Is BMI an accurate measure of health?

BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes may have a high BMI despite being healthy. It also doesn't account for age, gender, ethnicity, or body composition. Use it as one of many health indicators, not the sole measure.

What is a healthy BMI range?

Under the WHO international standard, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight. Under the WHO Asia-Pacific standard, recommended for people of Asian descent, the normal range is 18.5 to 22.9. The ideal BMI can also vary based on individual factors like age, muscle mass, and overall health.

Why is there a separate BMI standard for Asian populations?

Studies show that at the same BMI, people of Asian descent tend to carry more body fat and face higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The WHO's Asia-Pacific guidelines therefore set lower cut-offs: overweight from BMI 23 and obese from BMI 27.5. National health bodies in India, China, Japan, and Singapore use these thresholds.

How often should I check my BMI?

Checking your BMI once every few months is sufficient for most people. If you're actively working on weight management, monthly checks can help track progress. Remember that daily weight fluctuations are normal and don't reflect true changes in body composition.

Does BMI apply to children?

BMI is calculated the same way for children, but the interpretation is different. For children and teens (ages 2-19), BMI is compared to age and gender-specific percentiles rather than fixed categories. Consult a pediatrician for proper assessment.

Health/Calculator

BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index instantly. Enter your height and weight to find out your BMI category and healthy weight range.

Enter Your Details

BMI Standard

The WHO Asia-Pacific cut-offs (overweight ≥ 23, obese ≥ 27.5) are recommended for people of Asian descent, as health risks rise at lower BMI values.

Weight (lbs)

Height

Your BMI

24.4Normal Weight

Your BMI Result

24.4

Normal Weight

UnderweightNormalOverweightObese

Your BMI is within the healthy range. Maintain your current lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

Your BMI24.4

CategoryNormal Weight

Standard UsedWHO (international)

Healthy Weight Range (lbs)129 – 174

How It Works

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measure that uses your height and weight to estimate whether you're at a healthy weight. It was developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s and is widely used by healthcare professionals as a screening tool.

The formula is: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)². For imperial units, the formula is: BMI = (weight in pounds × 703) / (height in inches)².

This calculator supports two classification standards. The WHO international standard defines Underweight (below 18.5), Normal weight (18.5–24.9), Overweight (25–29.9), and Obese (30 and above). The WHO Asia-Pacific standard uses lower cut-offs — Overweight from 23 and Obese from 27.5 — because research shows people of Asian descent face elevated cardiovascular and diabetes risk at lower BMI values; health authorities in India, China, Japan and Singapore use these cut-offs. While BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn't directly measure body fat and may not be accurate for athletes, elderly individuals, or pregnant women.