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BMI Calculator
The BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator is a tool that determines how healthy you are based on your weight and height. It provides a numeric value that helps to categorize whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
Calculate your BMI
Take the first step towards better health!
Healthy BMI range
18.5 - 24.9
Healthy weight for this height
0 kg
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What is BMI?
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measure that evaluates whether your weight is in healthy proportion to your height. It uses your height and weight to determine whether you fall within the healthy weight range or are at the risk of being underweight, overweight or obese. Basically, BMI is the ratio of your weight to your height and can also be an indicator of your body fat content.
BMI Category
BMI Range
Underweight
Less than 18.5
Normal weight
18.5 - 24.9
Overweight
25 - 29.9
Obesity
30 and above
Maintain a healthy BMI with the right support!
How is BMI Calculated?
BMI is calculated by dividing the weight of a person in Kg by the square of their height in meters. Take a look at the BMI formula below:
BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m))^2
Let's understand the BMI formula with the following example:
Suppose your weight is 55 Kg and your height is 1.65m. In this case, you can calculate your BMI by entering your height and weight into the BMI formula, i.e. BMI = 55/ (1.65 x 1.65) = 55/2.72 = 20.2.
A healthy BMI means better coverage options. Secure your future!
Why Should You Use a BMI Calculator?
A BMI calculator is a quick and easy way to check if your weight is within a healthy range for your height. It helps you to understand if you are underweight, overweight, or obese and whether you can develop any weight-related health risks.
How It Helps
1
Conducts a Quick Health Check-up – It helps you check if your weight is within the healthy range and determines your overall health status.2
Assesses Weight-related Health Risks – A very high or low BMI can mean a higher chance of developing health issues like diabetes, high BP, heart problems or osteoporosis.3
Assists in Weight Management – It is a great way to monitor the progress of your weight loss or gain journey and check how much lifestyle changes are working for you.4
Helps to Set Realistic Fitness Goals – It gives you an idea of how much weight you should lose or gain to achieve your ideal weight.5
Super Simple to Use – You just need to enter your height and weight to know your BMI in seconds.6
Part of Insurance Health Assessment – It can be a part of your health assessment while determining your health insurance premiums.Know your BMI, understand your health risks, and take the next step toward protection.
BMI Categories for Adults
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies BMI into different categories to help identify weight-related health risks among adults aged 20 years and above. A healthy BMI range for adults ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Check out the BMI categories for adults below:
Underweight (BMI Less than 18.5)
Underweight, with a risk of nutritional deficiencies, such as osteoporosis, anaemia, low immunity, etc.
Normal Weight (BMI 18.5 – 24.9)
A healthy weight range with lower health risks.
Overweight (BMI 25 - 29.9)
Higher than normal weight range, with an increased risk of various chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Obese Class I (BMI 30.0 – 34.9)
Moderately obese, which raises the chances of serious health issues like osteoarthritis and liver problems.
Obese Class II (BMI 35.0 – 39.9)
Severely obese, with a higher risk of life-threatening conditions like heart diseases, cancer, etc.
Obese Class III (BMI Above 40)
Extremely obese, with very high health risks and possible complications, including premature death.
BMI Categories for Adults
BMI Range
Underweight
Below 18.5
Normal weight
18.5 – 24.9
Overweight/ Pre-obesity
25.0 – 29.9
Obese class I
30.0 – 34.9
Obese class II
35.0 – 39.9
Obese class III
40 and above
The above BMI chart applies to both men and women aged 20 or older.
BMI chart for adults
Check the graph of BMI categories for adults. The dashed lines represent subdivisions within a major categorization.
Your BMI tells a lot about your health — Make sure you are protected against future risks!
BMI Chart for Children & Teens (Aged 2-19 Years)
The BMI of children and teens is measured using BMI percentiles that compare your child’s BMI with other children of the same age and gender. Take a look at the BMI categories for children and teens in the age group of 2-19 years:
Underweight (Less than 3% Percentile)
Too thin for their age and, thus, need better nutrition.
