Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple health tool that helps you determine if your weight is healthy for your height. Use our free BMI calculator below to find out your current BMI and weight status.
BMI Formula
Formula: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²)
What is Body Mass Index (BMI) and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used method to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight relative to their height. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The resulting number helps categorize individuals into various weight status groups: underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Understanding your BMI is important because it provides a quick estimate of your overall health status. People with a higher BMI are generally at greater risk for conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. Meanwhile, a BMI that is too low may indicate malnutrition or other underlying health issues.
It’s important to remember that while BMI is a useful general indicator, it is not a perfect measure. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass, nor does it account for age, gender, or ethnicity. For instance, athletes or bodybuilders may have a high BMI due to increased muscle mass, but they are not necessarily overweight or unhealthy.
Our free BMI calculator provides a quick and easy way to check your BMI using your height in centimeters and weight in kilograms. This tool can be helpful if you’re monitoring your weight, starting a new diet plan, or working with a fitness or health professional.
If your BMI falls outside the normal range (18.5–24.9), consider consulting a healthcare provider. They can perform more detailed assessments, such as body fat percentage or waist-to-hip ratio, to better understand your health status.
Use this BMI calculator as a starting point for better understanding your health. Combine it with other health metrics and professional advice to make informed decisions about your diet, exercise, and wellness goals.