BMI Calculator – Body Mass Index & Healthy Weight Checker

Use this free BMI calculator and body mass index calculator to quickly check if you are in a healthy weight range for your height. It works as a BMI calculator for women and men, and shows your BMI score plus your healthy weight range.

Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI) and Healthy Weight

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple way to calculate whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height. This BMI calculator works as a healthy weight calculator by comparing your BMI to standard ranges and showing whether you are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. While BMI does not measure body fat directly, it is a widely used screening tool for weight‑related health risks.

BMI Categories for Adults (Women and Men)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established BMI ranges for adults (age 20 and older), and they apply to both men and women. Whether you are using this BMI calculator for women or men, the same BMI categories are used to estimate your weight status:

ClassificationBMI Range (kg/m²)
Severe Thinness< 16
Moderate Thinness16 - 17
Mild Thinness17 - 18.5
Normal Weight18.5 - 25
Overweight25 - 30
Obese Class I30 - 35
Obese Class II35 - 40
Obese Class III> 40

Health Risks of Being Overweight

Carrying excess weight can increase the risk of developing several serious health conditions. According to health organizations, being overweight or obese is associated with:

  • High blood pressure and hypertension
  • Elevated LDL cholesterol (often called "bad cholesterol") and reduced HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)
  • Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance
  • Coronary heart disease and cardiovascular problems
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Gallbladder disease and related complications
  • Osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints
  • Sleep apnea and breathing difficulties
  • Higher risk of certain cancers (including endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, and liver cancer)
  • Reduced quality of life and physical mobility
  • Mental health challenges including depression and anxiety
  • Increased overall mortality risk compared to those with a healthy BMI

Maintaining a BMI below 25 kg/m² is generally recommended, though it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual health needs.

Health Risks of Being Underweight

Being underweight also poses health risks and may indicate underlying health issues:

  • Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
  • Anemia (reduced ability to transport oxygen in the blood)
  • Osteoporosis and weakened bones, increasing fracture risk
  • Compromised immune system function
  • Growth and development issues, especially in children and adolescents
  • Reproductive health concerns in women, including hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities
  • Higher risk of miscarriage in the first trimester for underweight women
  • Potential complications during surgical procedures
  • Increased overall mortality risk compared to those with a healthy BMI

If you're concerned about being underweight, especially if the cause isn't clear, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. Being underweight can sometimes indicate underlying conditions that require medical attention.

Understanding BMI Limitations

While BMI is a valuable screening tool, it has limitations and should be considered alongside other health measurements rather than used as the sole indicator of healthy body weight.

For Adults:

  • BMI measures excess body weight, not excess body fat directly
  • It doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body fat distribution
  • Older adults may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI
  • Women typically have more body fat than men at equivalent BMI values
  • Athletes and highly muscular individuals may have higher BMIs due to muscle mass, not excess fat, and may still be at a healthy weight

For Children and Adolescents:

  • BMI interpretation for children considers age, sex, and growth patterns
  • Height and sexual maturation stage can influence BMI in young people
  • BMI is more reliable for identifying obesity in children than for those who are overweight
  • In thin children, BMI differences may reflect variations in fat-free mass

Despite these limitations, BMI remains a useful indicator for approximately 90-95% of the population and should be used in combination with other health assessments to evaluate overall wellness.

How BMI is Calculated

BMI is calculated using your weight and height. The formula varies slightly depending on the measurement system used, but this online BMI calculator does the math for you instantly. You can use it as a quick weight calculator to understand how your current weight compares to a healthy BMI range.

Metric System (International Units):

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m)

Example: For a person weighing 70 kg and 1.75 m tall:
BMI = 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 70 ÷ 3.0625 = 22.9 kg/m²

US Customary Units:

BMI = 703 × weight (lbs) ÷ height² (inches)

Example: For a person weighing 154 lbs and 70 inches tall:
BMI = 703 × 154 ÷ (70 × 70) = 703 × 154 ÷ 4900 = 22.1 kg/m²

Frequently Asked Questions about this BMI Calculator

Is this a free BMI calculator and healthy weight calculator?

Yes. This tool is a completely free BMI calculator and healthy weight calculator. It shows your body mass index and an estimated healthy weight range based on standard BMI categories.

Can I use this BMI calculator for women?

This BMI calculator works for both women and men. BMI ranges are the same for adult women and men, but your individual healthy weight goals should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How does this BMI calculator compare to a weight loss calculator?

A BMI calculator tells you where your current weight sits on the BMI scale, while a weight loss calculator or daily calorie calculator estimates how many calories you should eat to lose, maintain, or gain weight. You can use this BMI tool together with our calorie calculator and TDEE calorie calculator to plan your goals.

Important Note: This free BMI calculator provides a general assessment tool. For personalized weight loss calculator advice, calorie intake guidance, or healthy weight targets, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider or registered dietitian.

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