BMI Calculator - Find Your Body Mass Index

Welcome to our Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. This tool is perfect for finding a ratio of weight to height and returning a single number. Our BMI calculator shows your BMI and the weight you need to lose if you are overweight.

On this page, you will learn more about Body Mass Index, body mass index calculations, BMI ranges and other important considerations.

What is BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a measure of body fat based on your weight in relation to your height. Calculating your BMI can help gauge if your weight falls within a healthy range for your height.

BMI is useful because it can indicate if someone's weight may increase their risk of health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and other weight-related conditions. However, BMI alone doesn't tell the full story of one's health. We'll discuss some other important considerations related to BMI later on.

How to Calculate BMI

To calculate your BMI, you can use this formula:

BMI = weight (lb) / [height]2

For example, let's calculate BMI for someone who weighs 150 lbs and is 5'5" tall (66 inches):

Weight = 150 lbs
Height = 66 in

BMI = 150 / (66)2
= 150 / (4,356)
= 24.2

A BMI of 24.2 falls within the normal/healthy weight range that we'll explain shortly.

Normal BMI Range

For most adults, a BMI in the range of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a normal, healthy weight. A BMI in this ideal range is associated with a lower risk of weight-related health issues.

BMI Ranges Explained

BMIs can fall into the following categories:

• Underweight: BMI below 18.5
• Normal/Healthy Weight: BMI of 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI of 25.0 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI of 30.0 or higher

Being underweight with a BMI under 18.5 can also pose health risks like nutritional deficiencies, a weakened immune system, and fertility issues.

Being overweight in the 25-29.9 range or obese at 30+ may increase risks of conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

Using Our BMI Calculator

To make calculating your BMI easy, we've developed a simple online BMI calculator tool. Just input your height and weight:

The calculator will instantly compute your BMI and display which category you fall into based on the standard BMI ranges. It will also tell you how much weight you need to lose to reach your ideal BMI.

Knowing where your BMI lands can motivate you to make any needed lifestyle changes to reach a healthier weight for your body.

Other Important Considerations

While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has some important limitations:

• BMI doesn't account for different body types or muscle mass. Very muscular people may have a high BMI that could misleadingly categorize them as overweight or obese when they are fit.
• BMI can be inaccurate for certain populations like the elderly or very young. Different BMI ranges may be needed based on age and other factors.
• People with the same BMI can have different body fat percentages. BMI is not a direct measurement of body fatness.

For a more complete picture, your healthcare provider may use other assessments like skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, family history, and other health screenings.

Body BMI Chart - Body Mass Index Chart

Height (m)	Weight (kg)	BMI	Weight Status
1.52	44	19.0	Normal
1.52	56	24.2	Normal
1.52	63	27.2	Overweight
1.63	52	19.6	Normal
1.63	65	24.5	Normal
1.63	77	29.0	Overweight
1.73	60	20.0	Normal
1.73	75	25.0	Overweight
1.73	89	29.7	Overweight
1.83	67	20.0	Normal
1.83	83	24.8	Normal
1.83	100	29.8	Overweight

BMI FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about BMI:

Q: Is BMI accurate for everyone?
A: No, BMI has limitations and may not be accurate for very muscular people, the elderly, children/teens, or those with certain medical conditions. Other assessments may be needed.

Q: If my BMI is high, does that mean I'm unhealthy?
A: Not necessarily. A high BMI is one potential risk factor for health issues, but overall health depends on many factors like diet, exercise, genetics, and body fat percentage.

Q: Can you be overweight according to BMI but still be healthy?
A: Yes, it's possible to be overweight by BMI but still be healthy with a nutritious diet, active lifestyle, normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, etc. BMI provides a snapshot, not the whole picture.

What is the ideal weight for a 5'2" female?

For a female who is 5'2" (157 cm) tall, a weight between 102-135 lbs (46-61 kg) is generally considered an ideal, healthy weight range. This corresponds to a BMI of 18.5-24.9.

At 5'2":

• A weight below 102 lbs would be underweight (BMI < 18.5)
• A weight of 102-135 lbs is a normal, healthy weight
• A weight of 136-164 lbs is overweight (BMI 25-29.9)
• A weight above 164 lbs is obese (BMI ≥ 30)

However, factors like body composition, muscle mass, frame size, and age can influence what weight is truly ideal for an individual 5'2" female. BMI is just one screening tool.

What is the ideal weight for a 5'10" male?

For a male who is 5'10" (178 cm) tall, a weight between 132-178 lbs (60-81 kg) is typically considered an ideal, healthy weight range with a BMI of 18.5-24.9.

At 5'10":

• A weight below 132 lbs would be underweight
• A weight of 132-178 lbs is a normal, healthy weight
• A weight of 179-214 lbs is overweight
• A weight above 214 lbs is obese

Highly muscular males at 5'10" may have a higher healthy weight due to increased muscle mass. BMI could underestimate their optimal weight.

What is the average weight for a 5'5" female?

For females of average build who are 5'5" (165 cm) tall, the average weight tends to fall between 125-160 lbs (57-73 kg), with higher weights for more muscular individuals.

At 5'5", the BMI ranges would be:

• Underweight: Below 117 lbs
• Normal Weight: 117-152 lbs
• Overweight: 153-185 lbs
• Obese: Above 185 lbs

However, the average or ideal weight can vary considerably based on body composition, frame size, and other factors.

What is considered a healthy weight for a 5'4" woman?

For a woman who is 5'4" (163 cm) tall, a healthy weight range would typically be between 110-144 lbs (50-65 kg), corresponding to a BMI of 18.5-24.9.

The BMI weight categories for a 5'4" woman are:

• Underweight: Below 110 lbs
• Normal Weight: 110-144 lbs
• Overweight: 145-175 lbs
• Obese: Above 175 lbs

As with other heights, highly active or muscular women of the same height may have a higher healthy weight due to increased muscle mass.

What is the formula to calculate BMI?

The formula to calculate BMI (Body Mass Index) is:

BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]2

Where:

• weight is measured in kilograms (kg)
• height is measured in meters (m)

For example, a person weighing 70 kg with a height of 1.7 m would have:

BMI = 70 kg / (1.7 m)2
= 70 kg / 2.89 m2
= 24.2

This value of 24.2 would fall into the normal/healthy BMI range of 18.5-24.9.

Wrapping it up

In summary, BMI is a useful screening tool to estimate if someone's weight may put their health at risk. A BMI in the normal 18.5-24.9 range for adults is considered ideal.

However, BMI does have limitations and other factors like body composition, age, activity levels, and overall health status should also be considered.

The key is to pursue a balanced diet with proper nutrition and to engage in regular physical activity, regardless of your BMI. Maintaining healthy habits is the best way to minimize your risk of weight-related health problems.