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BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index and understand your weight category.

kg
cm

Results

Your BMI24.2
CategoryNormal weight
Healthy Weight Min53.5
Healthy Weight Max72
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What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple screening measure that uses your height and weight to estimate whether you are at a healthy weight. Developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s, BMI is now the most widely used tool by doctors, health organizations, and insurance companies worldwide to assess weight-related health risks.

The formula is straightforward: divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. A BMI of 22 is generally considered ideal. However, for Asian Indians, the WHO recommends lower cutoffs because studies show that Indians tend to have higher body fat percentage, more abdominal fat, and greater risk of diabetes and heart disease at the same BMI compared to Caucasians.

This is why an Indian with a BMI of 24 (considered 'normal' by international standards) may actually be at elevated health risk. The revised Asian Indian cutoffs classify BMI 23-24.9 as 'overweight' and 25+ as 'obese' — lower than the international thresholds of 25 and 30 respectively.

BMI has limitations. It does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass, so athletes and bodybuilders may have a high BMI despite being very fit. It also does not account for fat distribution — abdominal fat (measured by waist circumference) is more dangerous than fat on hips and thighs. For a more complete picture, use BMI alongside our Body Fat Calculator and Waist-Hip Ratio Calculator.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), about 24% of Indian men and 24% of Indian women are overweight or obese. The prevalence is higher in urban areas and southern states. Maintaining a healthy BMI reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.

Want to calculate your daily calorie needs for weight management? Try our Calorie Calculator or BMR Calculator.

Formula

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²

Step-by-step example — Weight 75 kg, Height 170 cm: Step 1: Convert height to meters: 170 cm = 1.70 m Step 2: Square the height: 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89 Step 3: Divide weight by squared height: 75 / 2.89 = 25.95 BMI = 26.0 (Overweight by both Indian and WHO standards)

BMI Categories — WHO International: - Below 18.5: Underweight - 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight - 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight - 30.0 – 34.9: Obese Class I - 35.0 – 39.9: Obese Class II - 40.0+: Obese Class III (Morbidly Obese)

BMI Categories — Asian Indian (recommended): - Below 18.5: Underweight - 18.5 – 22.9: Normal weight - 23.0 – 24.9: Overweight (At Risk) - 25.0+: Obese

Healthy weight range for common heights: - 160 cm: 47–64 kg (BMI 18.5–24.9) - 165 cm: 50–68 kg - 170 cm: 53–72 kg - 175 cm: 57–76 kg - 180 cm: 60–81 kg

How to use this BMI Calculator?

1. Enter your Weight in kilograms. If you know your weight in pounds, divide by 2.205 to convert to kg.

2. Enter your Height in centimeters. Common conversions: 5'0" = 152 cm, 5'4" = 163 cm, 5'6" = 168 cm, 5'8" = 173 cm, 5'10" = 178 cm, 6'0" = 183 cm.

3. Read Results: The calculator shows your BMI value, your weight category, and the healthy weight range (minimum and maximum) for your height.

Important: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. A high BMI does not automatically mean you are unhealthy — athletes with high muscle mass may have elevated BMI. Conversely, a normal BMI does not guarantee good health if you have high visceral fat. Consult a doctor for a complete health assessment.

Frequently asked questions

What is a healthy BMI for Indians?
For Indians and other Asian populations, a BMI between 18.5-22.9 is considered normal. BMI 23-24.9 is classified as 'overweight' for Asians (vs 25-29.9 internationally). This is because Indians have higher body fat percentage and metabolic risk at lower BMI values compared to Western populations.
Is BMI accurate for athletes and bodybuilders?
No. BMI cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. A muscular person weighing 90 kg at 180 cm has a BMI of 27.8 (overweight), but may have only 12% body fat and be extremely fit. For athletes, body fat percentage (measured via calipers or DEXA scan) is a better indicator.
How can I reduce my BMI?
To lower BMI healthily: (1) Create a moderate calorie deficit of 500 cal/day for ~0.5 kg/week loss, (2) Exercise 150+ minutes/week of moderate activity (brisk walking, cycling), (3) Eat more protein and fiber to stay full longer, (4) Sleep 7-9 hours for hormonal balance, (5) Reduce processed foods and sugary drinks.
What BMI is considered obese in India?
By Asian Indian standards, BMI 25+ is considered obese. By WHO international standards, BMI 30+ is obese. For Indians, the lower threshold is recommended because metabolic complications (diabetes, heart disease) begin at lower BMI levels in the Indian population.
Does BMI change with age?
BMI itself is not age-adjusted for adults. However, body composition changes with age — you tend to lose muscle and gain fat as you age, even at the same weight. This means an older person may have more body fat than a younger person at the same BMI. For children (2-20 years), BMI is plotted on age-specific growth charts.
What is the ideal BMI for an Indian male/female?
The ideal BMI for Indian adults (both male and female) is 18.5-22.9. A BMI of 21-22 is often cited as optimal. For Indians, waist circumference is equally important: men should keep it below 90 cm and women below 80 cm to reduce metabolic risk.
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