What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measurement that uses your height and weight to estimate body fat and assess whether you're at a healthy weight. It's calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Healthcare professionals use BMI as a screening tool to identify potential weight-related health risks, though it doesn't directly measure body fat or account for factors like muscle mass, bone density, or age.

Tool description

This BMI calculator instantly computes your Body Mass Index based on your weight and height measurements. Enter your weight in kilograms and height in centimeters to get your BMI value and corresponding weight category according to WHO (World Health Organization) standards.

Features

  • Real-time BMI calculation as you type
  • Automatic weight category classification (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese)
  • Simple metric input (kilograms and centimeters)
  • Instant results with copy functionality
  • Based on WHO standard BMI ranges

Use cases

  • Health monitoring: Track your BMI regularly to monitor weight changes over time and maintain a healthy weight range
  • Fitness goals: Determine your starting point before beginning a weight loss or muscle gain program
  • Medical screening: Quick preliminary assessment before consulting healthcare professionals about weight concerns
  • Nutrition planning: Use BMI as one factor when creating personalized diet and exercise plans
  • Insurance applications: Calculate BMI required for health insurance forms and medical questionnaires

BMI Categories

According to WHO standards:

  • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
  • Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
  • Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
  • Obese: BMI 30 or greater

Important Notes

BMI is a screening tool and not a diagnostic measure. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes with high muscle mass may be classified as overweight despite having low body fat. Similarly, it may not accurately reflect body fat in older adults who have lost muscle mass. For a complete health assessment, consult healthcare professionals who can consider additional factors like waist circumference, lifestyle, and overall health.