Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measurement used to estimate whether your weight is within a healthy range for your height. It's widely used by healthcare professionals as a quick screening tool and can be calculated in just a few steps.
The BMI Formula
The standard metric BMI formula is:
BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)
- Weight = Your body weight in kilograms (kg)
- Height = Your height in meters (m)
- Height² = Your height multiplied by itself
If you're using pounds and inches, the formula is:
BMI = (Weight (lb) × 703) / Height² (in²)
Understanding Your BMI
After calculating your BMI, you can compare your result to the standard BMI categories:
- Below 18.5 = Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9 = Healthy weight
- 25.0 – 29.9 = Overweight
- 30.0 or higher = Obesity
Try It Yourself
Rather than calculating BMI by hand, you can use our free calculator to get your result instantly. Simply enter your height and weight, and we'll calculate your BMI along with your weight category.
Conclusion
BMI is a quick and useful way to estimate whether your weight falls within a healthy range. While it doesn't directly measure body fat or overall health, it's an excellent starting point for understanding your body weight. Use our calculator anytime to check your BMI in seconds.