Enter your height and weight to get your body mass index, your category under both the WHO and the Asian / Indian standard, and the healthy weight range for your height. Metric or imperial.
How BMI is calculated
Body mass index is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared: BMI = kg ÷ m². In imperial units it is 703 × lb ÷ in². A 165 cm, 60 kg adult has a BMI of 60 ÷ 1.65² = 22.0. The calculator converts imperial entries to metric first, then applies whichever category standard you choose.
BMI categories
| BMI (kg/m²) | WHO category | Asian / Indian guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 22.9 | Normal weight | Normal weight |
| 23.0 – 24.9 | Normal weight | Overweight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Obese |
| 30.0 and above | Obese (classes I–III from 30, 35 and 40) | Obese |
The Asian / Indian cut-offs (normal up to 22.9, overweight from 23, obese from 25) come from WHO’s Asian BMI review and the Indian consensus guidelines, which found that South Asians carry more body fat and cardiometabolic risk at a lower BMI than Europeans. The calculator shows both so you can see where you fall under each.
What BMI does not tell you
- Body composition — muscle and fat weigh the same on the scale
- Fat distribution — waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio add this; see the body shape calculator
- Children and teenagers — they use age- and sex-specific percentile charts, not adult cut-offs
- Pregnancy, very tall or very short adults, and elite athletes — BMI is least reliable here
This calculator is for general information only and is not medical advice. Results are estimates based on population formulas; speak to a doctor or registered dietitian before changing your diet, training or medication.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI?
18.5 to 24.9 under the WHO standard. Indian guidelines treat 18.5 to 22.9 as normal and 23 to 24.9 as overweight because health risks rise earlier in South Asian populations.
Is BMI different for men and women?
The formula and adult cut-offs are the same for both. Women naturally carry more body fat at the same BMI, which is one reason BMI is only a screening tool.
What is BMI Prime?
Your BMI divided by 25, the upper limit of the normal range. 1.00 means you are at that limit; 0.90 means 10% below it; 1.20 means 20% above it.
How do I calculate BMI by hand?
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres, then divide by your height again. For 70 kg and 1.75 m: 70 ÷ 1.75 ÷ 1.75 = 22.9.
Should models use BMI?
Only as one general health marker. Fashion weeks in several countries set a minimum BMI of 18 or 18.5 for runway models; the figure is about health, not suitability for work. ZJELL Models does not screen portfolios by BMI.
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