One number, read alongside the full picture of your health
BMI is a simple, widely used screening measure that estimates whether your weight falls within a range generally associated with lower health risk, based on your height and weight. It's a useful starting point, not a complete diagnosis. BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, age, or where fat is distributed on the body, which is why an athlete with high muscle mass can show a higher BMI without carrying excess fat, and why two people with the same BMI can have very different health profiles. Whatever category your result falls into, it's best treated as a prompt for a conversation with a doctor, not a verdict on your health as a whole.
BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index and understand your BMI category.
Your BMI is
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BMI Categories
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obesity |
BMI is a screening measure and does not directly measure body fat. It may not be appropriate for everyone, including children, pregnant women, athletes and people with unusually high muscle mass. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised advice.
What people usually ask before and after checking their BMI
BMI is a useful starting point, but it often raises more questions than it answers on its own. Here are clear answers to what patients most commonly ask about how it's calculated, what it does and doesn't tell you, and what to do with your result.
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is calculated by dividing your weight by the square of your height. It gives a quick estimate of whether your weight falls within a range generally associated with lower health risk.
Not entirely. BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes or very muscular individuals can show a higher BMI without excess body fat. It's also less precise for older adults, children, and pregnant women.
Treat it as a starting point for a conversation, not a conclusion. A doctor can look at your BMI alongside other factors like diet, activity level, and family history to give you an accurate picture.
No. BMI is one indicator among many, and it doesn't account for muscle mass, fat distribution, or overall fitness. Two people with the same BMI can have very different health profiles.
There's no fixed rule, but checking during routine health checkups, rather than frequently on your own, keeps the number in context with your broader health rather than becoming a standalone focus.
This calculator is designed for adults. Children's BMI is interpreted differently, using age and gender specific growth charts, so a pediatrician's assessment is more appropriate for a child's healthy weight range.