Use our free BMI calculator to estimate your Body Mass Index based on your height and weight. Choose metric or US units and get your BMI result instantly.
Body Mass Index, commonly known as BMI, is a numerical measure calculated using a person's weight and height. It is commonly used as a general screening measure for weight categories.
For metric measurements, BMI is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.
For example, a person weighing 70 kg and measuring 1.75 meters tall would have a BMI of approximately 22.86.
The commonly used adult BMI categories are shown below.
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 or higher | Obesity |
BMI can provide a general indication of weight relative to height, but it does not directly measure body fat or overall health. Factors such as muscle mass, age, sex, body composition, and individual health conditions can affect how BMI should be interpreted.
BMI may not provide an appropriate assessment for every person. Athletes and people with high muscle mass, older adults, children, teenagers, and pregnant people may require different approaches to assessing health and body composition.