Calculate your Body Mass Index instantly. Enter your height and weight to get your BMI value, category, healthy weight range, and personalized health insights.
Disclaimer: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. It does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age, gender, or ethnicity. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized health assessments.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from your weight and height. It provides a simple screening measure to categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. The formula was developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s and remains one of the most widely used health assessment tools worldwide.
The BMI formula is: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)². For imperial units: BMI = (weight in lbs × 703) / (height in inches)². The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the following categories: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25-29.9), Obesity Class I (30-34.9), Obesity Class II (35-39.9), and Obesity Class III (≥40).
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations. It does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass — a muscular athlete may have a high BMI despite having low body fat. It also doesn't account for age, gender, bone density, fat distribution, or ethnicity, all of which influence health risk.
For a more comprehensive health assessment, BMI should be considered alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, and clinical evaluations. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized health advice.