Home
Back
BMI Formula:
| From: | To: |
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.
The calculator uses the BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates body mass index by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
Details: BMI is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat and offers a inexpensive method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. All values must be valid (weight > 0, height > 0). For accurate results, measure weight without heavy clothing and height without shoes.
Q1: What are the BMI categories?
A: Underweight: BMI less than 18.5; Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9; Overweight: BMI 25-29.9; Obesity: BMI 30 or greater.
Q2: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: BMI may not accurately reflect body fat percentage in athletes (who may have higher muscle mass), the elderly (who may have lost muscle mass), or certain ethnic groups.
Q3: Can children use this calculator?
A: This calculator is designed for adults. Children and teens need age and sex-specific percentile calculations for accurate assessment.
Q4: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy and associated with the lowest health risks.
Q5: Should I only rely on BMI for health assessment?
A: No, BMI should be used as a screening tool, not a diagnostic of body fatness or health. Waist circumference, diet, physical activity, and family history are also important factors.