Calculate your Body Mass Index to assess if you're in a healthy weight range for your height.
Calculate your Body Mass Index to assess if you're in a healthy weight range for your height.
đź’ˇ This tool provides estimates as a guide. Individual results may vary.
BMI gives you a quick baseline understanding of whether your weight falls within a healthy range for your height. While it's not a perfect measure—it doesn't account for muscle mass or body composition—it's a useful starting point that takes 30 seconds to calculate and requires no special equipment. For busy professionals and parents who don't have time for complex health assessments, BMI offers a simple reality check.
Think of BMI as your "check engine light" for weight. It won't tell you everything about your health, but it can signal when it's time to pay attention. If you're in a healthy BMI range but feel sluggish, maybe you need to look at body composition instead. If your BMI is climbing and you're noticing energy dips, it might be time to dial in your nutrition using our Maintenance Calorie Calculator.
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple screening tool that uses your height and weight to estimate whether you're in a healthy weight range. It's calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared (BMI = kg/m²). Healthcare providers worldwide use BMI as a quick assessment tool for weight-related health risks.
While BMI doesn't directly measure body fat or muscle, it correlates reasonably well with body fat percentage for most people. It's a useful starting point for understanding your weight relative to your height.
The formula is straightforward:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
For example, if you weigh 70 kg and are 1.75 meters tall:
BMI = 70 / (1.75 Ă— 1.75) = 70 / 3.06 = 22.9
BMI categories help you understand where your weight falls relative to health guidelines:
Underweight: BMI < 18.5
You may be at risk for nutritional deficiencies, weakened immune system, or other health issues. Consider speaking with a healthcare provider about healthy weight gain.
Normal Weight: BMI 18.5 - 24.9
You're within a healthy weight range. Continue maintaining balanced nutrition and regular physical activity to support your health.
Overweight: BMI 25 - 29.9
You may have increased risk for certain health conditions. Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can help you move toward a healthier range.
Obese: BMI ≥ 30
You're at higher risk for serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Consider consulting with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
BMI is a useful screening tool, but it has important limitations:
Use BMI as one data point among many. Consider waist circumference, body fat percentage, fitness level, and how you feel as additional indicators of health.
Your BMI result is just the starting point. Here's what to do next:
Remember: Numbers are tools, not judgments. Focus on sustainable habits that make you feel strong, energized, and confident.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. BMI works well for average populations but can be misleading for athletes (who have more muscle), older adults (who have less muscle), and people with certain body types. It's a screening tool, not a diagnostic test.
What's a healthy BMI for my age?
The standard BMI ranges (18.5-24.9 for normal weight) apply to adults aged 20+. For older adults (65+), being slightly above this range (BMI 25-27) may actually be protective. Children and teens have different BMI charts based on age and sex.
Can I trust BMI if I lift weights?
If you have significant muscle mass, BMI may overestimate your body fat and categorize you as overweight when you're actually quite lean. Use body fat percentage measurements instead, or combine BMI with waist circumference.
How quickly should I try to change my BMI?
Slow and steady wins. Aim to lose or gain 0.5-1% of your body weight per week (roughly 1-2 lbs for most people). Faster changes often lead to muscle loss, metabolic slowdown, or rebound weight gain.
Does ethnicity affect BMI interpretation?
Yes. Research shows that people of Asian descent may have higher health risks at lower BMIs, while some populations may be healthier at slightly higher BMIs. Healthcare providers consider ethnicity when interpreting BMI.
What if my BMI is "normal" but I don't feel healthy?
BMI doesn't tell the whole story. You might be "skinny fat" (normal weight but high body fat percentage) or dealing with other health issues. Focus on fitness, nutrition quality, sleep, stress, and how you feel rather than just the number.
Should I calculate BMI regularly?
Monthly or quarterly is plenty. Your BMI won't change dramatically day-to-day, and obsessing over small fluctuations isn't helpful. Track it alongside other metrics like energy levels, strength gains, and measurements.
What's the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?
BMI uses only height and weight. Body fat percentage actually measures how much of your weight is fat versus muscle, bone, and organs. Body fat percentage is more accurate but requires special equipment to measure. Check out our Body Fat Calculator to estimate yours.
Get a complete picture of your health and fitness:
Download our free fitness guide designed for busy parents
These tools give you the basics. For a complete workout and nutrition plan tailored specifically to your goals and constraints, check out our personalized options.