BMI Calculator (Body Mass Index)

Weight-to-height index with WHO and Asian cut-offs. Free, private and instant.

How to use the BMI Calculator

  1. Pick metric (cm, kg) or imperial (ft, in, lb) units.
  2. Choose reference standard: WHO / international or Asian-Pacific (South Asian).
  3. Enter height.
  4. Enter weight.
  5. Press Calculate to get an instant result with a colour scale, chart and plain-English explanation.

About the BMI Calculator

Body Mass Index compares your weight with your height. It is a quick screening number for underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obesity in adults. This calculator supports the WHO global cut-offs and the lower Asian-Pacific cut-offs used for South Asian populations.

Also known as: BMI checker, body mass index calculator kg and cm, BMI calculator for women and men, Asian BMI calculator, BMI chart calculator.

Worked example

Your BMI: 24.2 kg/m² (Healthy). A BMI of 24.2 falls in the "Healthy" category. You are within the healthy weight range.

Formula and cut-offs

BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2. WHO adult categories: under 18.5 underweight, 18.5-24.9 healthy, 25-29.9 overweight, 30 and above obesity. Asian-Pacific cut-offs: 23 and above overweight, 27.5 and above high risk.

Frequently asked questions

What is a healthy BMI?

For most adults a BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a healthy weight range by the WHO. For South Asian adults a range of 18.5 to 22.9 is commonly used.

Is BMI accurate for athletes?

BMI cannot tell muscle from fat, so very muscular people can have a high BMI without excess body fat. Combine it with waist measurements or a body fat estimate.

How do I calculate BMI by hand?

Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For example, 70 kg and 1.75 m gives 70 / (1.75 x 1.75) = 22.9. In pounds and inches, multiply weight in pounds by 703 and divide by height in inches squared.

Is the BMI calculator the same for women and men?

Yes. Adult BMI uses the same formula and the same cut-offs for women and men. Children and teens are different: their BMI is compared with others of the same age and sex as a percentile.

What is the BMI for 170 cm and 70 kg?

Your BMI: 24.2 kg/m² (Healthy). A BMI of 24.2 falls in the "Healthy" category. You are within the healthy weight range. Enter your own numbers above for a personal result.

Sources and references

Written and checked by the MediHub editorial team against the sources above. Read how we build and review our calculators.

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Last updated . This calculator is for education only and is not medical advice. See the medical disclaimer.