What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple, standardized tool used globally to estimate whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height. While it does not directly measure body fat, it uses a mathematical relationship between weight and height to categorize individuals into underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese categories, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
How is it Calculated?
The universal formula for BMI is straightforward: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared (kg/m²). If you use imperial measurements (pounds and inches), the formula is your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared, multiplied by a conversion factor of 703. Because doing these calculations manually is tedious, our BMI Calculator does the math for you instantly.
Limitations of BMI
It's important to remember that BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one. Because the formula relies purely on height and weight, it cannot distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass. This means athletes or muscular individuals may have a high BMI despite having low body fat. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a complete assessment of your personal health metrics.