How to use
- Choose US units (pounds, feet and inches) or metric units (kilograms and centimeters).
- Enter your height and weight.
- Read your BMI, its category and the healthy weight range for your height. The marker on the scale shows where you are.
- Copy the result or share it as an image if you want to keep a record.
Adult BMI categories
BMI (body mass index) is your weight divided by your height squared. For adults aged 20 and older, the CDC and the World Health Organization use the same categories for men and women of every age:
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25.0 to 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obesity |
Healthy weight range by height
The healthy range is the weight that gives a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 at your height. Some examples, as the calculator works them out:
| Height | Healthy weight | BMI 30 starts at |
|---|---|---|
| 5'4" | 107.8 – 145.1 lb | 174.8 lb |
| 5'9" | 125.3 – 168.6 lb | 203.2 lb |
| 6'0" | 136.4 – 183.6 lb | 221.2 lb |
What BMI does not tell you
BMI is a quick screening number, not a diagnosis. It does not separate muscle from fat, so a muscular person can read as overweight, and an older adult who has lost muscle can read as healthy while carrying extra fat.
Where the weight sits also matters. The NIH notes that a waist larger than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women (not pregnant), raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease at any BMI. If your BMI or waist is above the healthy range, a doctor can check blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol to give the full picture.
For children and teens under 20, BMI is compared with growth charts by age and sex, so the adult categories above do not apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI for adults?
A BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 is in the healthy weight range for adults aged 20 and older, for both men and women.
How do I calculate BMI in pounds and inches?
Multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide by your height in inches squared. A person who is 5'9" (69 inches) and weighs 180 lb has a BMI of 180 × 703 ÷ (69 × 69) = 26.6, in the overweight range.
Is BMI different for women, men or older adults?
The adult categories are the same for everyone 20 and older. Women naturally carry more body fat than men at the same BMI, and older adults often have less muscle, which is one reason doctors look at waist size and other health measures as well.
Are BMI cutoffs different for Asian adults?
Yes. At the same BMI, people of Asian descent tend to carry more body fat and face a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, so a WHO expert panel recommended lower action points. The Asia-Pacific scale used in Vietnam and much of Asia treats 18.5–22.9 as normal, 23–24.9 as overweight and 25 or more as obese. For an adult 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) tall, that puts the top of the normal range at about 58.6 kg (129 lbs) instead of 63.7 kg (140 lbs). Choose Asian under Cutoffs in the calculator to use this scale.
Is my height and weight saved?
No. The calculation runs in your browser and the numbers are not sent anywhere.
