Home
Back
BMI Formula:
| From: | To: |
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²).
The calculator uses the BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.
Details: BMI is a simple, inexpensive, and noninvasive surrogate measure of body fat. It is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. However, BMI is not a diagnostic tool and should be used as a guide only.
Tips: Enter your weight in kilograms and height in meters. For accurate results, measure your weight without heavy clothing and measure your height without shoes.
Q1: What are the BMI categories for adults?
A: Underweight: BMI less than 18.5 kg/m²; Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²; Overweight: BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²; Obesity: BMI 30 kg/m² or greater.
Q2: Is BMI applicable to everyone?
A: BMI may not be accurate for athletes with high muscle mass, pregnant women, the elderly, or children. Different BMI categories apply for children and teens.
Q3: Why is BMI used despite its limitations?
A: BMI is widely used because it's simple to calculate, inexpensive, and provides a standardized measurement that can be used for population-level assessments.
Q4: How often should I check my BMI?
A: For most adults, checking BMI once every 6-12 months is sufficient unless you're actively trying to change your weight.
Q5: Should BMI be the only measure of healthy weight?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body composition analysis, and overall health assessment.