adults and can help provide a broad indication of weight status.
BMI does not directly measure body fat and does not account for factors such as muscle mass, bone density, body composition or where fat is distributed. It should therefore not be treated as a diagnosis or a complete assessment of health.
BMI categories for adults
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 or higher | Obesity |
BMI categories shown here are general adult screening categories. BMI interpretation can differ for children, teenagers, pregnant people, athletes and some other groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BMI stand for?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a numerical measure based on height and weight that is commonly used as a general screening tool for adults.
How is BMI calculated?
For metric measurements, BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in metres squared. The imperial calculation uses weight in pounds and height in inches.
What is considered a healthy BMI?
For adults, a BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 is generally classified as healthy weight. BMI is only a screening measure and should be considered alongside other factors.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. BMI does not directly measure body fat and can be less useful for some people, including highly muscular individuals. It is best viewed as one general screening measure rather than a complete assessment of health.
Does this calculator work with pounds and feet?
Yes. Select the Imperial option and enter your weight in pounds and height in feet and inches.
Can I use BMI for children?
This calculator is intended for general adult BMI calculations. Children and teenagers require age- and sex-specific BMI interpretation rather than the adult categories shown here.