BMI Calculator (Body Mass Index)

Updated · Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser

Enter your height and weight in US units (feet, inches, pounds) or metric (cm, kg) to calculate your body mass index (BMI).

The result shows the WHO adult category and the weight range that corresponds to a BMI of 18.5–24.9 for your height. BMI is a screening number, not a diagnosis.

Units
Enter your height and weight to calculate BMI.

For general information only, not medical advice. BMI does not account for muscle mass, body fat, age, sex, or ethnicity. Categories are the WHO adult ranges; children and teens use BMI-for-age percentiles.

BMI categories for adults (WHO)

BMICategory
Below 18.5Underweight
18.5 – 24.9Healthy weight
25 – 29.9Overweight
30 – 34.9Obesity class I
35 – 39.9Obesity class II
40 or higherObesity class III

Healthy weight range by height (BMI 18.5–24.9)

HeightWeight range
4′ 10″ (147 cm)89–119 lb (40.2–54 kg)
5′ 0″ (152 cm)95–127 lb (43–57.8 kg)
5′ 2″ (157 cm)101–136 lb (45.9–61.8 kg)
5′ 4″ (163 cm)108–145 lb (48.9–65.8 kg)
5′ 6″ (168 cm)115–154 lb (52–70 kg)
5′ 8″ (173 cm)122–164 lb (55.2–74.3 kg)
5′ 10″ (178 cm)129–174 lb (58.5–78.7 kg)
6′ 0″ (183 cm)136–184 lb (61.9–83.3 kg)
6′ 2″ (188 cm)144–194 lb (65.4–88 kg)
6′ 4″ (193 cm)152–205 lb (68.9–92.8 kg)

Worked examples

  1. 5 ft 9 in, 160 lb

    • 160 × 0.4536 = 72.6 kg
    • 69 in × 2.54 = 175.3 cm
    • 72.6 ÷ 1.753²

    → BMI 23.6 (Healthy weight)

  2. 5 ft 4 in, 140 lb

    • 63.5 kg ÷ 1.626²

    → BMI 24.0 (Healthy weight)

  3. 180 cm, 85 kg

    • 85 ÷ 1.8²

    → BMI 26.2 (Overweight)

  4. US formula shortcut

    • 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height (in)²
    • 703 × 160 ÷ 69²

    → 23.6

How BMI is calculated

  • Metric: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²
  • US units: BMI = 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height (in)²
  • The result is rounded to one decimal place.

Limits of BMI

BMI does not measure body fat directly. Muscular people can have a high BMI without excess fat, and older adults can have a normal BMI with low muscle mass. Some health organizations use lower cut-offs for people of Asian descent.

For children and teens (ages 2–19), BMI is compared with growth charts as a BMI-for-age percentile instead of these adult categories. Talk to a healthcare professional about your individual health.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate BMI in pounds and inches?

Multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide by your height in inches squared. For 160 lb and 5 ft 9 in (69 in): 703 × 160 ÷ 4,761 ≈ 23.6.

What is a healthy BMI?

For adults, the WHO healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9. 25–29.9 is overweight and 30 or more is in the obesity range.

What should I weigh for my height?

The calculator shows the weight range for a BMI of 18.5–24.9 at your height. For 5 ft 9 in that is 125–169 lb (56.8–76.5 kg).

Is BMI different for men and women?

The adult formula and categories are the same for men and women, although body composition differs. Children and teens use sex- and age-specific percentiles.

Is BMI accurate for athletes?

Not always. BMI cannot tell muscle from fat, so very muscular people may be classed as overweight. Waist size or body-fat measurements give extra context.

Is my data saved?

No. Height and weight stay in your browser and are not stored or sent.