What Is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a commonly used measurement that compares a person's weight with their height.
BMI can provide a general indication of whether a person's weight falls within a particular range. However, BMI does not directly measure body fat and does not account for every aspect of health.
How to Use the BMI Calculator
Enter your height in centimetres and your weight in kilograms. Then click the Calculate BMI button.
The calculator will calculate your BMI and display the corresponding general BMI category.
BMI Formula
BMI is calculated using the following formula:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²)
For example, if someone weighs 70 kg and is 1.75 metres tall:
BMI = 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) ≈ 22.86.
BMI Categories
For adults, commonly used BMI categories are:
- Under 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy weight
- 25.0 to 29.9: Overweight
- 30.0 and above: Obesity
These ranges are general adult screening categories and should not be treated as a medical diagnosis.
BMI Example
Suppose a person is 170 cm tall and weighs 65 kg. Their height is 1.70 metres.
BMI = 65 ÷ (1.70 × 1.70) ≈ 22.49.
This falls within the commonly used healthy-weight BMI range for adults.
Limitations of BMI
BMI is a simple screening measurement and does not distinguish between muscle, fat, bone mass or other body composition factors.
Athletes and people with higher muscle mass may have a higher BMI without having a high level of body fat. Age, sex, body composition and other health factors can also affect how BMI should be interpreted.
Is This BMI Calculator Free?
Yes. Toolveta's BMI calculator is free to use. No account or registration is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BMI stand for?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index.
What is a healthy BMI?
For adults, a BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 is commonly classified as the healthy-weight range. Individual health should not be assessed using BMI alone.
Can children use the adult BMI categories?
Adult BMI categories should not be applied directly to children and teenagers. BMI interpretation for younger people uses age- and sex-specific growth references.
Can I use this calculator on mobile?
Yes. The BMI calculator works on mobile phones, tablets and desktop computers.
Is BMI a medical diagnosis?
No. BMI is a screening measure and should not be considered a medical diagnosis. For personal health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional.