BMI Calculator
BMI is a quick screening tool for body weight relative to height. While it has limitations (it doesn't account for muscle mass or distribution), it's widely used to flag potential weight-related health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a healthy BMI range?+
According to the WHO, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is classified as obese. Asian guidelines often use slightly lower cutoffs (23 for overweight, 27.5 for obese) due to different body composition.
Is BMI an accurate measure of health?+
BMI is a useful population-level screening tool but has well-known limitations. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat — a very muscular person may be classified as overweight. It also does not account for fat distribution (abdominal fat is more health-significant than fat elsewhere).
Can children use this BMI calculator?+
This calculator is designed for adults (18+). For children and teenagers, BMI is interpreted differently using age- and sex-specific percentiles. Consult a paediatrician for a proper assessment.
How do I lower my BMI?+
BMI decreases when you reduce body fat through a combination of a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity. Sustainable weight loss is generally 0.5–1 kg per week. Consult the Calorie Deficit Calculator on this site to estimate a safe daily calorie target.