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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:

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:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a normal BMI range?
A normal (healthy) BMI for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is classified as obese according to WHO guidelines.
How is BMI calculated?
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²). In imperial: BMI = 703 × weight (lbs) ÷ height² (inches²). For example, a person weighing 70 kg at 170 cm has a BMI of 70 ÷ (1.70²) = 24.2 — within the normal range.
What is my ideal weight for my height?
Your ideal weight corresponds to a BMI of 18.5–24.9 for your specific height. For a person who is 5'10" (178 cm), the ideal range is roughly 59–79 kg (130–174 lbs). Use the calculator above for your personalised range.
Does BMI change with age?
The BMI formula is the same for all adults, but interpretation varies. For adults over 60, research suggests a BMI of 22–27 may be optimal. For children and teenagers, BMI is assessed using age- and sex-specific growth percentiles, not adult cut-offs.
Is BMI accurate for women?
BMI uses the same formula for men and women, but women naturally carry more body fat at the same BMI due to hormonal factors. This calculator uses separate gender-specific ideal weight formulas (Robinson, Devine, Miller) for more accurate female targets. Always consult a healthcare professional for a full body composition assessment.
What are the limitations of BMI?
BMI does not distinguish between fat mass and muscle mass — muscular athletes may be classified as overweight despite low body fat. It also doesn't account for fat distribution; visceral (abdominal) fat is more health-damaging than subcutaneous fat. BMI is best used as a first-step screening tool alongside waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood tests.
How is ideal weight calculated?
This calculator incorporates four clinically-recognised formulas to determine weight targets:

Robinson (1983) – The most widely cited formula for general use.
Devine (1974) – The standard used in pharmacological dosing.
Miller (1983) – Often preferred for those with larger body frames.
BMI Method – Targets a BMI of 22, which is the midpoint of the healthy range.
Why is BMI 23 considered overweight in India?
For the Indian and South Asian population, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a lower overweight threshold of 23 and an obesity threshold of 27.5. This is because South Asians often have higher percentages of body fat and visceral adiposity at lower BMI levels, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease compared to global averages.