BMI Calculator – Free Body Mass Index & Body-Weight Index Tool

Calculate your BMI with metric or imperial units

Calculate your body weight index and discover your ideal weight range

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool that uses your height and weight to estimate if you're at a healthy weight. While useful for population studies and initial assessments, BMI is not a diagnostic tool and doesn't measure body fat directly. It's one of several factors healthcare providers consider when evaluating your overall health status.

Last reviewed: by Jane Smith, RDN

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Enter your details and click the calculate button to see your personalized health metrics.

BMI Calculator Health Benefits

Using our body mass index calculator helps you monitor your health. Maintaining a healthy BMI reduces risks of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

Body Mass Index Formula

Our BMI index calculator uses the standard formula: BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))². For imperial measurements: (weight (lb) / (height (in))²) × 703.

BMI Calculator Considerations

While our body weight index calculator is accurate, BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or overall body composition. Use it as one of several health metrics.

Understanding Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from your weight and height. Our BMI calculator uses this formula to help you understand if your weight is appropriate for your height. The BMI index calculator categorizes your result into underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

How to calculate BMI manually

Metric formula: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²

Imperial formula: BMI = [weight (lb) / height (in)²] × 703

Example: For a person weighing 70 kg and height 1.75 m

BMI = 70 / (1.75)² = 70 / 3.0625 = 22.9 kg/m²

Body Weight Index Categories Chart

Body weight index (BMI) category chart: categories underweight, normal, overweight, obese

Is BMI always accurate?

BMI is a useful screening tool, but it has limitations. According to the CDC, BMI may not be accurate for:

  • Athletes and muscular individuals (muscle weighs more than fat)
  • Older adults who have lost muscle mass
  • Certain ethnic groups (e.g., Asian populations may have health risks at lower BMI thresholds)
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Healthcare providers often use additional assessments like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and family history to evaluate health risks.

Healthy weight tips

  • Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
  • Get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours for most adults)
  • Manage stress through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or physical activity

Learn more about healthy weight from the CDC

BMI Categories

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
  • Obesity: BMI of 30 or greater

How to Use This BMI Calculator

  1. Enter your age, gender, height, and weight
  2. Select your activity level
  3. Click "Calculate BMI & More" to see your results
  4. Review your BMI, ideal weight range, and health recommendations
  5. Use the tabs to explore calorie needs and health insights

Frequently Asked Questions About BMI Index Calculator

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