What is BMI (UK)?
The UK BMI Calculator uses stones, pounds, feet, and inches — the units most commonly used in everyday life in Britain. BMI (Body Mass Index) is recommended by the NHS as a simple way to check whether you are a healthy weight for your height.
According to NHS data, 64% of adults in England are overweight or obese. The NHS uses BMI alongside waist circumference to assess health risks. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy by the NHS.
The NHS provides free weight management support through your GP, and the NHS Weight Loss Plan app offers a 12-week programme. If your BMI is 30+, you may be eligible for specialist weight management services through the NHS.
Note: BMI is a general guide and doesn't account for muscle mass, ethnicity, or body composition. The NHS recommends that people of Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean heritage use lower BMI thresholds: overweight at 23+, obese at 27.5+.
Formula
BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²
Conversion: 1 stone = 14 pounds = 6.35 kg 1 foot = 12 inches = 0.3048 m
Example — 11 stone, 5'9": Weight = 11 × 6.35 = 69.85 kg Height = (5×12+9) × 0.0254 = 1.753 m BMI = 69.85 / 1.753² = 22.7 (Healthy weight)
NHS BMI Categories: - Below 18.5: Underweight - 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy weight - 25 – 29.9: Overweight - 30 – 39.9: Obese - 40+: Severely obese
Healthy weight ranges (UK units): - 5'4": 7st 11lb – 10st 5lb - 5'7": 8st 6lb – 11st 5lb - 5'9": 8st 13lb – 12st 0lb - 5'11": 9st 6lb – 12st 9lb - 6'1": 9st 13lb – 13st 5lb
How to use this BMI Calculator (UK)?
1. Enter your weight in stones and additional pounds. 2. Enter your height in feet and inches. 3. See your BMI, NHS category, and healthy weight range in stones.
If you only know your weight in kg: 1 kg = 0.157 stones. 70 kg ≈ 11 stone.