Calculate your Body Mass Index " find out if you're at a healthy weight
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple numerical value calculated from your height and weight. It is widely used by doctors, dietitians, and health organisations worldwide to screen for weight-related health risks. While BMI is not a direct measure of body fat, it provides a quick and reliable indicator to classify whether a person is underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese.
Our calculator supports both metric (kg/cm) and imperial (lbs/inches) inputs, and gives you your BMI value along with your category and a personalised health tip.
India-specific note: Studies suggest Indians are at higher metabolic risk at lower BMI values. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends a healthy BMI range of 18.0 " 22.9 for Indians.
Given: Weight = 70 kg, Height = 1.70 m
Step 1: Square the height ? 1.70 A 1.70 = 2.89 m
Step 2: Divide weight by h ? 70 2.89 = BMI 24.2
Result: BMI 24.2 falls in the Normal / Healthy range ?
BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations for Indians. Research shows that South Asians develop metabolic complications like diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels compared to Caucasians. The standard WHO cutoff of 25 for overweight may be too high for Indians " ICMR recommends treating BMI ?? 23 as overweight for Indian adults.
BMI for children (age 2"19) is calculated the same way but interpreted using age- and sex-specific growth charts, not the adult categories. A child's BMI is expressed as a percentile. This calculator is designed for adults (18+). For children, please consult a paediatrician.
BMI doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, or age. A muscular athlete may have a "high" BMI but be very healthy, while an elderly person with low muscle might have a "normal" BMI but high body fat. Always combine BMI with waist circumference, blood tests, and a doctor's consultation for a complete health picture.
To lower BMI, you need to reduce body fat through a calorie deficit (eating fewer calories than you burn) combined with regular physical activity. Even a 5"10% reduction in body weight can significantly reduce health risks. Use our Calorie Calculator and TDEE Calculator to plan your diet.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical measure of a person's weight relative to their height. It is widely used by healthcare professionals as a quick screening tool to identify potential weight-related health risks. BMI applies to adults aged 20 and older.
BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²
For imperial units: BMI = Weight (lbs) × 703 / Height (inches)²
Below 18.5: Underweight — may indicate malnutrition or underlying health issues.
18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight — associated with lowest health risks.
25.0 – 29.9: Overweight — increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.
30.0+: Obese — significantly higher health risks including diabetes and heart disease.
Weight: 70 kg | Height: 175 cm (1.75 m)
BMI = 70 / (1.75 × 1.75) = 70 / 3.0625 = 22.86 (Normal)
BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but low body fat. It works best as a general indicator for the average adult population.
The World Health Organization considers a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 as normal/healthy weight. This range is associated with the lowest risk of weight-related diseases.
Check BMI every 3-6 months if you are actively managing your weight. For general health, an annual check during routine medical exams is sufficient.