Your body mass index, or BMI, is calculated by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches, dividing that number by your height in inches again, then multiplying the result by 703. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs. and are 5’7”, your BMI is 23.5. Our body mass index calculator makes it easy to figure your BMI and if your BMI is within the normal range.
What Your Body Mass Index Tells You
Your body mass index, in essence, tells you the level of your body fat without having to rely upon other methods, such as a skin-fold test. When you utilize our body mass index calculator, you want your BMI to fall within the normal range. If your BMI is below 18.5, you are considered underweight and should think about gaining weight in order to lead a healthy, energetic life. If your BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9, you have a healthy BMI. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and anything above 30 is considered obese.
You should be aware that our body mass index calculator is meant for adults age 20 and above; children and teen should refer to the Centers for Disease Control for age- and sex-specific BMI calculations.
People with a high BMI are at much higher risk for diseases such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, sleep apnea, arthritis, gallbladder and liver diseases, pregnancy complications, and more.
Other Factors to Consider
The body mass index calculator, along with ideal body weight calculator and daily calorie calculator provided on this site is an excellent place to begin in evaluating the overall health of your body and your lifestyle. However, while a BMI value is usually quite accurate, there are some other factors you should take into consideration.
For example, an athlete in very good shape may have a high BMI, because muscle weighs more than fat. This athlete may appear to be overweight but in fact their BMI value is misleading. Women and senior citizens also tend to have a higher percentage of body fat, but this does not mean that their weight is unhealthy.
If your BMI shows that you are overweight or obese, you should consult your physician to discuss dietary and exercise options that you can work in to your life.
Check our Harris Benedict Formula page to learn more about BMI and BMR … or find your BMI right away using the BMI Body Mass Index Calculator on our website.