BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and understand your weight category with our comprehensive calculator.
BMI Categories
Understanding BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used screening tool that calculates your weight-to-height ratio to categorize your weight status. Developed in the 19th century by Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet, BMI provides a simple, quick way to assess whether your weight falls within a healthy range for your height.
Our BMI calculator supports both metric and imperial units, making it accessible regardless of your preferred measurement system. The calculation is straightforward: BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²). For imperial measurements, the formula includes conversion factors to maintain accuracy.
BMI categories are based on extensive research linking weight status to health risks. A BMI below 18.5 suggests underweight, which may indicate malnutrition or other health issues. The normal range (18.5-24.9) is associated with the lowest health risks. Overweight (25-29.9) and obese (30+) categories indicate increased risks for various health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it's important to understand its limitations. BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes or individuals with high muscle mass may have elevated BMI scores despite being healthy. Additionally, BMI doesn't account for fat distribution, age, or other factors that affect health outcomes.
BMI should be used as one tool among many for assessing health status. For comprehensive health evaluation, consider consulting healthcare professionals who can assess additional factors like body composition, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Regular monitoring of BMI can help track changes over time and inform decisions about diet, exercise, and overall health management.