

If you are over 20, a normal BMI is between 18.5 and 25. You can calculate your BMI manually with the BMI formula (above), but a calculator will be the easiest way.

Some BMI calculators use the metric system (centimeters and kilograms), while others use U.S. Make sure you’re using the correct units of measure. All you have to do is figure out your weight and height. BMI = 703 x weight in pounds/height 2 in inchesįor example, if you weigh 125 pounds and are 70 inches tall, this is how you would calculate your BMI:.measurements (pounds and inches) to calculate your BMI, apply the following formula: BMI = weight in kilograms/height 2 in metersįor example, if you weigh 75 kilograms and are 1.9 meters tall, this is how you would calculate your BMI:.The formula for calculating BMI uses the metric system: To calculate your BMI, you can use an online calculator where you simply plug in your height and weight to find out your BMI.( 1) You can also use a BMI formula to do it manually. Health is a complex concept, and BMI is only one of many factors to consider.


You should never look at BMI alone to determine if you are healthy or to guide healthcare decisions. For example, an inactive older person may have a “healthy” BMI, yet they are not actually healthy since they lack muscle.Ĭonversely, many athletes would be considered overweight based on their BMI because of their greater muscle mass. Your age, muscle mass, body fat, activity level, and sex all influence your BMI and should be considered when assessing your health. BMI is only an estimate, and it does not take those other important factors into account-such as the distribution of muscle, bone mass, and fat.įor adults, BMI lacks accuracy when used on its own because it is a measure of weight, not fat. BMI LimitationsĮven though BMI is a useful indicator of health, it is a very general measure and should be used alongside other assessments to gain a fuller picture of a person’s health. It is important to speak with your doctor if you have an abnormally low BMI so that they can check for other health issues and determine a feasible way for you to start gaining weight.
