The BMI calculator is a user-friendly tool designed to estimate your Body Mass Index (BMI) based on your height and weight. This free online resource allows individuals to determine their weight category—whether underweight, normal, overweight, or obese—by simply entering their measurements.
How the BMI Calculator Works
To use the calculator, you need to select your gender and input your body dimensions. You can enter your weight in either pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg), and your height in feet and inches or centimeters. The calculator then computes your BMI value and indicates the corresponding weight status.Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index is a measure that assesses body fat based on the ratio of weight to height. While it serves as a useful screening tool, it does not provide a precise measurement of body fat and should be interpreted with caution.BMI Categories for Adults
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the following BMI categories apply to adults aged 20 and older:| Category | Healthy BMI Range (kg/m²) |
|---|---|
| Severe Thinness | < 16 |
| Moderate Thinness | 16 - 17 |
| Mild Thinness | 17 - 18.5 |
| Normal | 18.5 - 25 |
| Overweight | 25 - 30 |
| Obese Class I | 30 - 35 |
| Obese Class II | 35 - 40 |
| Obese Class III | > 40 |
BMI Categories for Children and Teens
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides specific BMI categories for children and teenagers:| Category | Percentile Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 5% |
| Healthy Weight | 5% - 85% |
| At Risk of Overweight | 85% - 95% |
| Overweight | > 95% |
