BMI Calculator – Calculate Your Body Mass Index
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the most widely used health screening measurements in the world. Calculated from your height and weight, BMI gives you a quick snapshot of whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Use this free BMI calculator to instantly find your BMI, see your WHO weight category, visualize where you fall on the BMI scale, and discover the healthy weight range for your height. You can also unlock your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and daily calorie needs (TDEE) using the advanced options!
Your BMI
Associated with the lowest health risk for most adults according to WHO. Maintaining this range through a balanced diet and regular physical activity supports long-term health.
BMI Scale
Healthy Weight Range
53.5 – 72 kg
for your height (BMI 18.5–24.9)
✓ You're in range!
Medical disclaimer: BMI is a screening tool and is not intended to diagnose disease or illness. BMI should be considered alongside other health indicators. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for a complete health assessment and personalized advice. Learn more from the CDC.
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All processing happens entirely in your browser. We never upload your data to any server. No signup, no account, no hidden fees. Just free, secure tools.
How to Calculate Your BMI
- Select your preferred unit system – Metric (kg and cm) or Imperial (lbs, feet, and inches)
- Enter your height using the input field or slider
- Enter your weight using the input field or slider
- Your BMI, WHO category, gauge position, and healthy weight range appear instantly - no calculate button needed
- Optional: Expand the Advanced tab to provide your age, gender, and activity level for a full BMR & TDEE breakdown.
BMI Formula
Metric: BMI = weight(kg) ÷ height(m)²
Imperial: BMI = (weight(lbs) × 703) ÷ height(inches)²
BMI Categories Explained
Based on WHO and CDC classifications for adults 20 years and older.
Underweight (BMI below 18.5)
May indicate nutritional deficiency, malabsorption, or other underlying health conditions. Associated with increased risk of immune deficiency, osteoporosis, and fertility issues. Consult a healthcare professional.
Normal Weight (BMI 18.5–24.9)
Associated with the lowest health risk for most adults according to WHO. Maintaining this range through a balanced diet and regular physical activity supports long-term health.
Overweight (BMI 25–29.9)
Slightly elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Small, sustainable lifestyle changes - improved diet and increased physical activity - can help move toward the normal range.
Obese Class I (BMI 30–34.9)
Moderate health risk. The CDC associates this range with increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Medical guidance is recommended.
Obese Class II (BMI 35–39.9)
High health risk. Significantly increased risk of weight-related conditions. Medical supervision and structured intervention recommended.
Obese Class III / Severe Obesity (BMI 40+)
Very high health risk. Associated with substantially reduced life expectancy. Medical intervention, which may include pharmacological or surgical options, is strongly recommended in consultation with a healthcare provider.
BMI Weight Ranges by Height
Healthy weight range corresponds to BMI 18.5–24.9 (WHO standard for non-Asian adults).
| Height | Underweight | Normal Weight ✓ | Overweight | Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 cm (5'0") | < 42.7 kg | 42.7 – 57.6 kg | 57.6 – 69.0 kg | ≥ 69.0 kg |
| 157 cm (5'2") | < 45.6 kg | 45.6 – 61.2 kg | 61.2 – 73.5 kg | ≥ 73.5 kg |
| 163 cm (5'4") | < 49.2 kg | 49.2 – 66.2 kg | 66.2 – 79.4 kg | ≥ 79.4 kg |
| 168 cm (5'6") | < 52.2 kg | 52.2 – 70.3 kg | 70.3 – 84.4 kg | ≥ 84.4 kg |
| 173 cm (5'8") | < 55.3 kg | 55.3 – 74.4 kg | 74.4 – 89.2 kg | ≥ 89.2 kg |
| 178 cm (5'10") | < 58.5 kg | 58.5 – 78.8 kg | 78.8 – 94.5 kg | ≥ 94.5 kg |
| 183 cm (6'0") | < 61.9 kg | 61.9 – 83.3 kg | 83.3 – 100 kg | ≥ 100 kg |
| 188 cm (6'2") | < 65.3 kg | 65.3 – 88.0 kg | 88.0 – 105.6 kg | ≥ 105.6 kg |
Source: WHO BMI classification. Ranges are approximate.
BMI Thresholds for South Asian & East Asian Populations
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends modified BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian descent. Research shows that these populations develop obesity-related health risks - including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease - at lower BMI values than Western populations.
- Underweight: < 18.5
- Normal: 18.5 – 24.9
- Overweight: 25 – 29.9
- Obese: ≥ 30
- Underweight: < 18.5
- Normal: 18.5 – 22.9
- Overweight: 23 – 24.9
- Obese: ≥ 27.5
Source: WHO Expert Consultation on Appropriate BMI for Asian Populations
Limitations of BMI
BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Highly muscular individuals - including athletes and bodybuilders - may have a high BMI while having very low body fat and excellent health. The CDC notes that BMI does not account for:
- Muscle vs fat mass - athletes may be classified as overweight despite low body fat
- Fat distribution - visceral (abdominal) fat carries higher health risk than subcutaneous fat at the same BMI
- Age - older adults tend to have more body fat than younger adults at the same BMI
- Sex - women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI
- Ethnicity - health risks vary at the same BMI across different populations
BMI should be used alongside waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose for a complete health assessment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Key Features of This BMI Calculator
- Metric and Imperial support - kg/cm or lbs/ft with automatic value conversion
- Real-time calculation - BMI updates instantly as you type or drag sliders
- Visual BMI gauge - animated pointer shows where you fall on the scale
- BMR and TDEE included - enter your age and gender to find your personal calorie limits
- Target weight tracker - sets a personal goal to reach a healthy midpoint normal BMI
- WHO/CDC category display - color-coded underweight/normal/overweight/obese classification
- Healthy weight range - calculates your personal healthy weight range from your height
- Copy result to clipboard - share or save your BMI & BMR result
- Mobile optimized - works on all devices including smartphones and tablets
- 100% private - no data uploaded, runs entirely in your browser
- 100% free - no signup, no account, no payment
Discovering Your Daily Calorie Needs
What is BMR?
Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) represents the absolute minimum amount of energy your body requires to function while at complete rest. It covers basic unnoticeable operations like breathing, circulating blood, cell production, and nutrient processing. Our tool uses the highly-regarded Mifflin-St Jeor equation.
What is TDEE?
TDEE stands for Total Daily Energy Expenditure. By multiplying your BMR by your physical activity level, you acquire an accurate estimation of how many calories you burn per day. Knowing your TDEE empowers you to make informed decisions: eating under your TDEE will result in weight loss, and eating over will result in weight gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMI?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening measurement calculated from your height and weight. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), BMI is used to classify adults into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese categories. It is one of the most widely used health screening tools globally because it requires only two simple measurements. However, BMI is a screening tool - not a diagnostic measure - and should always be interpreted alongside other health indicators.
How is BMI calculated?
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. The formula is: BMI = weight(kg) ÷ height(m)². For example, a person weighing 70 kg at 1.75 m height has a BMI of 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.9. For imperial units, the formula is: BMI = (weight in lbs × 703) ÷ height in inches². This calculator handles both formulas automatically based on your selected unit system.
What is a healthy BMI range?
According to WHO and CDC guidelines, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal or healthy weight for most adults. Below 18.5 is classified as underweight. 25 to 29.9 is overweight. 30 or above is classified as obese (further divided into Class I: 30–34.9, Class II: 35–39.9, and Class III: 40+). Note: For people of South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian descent, WHO recommends lower thresholds - overweight begins at BMI 23.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
BMI is a useful population-level screening tool but has well-documented limitations for individuals. It does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass - highly muscular athletes may be classified as overweight or obese despite low body fat. It does not account for age (older adults carry more fat at the same BMI), sex (women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI), or fat distribution (visceral fat around the abdomen carries higher health risk). The CDC and WHO recommend using BMI alongside waist circumference, body fat percentage, and clinical assessment for a complete picture.
Is BMI different for men and women?
The WHO and CDC use the same BMI categories for adult men and women. However, at the same BMI value, women typically have a higher percentage of body fat than men, and men typically have more muscle mass. Research shows that BMI-defined obesity underestimates actual body fat in women more than in men. Some researchers advocate for sex-specific BMI thresholds, but current global standards from WHO and CDC apply the same 18.5–24.9 healthy range regardless of sex.
What is the BMI threshold for obesity?
According to WHO and CDC, a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese for most adults. Obesity is further divided into three classes: Class I obesity (BMI 30–34.9), Class II obesity (BMI 35–39.9), and Class III obesity - sometimes called severe or morbid obesity - at BMI 40 or above. For Asian populations, the WHO recommends a lower obesity threshold of BMI 27.5. If your BMI falls in the obese range, consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Does this BMI calculator support metric and imperial units?
Yes. The calculator supports both metric units (kilograms and centimeters) and imperial units (pounds, feet, and inches). You can switch between unit systems at any time using the toggle at the top of the calculator. Your values are automatically converted when you switch units so you do not need to re-enter your measurements.
Is BMI different for South Asians and other Asian populations?
Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established modified BMI thresholds for Asian populations based on research showing that South Asians, East Asians, and Southeast Asians have higher body fat percentage and greater cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk at lower BMI values. For these populations: BMI 18.5–22.9 is normal weight; 23–24.9 is overweight; 25 or above is obese - compared to the standard thresholds of 25 for overweight and 30 for obese used for other populations.
Is this BMI calculator suitable for children?
No. This calculator is designed for adults aged 18 and above. BMI for children and teenagers (ages 2–19) must be interpreted using age- and sex-specific percentiles rather than fixed adult categories. A BMI that is considered overweight in adults may be completely normal for a growing child. For children, use the CDC's Child and Teen BMI Calculator, which uses age- and sex-specific BMI-for-age percentile charts.
What is the healthy weight range for my height?
Your healthy weight range is the range of weights that corresponds to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for your specific height. This calculator displays your healthy weight range automatically once you enter your height. For example, a person who is 170 cm tall has a healthy weight range of approximately 53.5 kg to 72 kg. For those of Asian descent, the healthy range corresponds to BMI 18.5–22.9.
Is this BMI calculator free?
Yes, completely free. No account, no signup, and no payment required. The calculator runs entirely in your browser - no data is uploaded to any server. Your height, weight, and BMI result remain on your device and are never transmitted or stored by EveryTool.
How can I lower my BMI?
BMI decreases when you reduce body weight relative to your height. Evidence-based approaches include: reducing caloric intake through a balanced, nutrient-dense diet; increasing physical activity (the WHO recommends at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults); improving sleep quality (poor sleep is linked to weight gain); and reducing stress. Small, sustainable changes are more effective long-term than crash diets. Always consult a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for a personalized plan.
What is the difference between BMI, BMR, and TDEE?
BMI (Body Mass Index) evaluates weight relative to height to categorize your health risk. BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) estimates the number of calories your body burns at complete rest for basic life-sustaining functions. TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) takes your BMR and multiplies it by your activity level to estimate the total calories you burn in a single day. Knowing your TDEE is critical for determining how many calories you should target to maintain, lose, or gain weight.
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