BMI Calculator
Calculate your body mass index (BMI) from your weight and height and see which standard adult category it falls into.
Result
How BMI is calculated
BMI = weight in pounds × 703 / (height in inches)². A person who weighs 160 lb and is 5 ft 8 in (68 inches) has a BMI of 160 × 703 / 4,624 = 24.3.
How to read the result
For adults, a BMI under 18.5 is classed as underweight, 18.5 to 24.9 as a healthy weight, 25 to 29.9 as overweight, and 30 or above as obesity.
Limits of BMI
BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnosis. It does not distinguish fat from muscle or show where fat is carried, so it can mislead for athletes, older adults and pregnant women. Children and teens are assessed with age- and sex-specific percentiles. It is no substitute for advice from a health professional.
Frequently asked questions
Is BMI the same for men and women?
The formula and adult categories are the same, although body composition differs between sexes.
Can I use this for children?
Not with these categories. For ages 2 to 19, BMI is compared against percentiles for age and sex.
What else should I look at?
Waist circumference and body fat percentage add useful information alongside BMI.
Related tools
Results are estimates for informational purposes only and are not financial, tax, legal or medical advice.