BMI calculator
Body mass index (BMI) is weight divided by height squared. It screens population-level weight status but misses muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution.
Result
24.2
Category: Normal range
U.S. adult BMI categories (illustrative prevalence)
Rounded snapshot of how BMI categories are distributed among U.S. adults in national surveys. Your BMI category is separate from population shares. Educational illustration only — not a diagnosis or personal target.
Approximate U.S. adult distribution from CDC/NCHS NHANES-style summaries (20+ years). Figures are rounded for illustration; see cdc.gov/nchs for the latest published prevalence tables.
Go deeper
Evidence-informed guides tied to this calculator — still educational, not personal medical advice.
How this calculator works
Open any section below for the underlying method, how to read your results, practical tips, and limits. This site is for education only—not medical advice or a personal care plan.
Formula and method
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². In imperial units we convert pounds and feet/inches to metric first, then apply the same formula.
Categories on this page follow common WHO-style adult screening cutoffs used with height and weight alone. They describe a screening metric, not body composition.
How to read your result
Your number places you in a weight-status category for adults. Think of it as a starting point for conversation with a clinician—not a verdict on health.
Athletes and very muscular people often have a higher BMI despite low body fat. Older adults or those with muscle loss may fall in the “normal” range while still carrying more fat than is healthy for them. The charts on this page show where you sit relative to categories and illustrative U.S. prevalence—prevalence is population context, not a target for you.
Practical tips
Measure height and weight at a consistent time of day; use a flat floor and minimal clothing for weight.
If your BMI category changes from small weight shifts, focus on trends over weeks and months rather than single-day readings.
Pair BMI with waist circumference, activity, sleep, and lab trends your doctor recommends—one number rarely tells the whole story.
Limitations
BMI is not valid for diagnosing illness. It is less informative during pregnancy, for children (pediatric BMI uses age- and sex-specific charts), and for some medical conditions.
Do not use this tool to decide medication doses or treatment. For weight or metabolic concerns, see a qualified professional.
Sources, formulas & further reading
Based on: WHO/CDC adult BMI (kg/m²) screening categories.
For additional clinical context, see independent references from the publishers below (WHO, CDC, PubMed, Medscape, ACE, ACOG, NIH, NCBI, USDA — as applicable).
Medical disclaimer
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. Results are estimates only.
Last medically reviewed: March 2026
Content last updated: March 30, 2026