Healthy Weight (3% to 85% Percentile)
Ideal body weight for growth and development.
Overweight (85% to 97% Percentile)
Heavier than most children of the same age, and therefore, need lifestyle changes.
Obesity (>97% percentile)
Significantly above normal body weight according to age, thus increasing the risk of severe health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.
The growth of children varies, so BMI alone is not enough—percentiles help track it over time.
If a child is too underweight or overweight, a doctor can guide them on diet and exercise.
BMI Categories for Children and Teens
BMI Percentile Range
Underweight
Less than the 3rd percentile
Health weight
3rd percentile to below the 85th percentile
Overweight
85th percentile to below the 97th percentile
Obese
95th percentile or above
BMI Chart for Children & Teens (Aged 2-19 years)
Check out the BMI chart for children and teens aged 2-19 years. It uses curved lines to help parents and healthcare professionals understand where a child's BMI stands compared to other children of the same age and gender.
Understanding your child's BMI is the first step toward a healthier future!
Health Risks of Being Overweight & Underweight
Overweight
Underweight
Heart Problems
It can cause high blood pressure, heart attacks, and other heart-related problems.
Type 2 Diabetes
Being overweight raises the chances of Type 2 diabetes.
Stroke
Extra weight can lead to clogged arteries, increasing the risk of stroke.
Joint Pain
It can add pressure on joints that can cause osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal issues.
Breathing Issues
Respiratory conditions, like asthma and sleep apnea, become more common if you are overweight.
Gallbladder Disease
Being overweight can lead to gallstones and liver issues.
Cancer Risk
Cancers of the breast, colon, kidney, etc., are common if you are overweight.
Mental Health Struggles
Extra body weight increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Lower Quality of Life
You may have body pain and difficulty in performing daily activities if you are overweight.
To stay healthy, aim for a BMI of below 25, eat well, stay active, and check with your doctor for guidance. Small changes can make a big difference!
Lack of Nutrients
Your body may not get enough vitamins and minerals if you are underweight, leading to weakness and anaemia.
Weaker Bones
Being underweight leads to a higher risk of osteoporosis, which makes bones fragile and prone to breaking.
Weaker Immunity
Your body may struggle to fight off infections due to decreased immunity if you are underweight.
Hormonal Issues
Irregular periods, difficulty in getting pregnant, and a higher risk of miscarriage are common among underweight women.
Surgery Risks
Your body may take longer to heal after surgeries and medical procedures if you are underweight.
Other Health Risks
Being underweight can be a sign of an underlying condition like anorexia or other medical problems.
If you or someone you know is underweight, it is best to consult a doctor for guidance.
Why is BMI Important?
BMI provides a quick and easy way to evaluate your health status and assess the risk of developing weight-related issues from being overweight or obese. Check out some of the reasons why BMI it is important to know your BMI:
1
Assess Health Risks – BMI can be used to assess your health for various weight-related issues, like diabetes, anaemia, heart diseases, osteoporosis, etc.2
Reflection of Your Health – While a normal BMI often reflects good health, a high or low BMI suggests the likelihood of developing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and anaemia.3
Target Ideal Body Weight – It can be used to determine your ideal body weight and understand how much weight you need to increase or decrease to achieve it.4
Lower Health Risks - Maintaining a healthy BMI means you are setting yourself up for long-term wellness and lower health risks, includingGood Heart Health: Keeping your heart in excellent shape
Balanced Sugar Levels: Reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes
Healthy Joints and Bones: Staying active and pain-free for longer.
5
Encourage Healthy Lifestyle - If your BMI is not in the ideal range, you can make conscious lifestyle changes to improve it, such as eating a balanced diet, indulging in physical activities, etc.6
Boost Self-confidence – A healthy BMI indicates a healthy body weight, thereby boosting your self-confidence and motivating you to lead a better lifestyle.Managing your BMI lowers health risks and insurance costs.
What are the Limitations of BMI?
