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BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index from your height and weight, in metric or imperial units, and see which range it falls into.

kg
cm
Your BMI
23.7
Category
Normal weight
Underweight
< 18.5
Normal
18.5 – 24.9
Overweight
25 – 29.9
Obesity
≥ 30

BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnosis — it doesn't distinguish muscle from fat or account for age, sex, and build. Talk to a healthcare professional about what a healthy weight means for you.

What BMI tells you (and what it doesn't)

Body Mass Index is a quick height-to-weight ratio used worldwide as a first-pass screen for weight-related health risk. It's popular because it needs only two numbers — but that simplicity is also its weakness, so read the result as a starting point rather than a judgment.

Worked example

At 172 cm and 70 kg: BMI = 70 ÷ (1.72 × 1.72) ≈ 23.7, which falls in the "normal" range. The same person at 80 kg would be at 27.0 — "overweight" on paper, though whether that matters depends on muscle, waist size, and overall health.

Beyond the number

Health is driven far more by habits than by any single index: regular activity, sleep, a balanced diet, and not smoking move the needle most. If you're working toward a weight goal, aim for gradual, sustainable changes.

Frequently asked questions

+How is BMI calculated?

BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared (kg/m²). Someone 1.72 m tall weighing 70 kg has a BMI of 70 ÷ 1.72² ≈ 23.7. The imperial formula multiplies pounds over inches squared by 703.

+What is a normal BMI?

For most adults, the World Health Organization ranges are: under 18.5 underweight, 18.5–24.9 normal, 25–29.9 overweight, and 30 or above obesity. Some countries use slightly different cut-offs for certain populations.

+Is BMI accurate for everyone?

No — it's a population-level screening tool. Muscular athletes can read 'overweight' with little body fat, and it doesn't apply to children (who use age-adjusted charts), pregnant women, or the very elderly. Waist measurement and body-composition tests add useful context.

+Should I act on my BMI result?

Treat it as one signal, not a verdict. If your BMI sits outside the normal range or has changed quickly, it's worth discussing with a doctor, who can look at the fuller picture of your health.

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