BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index to assess your weight category.
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Understanding Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Our BMI Calculator helps you determine if your weight is in a healthy range for your height, providing a key indicator of your overall health.
What is a BMI Calculator?
A Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator is a simple health tool that measures your body fat based on your height and weight. It provides a single number that is used to categorize your weight as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it is a widely used and reliable screening tool for identifying potential weight-related health problems.
How It Works: The BMI Formula
The calculator uses the standard Quetelet index formula:
BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²
BMI = [weight (lbs) / (height (in))²] × 703 (for imperial units)
Interpreting Your BMI Result
The calculated BMI value falls into one of the following standard weight status categories:
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9: Normal or Healthy Weight
- 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
- 30.0 and Above: Obese
Common Health Myths
- Myth 1: Muscle weighs more than fat. A pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat. The difference is density; muscle is denser and takes up less space. This is why a muscular person can have a high BMI and still be very lean.
- Myth 2: You can target fat loss in specific areas. Spot reduction is not possible. When you lose weight, your body decides where the fat comes from. A combination of total-body strength training and cardiovascular exercise is the best approach.
- Myth 3: BMI is a perfect measure of health. BMI is a useful screening tool, but it doesn't account for body composition (muscle vs. fat), bone density, or fat distribution. It should be used as one piece of a larger health assessment conducted by a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is BMI calculated?
BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). Our calculator handles the conversion from pounds and inches automatically.
What is a healthy BMI?
For most adults, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is classified as obese.
Is BMI an accurate measure of health?
BMI is a useful screening tool for potential weight problems in a population, but it doesn't tell the whole story for an individual. It doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle mass. For example, a very muscular athlete could have a high BMI but be perfectly healthy. It should be used as one data point among others, in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Is there a different BMI calculator for men and women?
The BMI calculation formula is the same for adult men and women. The interpretation of the result is also generally the same, though women naturally have a higher body fat percentage than men at the same BMI.
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