BMI is a simple way to check if you have a healthy weight, but it has its own limitations. It only looks at height and weight while missing muscle mass and fat mass. Take a look at the various limitations of BMI as a health parameter:
Adults
Kids & Teens
No Difference Between Muscle Mass and Fat Mass
A strong, fit person might have a high BMI due to a higher muscle mass, as BMI does not differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass.
Overlooks Body Fat Distribution
BMI does not consider the location and distribution of fat. A person with a healthy BMI may have fat accumulated in the belly, which is extremely risky.
Not Accurate for Short or Tall People
BMI is not accurate for people who are very short or tall. This is why the BMI of a very short or tall person may look too high or low, even if they are healthy.
Age and Gender Do Not Count
BMI treats men and women the same even though women have more fat mass. Similarly, a young athlete and an old person may have the same BMI despite elderly people having more fat mass.
BMI Overlooks Kids’ Growth Speed
A child may have a high BMI percentile due to faster growth than other children of the same age.
Activity Levels of Kids Do Not Count
Active kids may have a high BMI because of more muscle mass, even if they are not overweight.
Does Not Consider Puberty Changes
BMI does not consider natural body changes and weight gains during puberty and other developmental phases.
Ignores Other Factors
Diet, exercise, and family medical history matter while determining the health of a person, which BMI does not consider.
BMI does not tell the whole story — Secure comprehensive health coverage for complete protection!
Tips to Maintain a Healthy BMI
Embrace Healthy Habits
Small changes like eating a balanced diet, reducing sugar intake, and controlling portion sizes can improve your health and BMI.
Stay Active
Staying active, like doing moderate-intensity exercises and strength training, can significantly improve your health and BMI. Even light exercises like walking or yoga can make a big difference.
Stay Hydrated and Sleep Well
Drinking enough water throughout the day boosts metabolism and helps control appetite. Getting quality sleep for 7–8 hours also prevents weight-related issues.
Explore Wellness Programs
Many insurers offer wellness benefits like gym discounts, fitness challenges, and wellness discounts if you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Set Realistic Goals
Set realistic goals to achieve your ideal body weight. Focus on gradual improvements rather than drastic changes that are easier to sustain.
Monitor Your Progress
Regular health check-ups and BMI checks can help to track your progress and keep you motivated. Use mobile apps or wearables to monitor your health metrics easily.
A well-maintained BMI means better health and coverage!
Is BMI an Indicator of Wellness?
BMI is a reliable indicator to monitor your overall health or wellness as it identifies the potential health issues resulting from being underweight, overweight, or obese. It is a simple yet effective tool to gauge whether your body weight aligns with your height, offering insights into your body fat mass. It can help you take charge of your physical well-being by identifying areas where lifestyle changes may be needed.
Understanding your BMI can help you assess potential risks for health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. The higher is your BMI, the higher are your chances of developing weight-related conditions. BMI also makes it easy for you to know your ideal body weight and set a realistic goal. Besides, a BMI calculator is available free of cost online and provides instant results.
A healthy BMI means better coverage options. Secure your future!
How to Take Care of Your Health?
Improving your overall wellness starts with awareness. While BMI and other metrics are helpful, here are a few tips that you can follow to proactively take care of your health:
Regular Health Check-ups
Go for full body check-ups regularly to get a comprehensive analysis of your health and catch potential health issues on time.
Balanced Nutrition
Follow a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and leafy vegetables while avoiding processed foods and sugar.
Exercise Regularly
Perform at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily with a mix of cardiovascular activities, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
Quality Sleep
Get uninterrupted quality sleep of at least 7-9 hours every night to allow your body to rest and rejuvenate.
Manage Stress Levels
Engage in mindfulness practices, meditation, or your hobbies to manage stress levels and keep your mental well-being in check.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking
Quit smoking and limit the consumption of alcohol if you have a habit of smoking and drinking regularly.
Taking care of yourself is the first step, but the right health insurance policy ensures long-term protection.
What is BMI Prime?
