BMI Calculator — Body Mass Index, Category & Healthy Range

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) from height and weight. See your BMI category, healthy weight range, and what it means. Free, instant results with chart.

Unit System
lbs
Sex

Your BMI

24.4

Normal

BMI Prime

0.98

Healthy Weight Range

129 lbs - 174 lbs

BMI Categories

Underweight< 18.5
Normal weight18.5 - 24.9
Overweight25.0 - 29.9
Obese30.0+

Medical disclaimer: BMI is a screening tool based on the formula defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and used by the CDC. It does not directly measure body fat and may not be accurate for athletes, elderly individuals, pregnant women, or those with high muscle mass.

BMI should not be used as a diagnostic tool. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for a complete health assessment including body composition, waist circumference, and metabolic health markers.

Use the BMI Calculator — Body Mass Index, Category & Healthy Range above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our BMI Calculator helps you quickly determine your Body Mass Index (BMI) using your height and weight. Understanding your BMI is a crucial first step in assessing your overall health and identifying potential risks, especially as global health guidelines for weight management continue to evolve in 2026. This tool provides your BMI category, a personalized healthy weight range, and an explanation of what these numbers mean for your well-being.

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated using a straightforward formula: weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of height (in meters) (BMI = kg/m²). For those using imperial measurements, the formula is weight (in pounds) divided by the square of height (in inches), multiplied by 703 (BMI = (lbs / in²) * 703). This standardized metric provides a population-level assessment of weight relative to height, offering a quick indicator of potential health risks.

While BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn't directly measure body fat or account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Therefore, highly muscular individuals might have a high BMI without being overweight, and conversely, individuals with low muscle mass might have a 'healthy' BMI but an unhealthy body fat percentage. Always consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive health assessment, as BMI is just one piece of the puzzle.

Example: Sarah's BMI Calculation

  1. 1 Sarah, a 30-year-old, is 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 meters) tall and weighs 140 pounds (63.5 kilograms).
  2. 2 Using the metric formula: BMI = 63.5 kg / (1.65 m * 1.65 m) = 63.5 / 2.7225 = 23.32. Using the imperial formula: BMI = (140 lbs / (65 in * 65 in)) * 703 = (140 / 4225) * 703 = 0.03313 * 703 = 23.31.
  3. 3 Sarah's calculated BMI is approximately 23.3.
  4. 4 Based on her BMI of 23.3, Sarah falls into the 'Normal weight' category (18.5 - 24.9). Her healthy weight range, considering her height, would be between 108 lbs and 145 lbs (49 kg and 66 kg).

Source: CDC · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a healthy BMI range?
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is classified as obese. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure.
Is BMI accurate for muscular people?
No. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass. Athletes and muscular individuals often have a high BMI despite low body fat. Waist circumference or body fat percentage may be more accurate for them.
How is BMI calculated?
BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. In US units, it is weight in pounds times 703 divided by height in inches squared.