What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely-used screening tool adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a standard measure of healthy weight. It provides a quick, cost-free way to assess whether a person's weight falls within a healthy range for their height.
While BMI does not directly measure body fat, research consistently shows that higher BMI values correlate with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and certain cancers. It remains one of the most practical first-step tools for health assessment at both the individual and population level.
How to Calculate BMI
The BMI formula divides your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. For a person weighing 70 kg at 1.75 m tall: 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.9 — a normal weight result. In imperial units, the same calculation uses pounds and inches with a conversion factor of 703.
What Is a Healthy BMI by Age?
For adults aged 18–65, the WHO defines a healthy BMI as 18.5–24.9. Research suggests adults over 65 may maintain optimal health at slightly higher values (around 22–27), as modest extra weight can be protective against bone loss and illness recovery. This calculator applies a small age-based adjustment for users over 40 and over 60.
BMI Standards for Indians (WHO South-East Asia)
Interestingly, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian health authorities often suggest slightly different BMI thresholds for Asian and Indian populations. Due to a higher predisposition toward abdominal obesity and metabolic risks even at lower weights, a BMI of **23 or above** is often considered overweight in India, compared to 25 globally. Our calculator provides a universal view while allowing you to interpret results according to both global and regional standards.
Convert Units Seamlessly: Kg, Lbs, CM, and Feet
Whether you prefer the Metric system (common in India and Europe) or the Imperial system (popular in the USA and UK), we have you covered. Use our toggles to instantly switch between:
- Weight: Kilograms (kg) to Pounds (lbs)
- Height: Centimetres (cm) to Feet and Inches
Our precision formulas ensure your conversions are accurate to the decimal, helping you track your health journey whether you are using a local clinic report or a global fitness app.
BMI Calculator for Women vs Men
Although the BMI formula is identical for men and women, body composition differs significantly between sexes. Women naturally carry 5–10% more body fat than men at the same BMI due to hormonal differences. This calculator includes separate gender-specific ideal weight formulas (Robinson, Devine, Miller) so women receive more accurate ideal weight estimates.
Why is this the Best BMI Calculator?
When looking for the best BMI calculator online, accuracy and personalization are paramount. Our tool stands out by integrating:
- Scientific Precision: Based on the latest WHO and Indian health guidelines.
- All-in-One Utility: Includes ideal weight, body fat estimation, and localized standards.
- User-First Design: Ad-free, fast, and fully responsive across all devices.
- Free & Accessible: No sign-up required, providing instant clinical-grade results for everyone.