BMI Prime is the ratio of your BMI to the maximum healthy BMI limit. It helps you to compare your BMI with the upper limit of the normal weight range, i.e. 25. BMI Prime is calculated by dividing your BMI by 25, and the result can help you identify if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
How does it work?
If your BMI Prime is below 0.74, you are underweight.
If your BMI Prime is between 0.74 and 1, your weight is in the normal range for adults.
If your BMI Prime is above 1, you are overweight.
If your BMI Prime is above 1.2, you fall into the obese category.
Why is BMI Prime Useful?
BMI Prime makes it easy to see how far your weight is from the healthy BMI range. It also helps compare people from different countries where BMI limits may vary.
Maintaining a healthy BMI (18.5 – 24.9) is important for overall well-being. If your BMI is too high or too low, lifestyle changes like a balanced diet & regular exercise can help.
The BMI Prime formula is
BMI Prime = Your BMI ÷ 25
Classification
BMI
BMI Prime
Underweight
–Less than 18.5
Below 0.74
Normal weight
18.5 – 24.9
0.74 - 1
Overweight
25.0 – 29.9
1 - 1.2
Obese
Above 30
Above 1.2
What is a Ponderal Index?
Ponderal Index (PI) is another measure used to evaluate a person’s weight in relation to their height and categorize them as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. But unlike BMI, PI is more accurate for infants and children. While a high PI indicates obesity, a low PI indicates malnutrition and impaired fetal growth.
How is PI Calculated?
PI is calculated by dividing the weight of a person by the cube of their height.
USC Units
SI Metric Units
In the Metric System: Weight (kg) ÷ Height³ (in meters)
In the U.S. System: Height (in inches) ÷ Cube root of weight (in pounds)
For example, a person who is 5'10" (178 cm) tall and weighs 160 lbs (72.57 kg) would have a PI of 12.9.
Why is PI Different from BMI?
PI is more accurate for height and, thus, gives a better estimate of body fat mass, especially for people who are extremely tall or short.
BMI is useful for large groups but may not be accurate for very tall or short people, as it can sometimes underestimate or overestimate their body fat.
PI can be used to assess malnutrition among infants and children.
PI can be used to assess fetal growth patterns in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants.
FAQs
-
Q1. How do I calculate my BMI?
Ans: You can calculate your BMI by entering your height and weight into the BMI formula. The BMI formula is: BMI = weight (kg)/ height (m)^2. So if your weight is 60 kg and your height is 1.55m, then your BMI is 60/ (1.55 x1.55) = 60/2.40 = 24.9. -
Q2. What is a normal BMI?
Ans: The normal BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9. -
Q3. What is the BMI formula?
Ans: The BMI formula is weight (kg)/ height (m)^2. You need to enter your weight in kg and the square of your height in meters to calculate your BMI. -
Q4. Is the BMI calculator correct?
Ans: A BMI calculator is used to accurately calculate your BMI, which helps to determine your overall wellness and if your body weight aligns with your height. However, BMI is not the most reliable parameter to evaluate your health status, as it does not consider body fat mass, muscle mass, age, and gender of a person. It does not differentiate between muscle mass and body fat. As a result, a person with more muscle and less fat may have the same BMI as a person with more fat and less muscle.
Health & Fitness Calculators
BMI chart for adults
BMI chart for children & teens
For Boys
For Girls
How to understand the BMI percentile chart for boys
The BMI Chart helps track Body Mass Index (BMI) in boys aged 5 to 18, indicating healthy, underweight, overweight, and obese ranges. The curved lines represent different BMI percentiles, showing how a child's BMI compares to peers.
At the bottom of the chart, ages from 5 to 18 years are displayed, while the left and right sides indicate BMI values. The black lines represent different percentiles
Read more
How to understand the BMI percentile chart for girls
The BMI Chart tracks Body Mass Index (BMI) in girls aged 5 to 18, helping assess growth patterns and weight categories. The curved lines represent different BMI percentiles, showing how a child's BMI compares to peers.
At the bottom of the chart, ages from 5 to 18 years are listed, while the left and right sides display BMI values. The black lines represent percentiles
Read more
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