Bmi Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to get a general assessment of your weight status. Understand the BMI categories and their health implications.
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Understanding the Body Mass Index (BMI)
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure for categorizing body weight relative to height. It provides a simple way to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight. While it's a useful screening tool, it's important to remember that BMI does not measure body fat directly and should be considered alongside other health indicators.
How is BMI Calculated?
The BMI formula is straightforward, using a person's weight and height. There are two common formulas depending on the units used:
Metric Units (kilograms and meters):
BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²
Imperial Units (pounds and inches):
BMI = 703 × weight (lbs) / [height (in)]²
Our calculator handles these conversions for you, making it easy to get your BMI regardless of the units you prefer.
Interpreting Your BMI Score
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides standard weight status categories based on BMI for adults:
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight
- 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
- 30.0 and Above: Obesity
These categories help individuals and healthcare providers identify potential weight-related health risks.
Practical Example
Let's say an adult weighs 150 lbs and is 5'5" (or 65 inches) tall.
- Calculate height in inches squared: 65 in × 65 in = 4225 in²
- Apply the imperial formula: BMI = 703 × 150 lbs / 4225 in²
- Result: BMI ≈ 24.96
A BMI of 24.96 falls within the "Normal weight" range.
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful population-level metric, it has limitations for individual assessment. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass. For example, a very muscular athlete may have a high BMI that categorizes them as "overweight" even with very low body fat. Conversely, an older adult with significant muscle loss might have a "normal" BMI but a high percentage of body fat. Therefore, it's often best used in conjunction with other measurements like waist circumference or body fat percentage for a more complete picture of health.
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