⚖️ Free · Instant · Metric & Imperial

BMI
Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) instantly. Find out if your weight is in the healthy range according to WHO guidelines.

Metric (kg / cm) Imperial (lb / ft)
Underweight
< 18.5
Normal
18.5–24.9
Overweight
25–29.9
Obese
≥ 30

Free BMI Calculator — Calculate Your Body Mass Index

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used screening tool that estimates body fat based on height and weight. Our free BMI calculator works for both metric (kilograms and centimetres) and imperial (pounds, feet and inches) measurements, and gives you an instant result with your BMI category according to WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines.

Simply enter your weight and height, click calculate, and you'll see your BMI number along with your category — Underweight, Normal weight, Overweight, or Obese — plus a description of what it means for your health.

BMI categories according to the WHO

The World Health Organisation classifies BMI into four main categories for adults over 18. A BMI below 18.5 is considered underweight, which may indicate nutritional deficiency or other health issues. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal or healthy weight. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 indicates overweight. A BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese, which is further divided into Class I (30–34.9), Class II (35–39.9) and Class III (40+).

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has important limitations. It does not directly measure body fat — it cannot distinguish between muscle mass and fat. A highly muscular athlete may have a high BMI without being overweight in terms of body fat. BMI also doesn't account for age-related changes in muscle and fat distribution, gender differences in body composition, or where fat is stored in the body (abdominal fat is more dangerous than fat in other areas).

For a more complete picture of health, BMI should be considered alongside other measurements such as waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and body fat percentage. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised health advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a healthy BMI for adults?
According to the WHO, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for adults. However, ideal BMI can vary by age, sex and ethnicity — some studies suggest that Asian populations have higher health risks at lower BMI values.
Is BMI the same for men and women?
The same BMI scale is used for both men and women, but at the same BMI, women typically have more body fat than men. Some healthcare providers use sex-specific adjustments when interpreting BMI results.
Can BMI be used for children?
For children and teenagers, standard adult BMI categories don't apply. Instead, BMI-for-age percentile charts are used, which compare a child's BMI against other children of the same age and sex. This calculator is designed for adults over 18.
What should I do if my BMI is outside the healthy range?
If your BMI is outside the healthy range, consult your doctor or a healthcare professional. They can assess your overall health, consider factors like muscle mass and age, and recommend appropriate steps if needed. BMI is a starting point for conversation, not a diagnosis.

Other Free Calculators