About BMI
This BMI calculator works out your Body Mass Index in either metric (kilograms and centimetres) or standard/imperial (pounds, feet and inches) units, and shows your weight category. BMI is a quick screening measure of whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height. It runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How BMI works
How to use it
- Choose Metric or Standard (imperial) units.
- Enter your weight and height.
- Read your BMI and weight category.
The formula
Metric: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². Imperial: BMI = 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height (in)². The 703 factor converts pounds-and-inches into the same scale as the metric formula.
Worked example
Metric: 70 kg, 175 cm (1.75 m): 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 70 ÷ 3.0625 = 22.9 → Normal weight.
Imperial: 154 lb, 5 ft 9 in (69 in): 703 × 154 ÷ (69 × 69) = 108,262 ÷ 4,761 = 22.7 → Normal weight.
BMI categories
Under 18.5 = underweight, 18.5–24.9 = normal, 25–29.9 = overweight, 30 and over = obese. BMI is a guide only — it does not account for muscle, bone density, age or sex, so athletes and others may sit outside the "normal" band while being healthy.
Examples
| Input | BMI |
|---|---|
70 kg, 175 cm | 22.9 (Normal) |
90 kg, 180 cm | 27.8 (Overweight) |
55 kg, 170 cm | 19.0 (Normal) |
Common uses
- Calculate BMI in metric units
- Calculate BMI in imperial/standard units
- Check your weight category
- Track BMI over time
- Screen weight against height
- Use kg and cm or lb and ft/in
- Get a quick health indicator
- Compare BMI to the healthy range