Ad — 728×90
🇺🇸United States

BMI Calculator

Calculate your BMI using pounds and feet/inches.

lbs
ft
in

Results

Your BMI23.6
CategoryNormal weight
Healthy Weight Min (lbs)125
Healthy Weight Max (lbs)169
Ad — 300×250

What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a screening measure that uses your height and weight to estimate whether you are at a healthy weight. The CDC uses BMI to classify adults into weight categories: underweight, normal, overweight, and obese.

This US version uses pounds and feet/inches (the imperial system) for convenience. The BMI formula with imperial units includes a conversion factor of 703.

According to the CDC, 41.9% of American adults are obese (BMI 30+) and an additional 30.7% are overweight (BMI 25-29.9). Maintaining a healthy BMI reduces your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers.

BMI has limitations — it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, body fat distribution, age, or gender. Athletes and muscular individuals may have high BMI despite low body fat. For a more complete picture, consider waist circumference (men under 40 inches, women under 35 inches) and body fat percentage.

Formula

BMI = (Weight in pounds / (Height in inches)²) × 703

Example — 160 lbs, 5'9": Height = 5×12 + 9 = 69 inches BMI = (160 / 69²) × 703 = (160 / 4761) × 703 = 23.6 (Normal weight)

BMI Categories (CDC/WHO): - 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

Healthy weight ranges: - 5'4": 108–145 lbs - 5'6": 115–154 lbs - 5'9": 125–168 lbs - 5'10": 129–174 lbs - 6'0": 136–183 lbs

How to use this BMI Calculator?

1. Enter your weight in pounds. 2. Enter height in feet and inches. 3. See your BMI, category, and healthy weight range.

Note: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one. Consult your doctor for a complete health assessment.

Frequently asked questions

What is a healthy BMI?
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy by the CDC. However, this is a general guideline — individual health depends on many factors including body composition, fitness level, and family history.
Is BMI accurate for athletes?
No. BMI overestimates body fat in muscular individuals. A 6'0" athlete weighing 220 lbs has a BMI of 29.8 (overweight) but may have only 10% body fat. Body fat percentage is more accurate for athletes.
What percentage of Americans are obese?
According to the CDC, 41.9% of US adults are obese (BMI 30+) as of 2024. Including overweight, about 73% of adults have a BMI above the normal range.
Does BMI differ by race or ethnicity?
Research shows that health risks at the same BMI vary by race/ethnicity. Asian Americans may face higher health risks at lower BMI values, while Black Americans may have lower body fat at the same BMI compared to white Americans.
How do I convert between metric and imperial for BMI?
1 kg = 2.205 lbs. 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Or simply use both formulas: Metric BMI = kg/m², Imperial BMI = (lbs/in²) × 703. Both give the same result.
At what BMI should I see a doctor?
See a doctor if BMI is below 18.5 (underweight) or above 30 (obese). Also consult if BMI is 25-29.9 and you have risk factors like family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or waist circumference above guidelines.
Ad — 728×90