BMI Calculator for Adults

Calculating BMI

BMI is a way of measuring a person’s weight relative to his or her height. BMI expresses how thick or thin a person is in simple numeric terms, and allows doctors and other health professionals to discuss weight objectively on a standardized scale.

BMI Formulas

This BMI calculator converts units to satisfy the following BMI formula calculations.

• Metric units: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m)
• US units: BMI = (weight (lb) ÷ height² (in)) * 703

Normal Weight Range

Normal weight BMI is 18.5 to 24.9. To calculate your normal weight range use the following:

• Metric units:
  minimum weight (kg) = 18.5 × height² (m)
  maximum weight (kg) = 24.9 × height² (m)
• US units:
  minimum weight (lb) = (18.5 ÷ 703) × height² (in)
  maximum weight (lb) = (24.9 ÷ 703) × height² (in)

Example 1 (Calculating BMI in metric units)

Matilda weighs 64 kg and is 1.9 meters tall. What is her BMI?

• BMI = w ÷ h²
• BMI = 64 ÷ 1.9²
• BMI = 64 ÷ 3.61
• BMI = 17.7

Example 2 (Calculating BMI in US units)

Stanley weighs 184 lb and is 5 feet, 10 inches tall. What is his BMI?

• 5 feet, 10 inches = 70 inches
• BMI = (w ÷ h²) * 703
• BMI = (184 ÷ 70²) * 703
• BMI = (184 ÷ 4900) * 703
• BMI = 0.3755 * 703
• BMI = 26.4

Although BMI is calculated the same way worldwide for all ages, the way an individual’s BMI is interpreted depending on location and the person’s age:

• In many Southeast Asian countries, the thresholds for the overweight and obese categories tend to be lower. For example, in Singapore and Hong Kong a BMI of 23.0 is considered overweight, whereas in the United States a BMI of 25 is considered overweight.
• Children and adolescents are not evaluated using these thresholds at all, but are evaluated relative to others of the same age and gender:

Keep in mind that BMI is a ratio between height and total body weight – it does not differentiate between weight from muscle and weight from fat, nor does it consider an individual’s body frame type. BMI is one of several tools used to assess a person’s weight and overall health. If you are concerned about your weight, it is best to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional.

References

• “Body Mass Index,” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
• “Healthy Weight,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

source:calculatorsoup